Do Skin Color and Striae Severity in Term Pregnancy Predict Intraperitoneal Adhesions in Women with Previous Cesarean Section?

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the natural skin color and striae (stretch marks) characteristics in pregnant women and to explore their association with the presence and severity of intraperitoneal adhesions (IPA) during repeat cesarean deliveries. Materials and Methods: Three hundred eighty-nine pregnant women were included in the study. Before the operation, patients’ natural skin color, and the presence and localization of striae were recorded. During the cesarean section, adhesions were scored according to the clinical adhesion scoring system. Results: There was no significant relation between natural skin color and adhesion severity. Striae characteristics were not related to adhesion severity. However, the severity of striae above the umbilicus is an important marker for the prediction of IPA. Conclusions: This study indicates that while natural skin color and overall striae characteristics do not predict adhesion severity, severe striae located above the umbilicus can be an effective preoperative indicator for intraperitoneal adhesions in repeat cesarean patients.