Maternal outcomes at 2 years after planned cesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for breech presentation at term: the international randomized Term Breech Trial.

OBJECTIVE:

This study was undertaken to compare maternal outcomes at 2 years postpartum after planned cesarean section and planned vaginal birth for the singleton fetus in breech presentation at term.

STUDY DESIGN:

In selected centers in the Term Breech Trial, mothers completed a structured questionnaire at 2 or more years postpartum to determine their health in the previous 3 to 6 months.

RESULTS:

A total of 917 of 1159 (79.1%) mothers from 85 centers completed a follow-up questionnaire at 2 years postpartum. There were no differences between groups in breast feeding, relationship with child or partner, pain, subsequent pregnancy, incontinence, depression, urinary, menstrual or sexual problems, fatigue, or distressing memories of the birth experience. Planned cesarean section was associated with a higher risk of constipation (P = .02).

CONCLUSION:

Maternal outcomes at 2 years postpartum are similar after planned cesarean section and planned vaginal birth for the singleton breech fetus at term.