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Cesarean Linked To Increased Stillbirth Risk In Second Pregnancy

The British journal The Lancet reports in their November 29, 2003 issue that women who have a Cesarean delivery in their first pregnancy may be increasing the risk of having a stillbirth in a second pregnancy.

Dr. Gordon Smith of the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge, England, headed the team that studied 120,000 births between 1992 and 1998. “Delivery by Cesarean section in the first pregnancy could increase the risk of unexplained stillbirth in the second,” he says. “Our best estimate is that for every 1,000 women with a previous Cesarean section there will be one additional stillbirth in comparison if they hadn’t had a previous Cesarean section.”

The study speculated that repairing the uterus after the surgery could alter the way the placenta functions, interfering with fetal nourishment.

“Our results are of relevance for women considering Cesarean delivery who are planning future pregnancies,” Smith said. “This is a factor that women should take into account when deciding to have a Cesarean section.”

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