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Vaginal or Cesarean Birth:What Is at Stake for Women and Babies?
A Best Evidence Review
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Contributors
About Childbirth Connection
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary 4
Introduction and Background 12
Methods 13
Results 15
1.15
2.20
3.22
4. 23
5. 25
6. 26
7.28
8. 32
9.35
10. 38
Discussion 40
References 48
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Table 1:
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What physical effects may occur in women more frequently with cesarean delivery?
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What physical effects may occur in babies more frequently with cesarean delivery?
What role may cesarean delivery play in the development of childhood chronic disease?
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What complications are unique to cesarean delivery?
What complications are unique to vaginal birth?
What are potential psychosocial consequences of cesareans?
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What are potential effects of cesareans on women in future pregnancies and births?
What are potential effects of a scarred uterus on future babies?
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Does cesarean delivery protect against sexual, bowel, urinary, or pelvic floor dysfunction?
Does cesarean delivery protect against injuries to babies?
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Methods
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Table 1:
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Results1. What physical effects occur in women more frequently with cesarean delivery?
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2. What physical effects occur in babies more frequently with cesarean delivery?
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3. What role may cesarean delivery play in the development of childhood chronic disease?
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4. What complications are unique to cesarean delivery?
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5. What complications are unique to vaginal birth?
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6. What are potential psychosocial consequences of cesareans?
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7. What are potential effects of cesareans on women in future pregnancies and births?
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8. What are potential effects of a scarred uterus on future babies?
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9. Does cesarean delivery protect against sexual, bowel, urinary, or pelvic floor dysfunction?
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10. Does cesarean delivery protect against injuries to babies?
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Discussion
Table 2:
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Table 2 cont’d
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Table 2 cont’d
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Strengths and Limitations
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Priorities for Future Research
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Implications for Policy and Practice
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Recommended Additional Resources
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References
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