Repeat Caesarean sections recent report on risks

Posted 15/03/2012

There have been two recent studies into the outcomes of repeat caesarean sections. An Australian study found that a planned section in women who had previously delivered by means of a Caesarean reduced the risk of still birth when compared to a natural labour.A UK study looked at the risk of womb rupture in a subsequent pregnancy when the previous pregnancy ended in a Caesarean. This was the first research to compile national data about this risk, which can cause massive blood loss in the mother and present grave risk to the baby. This study found that the risk of womb rupture was seven times higher where a natural labour was attempted and the risk of the baby dying was three times higher. Whilst it must be stressed that the overall risk is still very low, only two in every 10,000 UK pregnancy, the increase in risk where a natural labour is attempted is a worrying one.Trefine Maynard, a Clinical Negligence solicitor at Ashtons Legal said: ” We have unfortunately seen a number of cases where a mother has had her request for a Caesarean section ignored. Whilst it should never be forgotten that all operations carry their own inherent risks, women need to be fully advised of the facts and risks that they face and then as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have said, they need the opportunity to discuss their options with their midwife or obstetrician. These recent studies will hopefully provide a better basis for decision for both medical staff and for the women they are treating. The particular risks being investigated in these recent studies are thankfully rare but severe and any additional information that can help achieve a happy and healthy outcome for mother and baby is warmly welcomed’.