Cesarian Sections Cause Greater Health Risks And Don't Eliminate Urinary Incontinence

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 27 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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More women are electively choosing to deliver their babies through cesarian section (CS) in hopes of protecting their pelvic floor and reducing the risk for urinary incontinence (UI). Research to date shows this is not a foolproof method.

In the June 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing, Lianne F. Herbruck reviews the labor and delivery processes for vaginal childbirth and CS, as well as vaginal, perineal and anal injuries which may occur. While CSs have been shown to limit damage and tears to the pudendal area, the procedure does not completely protect from UI or other pelvic floor disorders. Cesarian sections also put women at greater risk for hemorrhage, uterine rupture and urinary tract injury, and they are twice as likely to be readmitted to the hospital for complications after birth.

Future studies should critically examine UI and the relationship between CS and vaginal delivery, as well as development of UI long term, says the author. Herbruck says vaginal birth is still the preferred method of delivery, and that boosting women's confidence in vaginal birth is critical. She suggests instilling safeguards to improve the labor and delivery process and ensure practitioners have the necessary skills to perform deliveries.

"The Impact of Childbirth on the Pelvic Floor"
Lianne F. Herbruck, MSN, RN, CNM
Urologic Nursing; June 2008

Urologic Nursing, the official journal of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA), presents the latest advances in urologic nursing practice. Written by and for urologic nurses and associates, Urologic Nursing features clinical articles covering a wide variety of urologic issues and clinical procedures. Patient education techniques and research findings are also included, as well as articles discussing the ethical issues and trends in this expanding clinical nursing specialty. Published six times a year.

Urologic Nursing