Recovery and fertility after operative delivery [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Judith Lumley (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Rhonda Small

Brief description A significant proportion of mothers give birth assisted by forceps or vacuum extraction (Ventouse) when problems occur during labour. A number of problems such as incontinence, haemorrhoids, persistent perineal pain, incontinence and sexual problems seem to be commoner after birth in mothers who have had an operative vaginal birth. It has been suggested that to avoid these problems more women should have an elective caesarean without going through labour at all. Although caesarean births would probably avoid the problems listed above caesarean births are not necessarily better for women's health in all ways - and they are much more costly. This study will follow-up 990 women who had an operative birth (vaginal or caesarean) in 1996-8, 'debriefing' after birth and assessment of health status and health problems 6 months after birth. It will assess their subsequent recovery and fertility, review the events of pregnancy, labour and birth in their medical records to identify factors associated with incontinence, perineal pain, haemorrhoids and sexual problems, and review the outcome of any pregnancies since the original study. The study will provide: * better long term information about health problems, recovery, and fertility after caesarean birth and after operative vaginal birth; * stronger evidence on factors during labour associated with incontinence and related problems; * documentation of the reasons why women with incontinence and related problems rarely seek help or treatment from GPs or specialists; * evidence of any long-term effects of 'debriefing' after birth.

Funding Amount $AUD 222,226.72

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant