cesarean-vaginal delivery.pdf

Vaginal or Cesarean Birth:What Is at Stake for Women and Babies?

A Best Evidence Review

2

Contributors

About Childbirth Connection

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary 4

Introduction and Background 12

Methods 13

Results 15

1.15

2.20

3.22

4. 23

5. 25

6. 26

7.28

8. 32

9.35

10. 38

Discussion 40

References 48

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Executive Summary

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Table 1:

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What physical effects may occur in women more frequently with cesarean delivery?

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What physical effects may occur in babies more frequently with cesarean delivery?

What role may cesarean delivery play in the development of childhood chronic disease?

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What complications are unique to cesarean delivery?

What complications are unique to vaginal birth?

What are potential psychosocial consequences of cesareans?

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What are potential effects of cesareans on women in future pregnancies and births?

What are potential effects of a scarred uterus on future babies?

10

Does cesarean delivery protect against sexual, bowel, urinary, or pelvic floor dysfunction?

Does cesarean delivery protect against injuries to babies?

11

References

12

Introduction and Background

13

Methods

14

Table 1:

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Results1. What physical effects occur in women more frequently with cesarean delivery?

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2. What physical effects occur in babies more frequently with cesarean delivery?

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3. What role may cesarean delivery play in the development of childhood chronic disease?

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4. What complications are unique to cesarean delivery?

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5. What complications are unique to vaginal birth?

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6. What are potential psychosocial consequences of cesareans?

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7. What are potential effects of cesareans on women in future pregnancies and births?

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8. What are potential effects of a scarred uterus on future babies?

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9. Does cesarean delivery protect against sexual, bowel, urinary, or pelvic floor dysfunction?

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10. Does cesarean delivery protect against injuries to babies?

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Discussion

Table 2:

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Table 2 cont’d

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Table 2 cont’d

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Strengths and Limitations

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Priorities for Future Research

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Implications for Policy and Practice

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Recommended Additional Resources

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References

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