The risk of unexplained antepartum stillbirth in second pregnancies following caesarean section in the first pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if a previous caesarean section increases the risk of unexplained antepartum stillbirth in second pregnancies.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study.


METHODS
Large Canadian perinatal database.


METHODS
158 502 second births.


METHODS
Data were obtained from a large perinatal database, which supplied data on demographics, pregnancy complications, maternal medical conditions, previous caesarean section and pregnancy outcomes.


METHODS
Total and unexplained stillbirth.


RESULTS
The antepartum stillbirth rate was 3.0/1000 in the previous caesarean section group compared with 2.7/1000 in the previous vaginal delivery group (P= 0.46). Multivariate logistic regression modelling, including terms for maternal age (polynomial), weight >91 kg, smoking during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy hypertension and diabetes, did not document an association between previous caesarean section and unexplained antepartum stillbirth (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.92-1.77).


CONCLUSIONS
Caesarean section in the first birth does not increase the risk of unexplained antepartum stillbirth in second pregnancies.
Wood
S L
SL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. stephen.wood@calgaryhealthregion.ca
Chen
S
S
Ross
S
S
Sauve
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology; D050497:Stillbirth / Q000453:epidemiology*