planned caesarean section compared with planned vaginal birth for women with an uncomplicated pregnancy and no previous caesarean section
Last edited 04/2021 and last reviewed 10/2023
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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