A Cross - Sectional Study of Fetomaternal Outcome and Intrapartum Complications in Women with Previous Caesarean Section

Abstract Introduction: Caesarean section is defined as the birth of fetus via laparotomy and then hysterotomy. The rate of caesarean section is increased worldwide due to changes in maternal characteristics, professional practice style, economic, social and cultural trends giving the women, an obstetrical status of “previous caesarean section”. Materials and methods: It is a cross – sectional study, conducted among 260 pregnant women with previous LSCS admitted in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sri Siddhartha medical college and hospital, tumkur from APRIL 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 2024. The intrapartum complications and fetomaternal outcome of the participants were noted. Results: Out of 260 cases studied, 220 cases had one and 40 cases had two previous LSCS. More complications were noted in previous 2 LSCS, most common being adhesions ( 29 out of 40 cases; 72.5%) (p-<0.001), increased operative time (23 out of 40 cases; 57.5%) (p-<0.001), PPH (8 out of 40 cases; 20%) (p - 0.001), uterine rupture occurred in (3 out of 40 cases; 7.50%) (p-<0.001), caesarean hysterectomy (1 out of 40 cases; 2.50%) (p-0.019) which were statistically significant. Though majority of babies had an APGAR 9 at 5min, irrespective of the number of previous LSCS, indicative of less adverse fetal outcome. Babies born to previous 2 LSCS had more NICU admission (12 out of 40; cases30.0%) (p-0.002), sepsis (8 out of 40 cases; 20.0%) (p-0.001), respiratory distress (12 out of 40 cases;30.0%) (p-0.001) which were statistically significant. Conclusion: More complications were noted in women with previous 2 CS. The best technique to reduce the multiple potential risks of repeat CS is to reduce rates of primary C-Section whenever possible.