Cesarean deliveries are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of miscarriage in future pregnancies, according to results of a study published in the online journal PLoS Medicine. They also harm the health of the child.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK carried out a meta-analysis of 79 studies (29,928,274 participants in total) on the long-term risks and benefits associated with cesarean section.
The results showed that compared to vaginal deliveries, cesarean deliveries were associated with a reduced risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse (descent of organs). However, children delivered by caesarean were at an increased risk ofasthma up to 12 years andobesity up to 5 years. The pregnancy after’cesarean delivery was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage (2,060/19,106 history of cesarean versus 12,663,132,266 vaginal deliveries).
Since the results were primarily based on observational data, causality cannot be inferred and the results should be interpreted with caution.
“This information should help inform discussions about the mode of delivery, and can facilitate planning with shared decision making,” explained Sarah Stock from the CRM Center for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh.
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