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Planned caesarean section compared with planned vaginal birth for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy and no previous caesarean section

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Discuss mode of birth with all pregnant women early in their pregnancy. Cover information such as:

  • around 25% to 30% of women have a caesarean birth
  • factors that mean women may need a caesarean birth (for example, increased maternal age and BMI)
  • common indications for emergency caesarean birth include slow progression of labour or concern about fetal condition
  • planned place of birth may affect the mode of birth
  • what the caesarean birth procedure involves
  • how a caesarean birth may impact on the postnatal period (for example, need for pain relief)
  • implications for future pregnancies and birth after caesarean birth or vaginal birth (for example, after a caesarean birth the chances of caesarean birth in a future pregnancy may be increased).

Outcomes for women that may be more likely with caesarean birth in comparison to vaginal delivery

  • Peripartum hysterectomy
  • Maternal death
  • Length of hospital stay
  • Placenta accreta in future pregnancy
  • Uterine rupture in future pregnancy or birth

Outcomes for babies that may be more likely with caesarean birth in comparison to babies born by vaginal delivery

  • Neonatal mortality
  • Asthma
  • Childhood obesity

Outcomes for women that may be less likely with caesarean birth

  • Urinary incontinence occurring more than 1 year after birth
  • Faecal incontinence occurring more than 1 year after birth; compared to assisted vaginal birth
  • Vaginal tear
  • Perineal/abdominal pain during birth and 3 days after birth

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