title: Effects of unanticipated cesarean section on mothers, infants, and their interaction in the first month of life.
abstract: The impact of an unanticipated primary cesarean section on the mother, on the infant, and on their interaction was studied during the perinatal period and at 1 month following delivery. Thirty-four mother-infant pairs participated in the study. Fourteen subjects delivered by nonelective, nonemergency cesarean section. Twenty mothers, who delivered vaginally, served as the controls. All subjects had attended a series of prepared childbirth classes. Maternal questionnaire and infant observational data were collected on day 2 and on day 30. Mother-infant interactions in teaching and play sessions were assessed on day 30. The cesarean group was found to have a higher number of obstetrical complications, an increased incidence of maternal depression, and a more difficult convalescence. Previous experience with children emerged as an important mediating variable in the analysis of maternal affective status. No infant behavioral differences were detected as a function of mode of delivery. The discussion highlights the interventions that can be utilized to minimize the negative emotional consequences for women who deliver by cesarean section.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000523:psychology*; D002657:Child Development; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000523:psychology*; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011698:Pursuit, Smooth