Previous cesarean section and the risk of postpartum maternal complications and adverse neonatal outcomes in future pregnancies.

Objective:To assess maternal postpartum and neonatal outcomes associated with previous method of delivery.Study Design:We analyzed prospectively collected maternal and neonatal data from July 2002 to December 2003. Data were collected from dedicated perinatal database and neonatal database from discharge and procedure codes. Groups were: (i) multiparous, prior vaginal delivery (VD), and (ii) multiparous, prior cesarean (CS). This group was subdivided by subsequent pregnancy trial or no trial of labor (No TOL). Results were compared with χ2-analysis; significance P<0.05.Results:There were 17 406 births. Prior CS patients without trial of labor (TOL) required more blood transfusions, intensive care unit admissions and hospital readmissions than women with a prior VD. Prior CS patients with TOL required more aminoglycosides for postpartum infection. Term neonates of (CS) mothers without a TOL were more likely to have prolonged hospitalization and require ventilatory support.Conclusions:In their subsequent delivery, women with a prior CS delivery are at significant risks for postpartum maternal and neonatal morbidities compared with parous patients who experienced a prior VD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]