Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the reproductive impact of a third- or fourth-degree tear in primigravid women. A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using data from Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR02). Primigravid women with a vaginal birth in Scotland from 1997 until 2010 were included. Exposure was third- or fourth-degree tear in the first pregnancy. The second pregnancy rate, interpregnancy interval and third- or fourth-degree tear in a second pregnancy were the primary outcomes. A nested case-control study was used to determine factors associated with repeat third- or fourth-degree tears in a second vaginal birth. Cox regression analysis and logistic regression were used to look for associations. Initial third- or fourth-degree tear occurred in 2.8% women (5174/182445). The percentage of third- or fourth-degree tears in first vaginal births increased from 1% in 1997 to 4.9% in 2010. There was no difference in having a second pregnancy (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 0.98 (99%CI 0.89 – 1.09)) or the median interpregnancy interval to second pregnancy (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) 1.01 (99%CI 0.95 – 1.08)) after an initial third- or fourth-degree tear. Women were over four times more likely to have a repeat injury in a subsequent vaginal birth (n=149/333, aOR 4.68 (99% 3.52 – 6.23)) and were significantly more likely to have an elective caesarean section in their second pregnancy (n= 887/3333, 26.6%; 12.75 (11.29 – 14.40)). Increased maternal age and birthweight ≥4500g were risk factors for repeat injury. Third- and fourth-degree tears are increasing in Scotland. Women do not delay or avoid childbirth after initial third- or fourth-degree tear. However, women are more likely to have a repeat third- or fourth-degree tear or an elective caesarean section in the second pregnancy. Strategies to prevent third- or fourth-degree tears are needed.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e0215180 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | PloS ONE |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 11 Apr 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Data Availability: Data cannot be shared publicly because Scottish national registry data was used. Data are available from Information Services Division NHS Services Scotland (www.isdscotland.org/Products-and-services/Edris/) for researchers who meet the criteria for access to confidential data following approval by the Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health NHS Scotland (PBPP). The dataset was obtained from the SMR02 maternity data.Funding: This study was funded by a Wellbeing of Women (www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk) entry level scholarship (Grant number RG12860-10) awarded to AMW. The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Keywords
- ANAL-SPHINCTER INJURIES
- RISK-FACTORS
- DELIVERY
- RECURRENCE
- EPISIOTOMY
- INCONTINENCE
- RUPTURE
- TRAUMA
- BIRTH
- OASIS
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Andrea Woolner
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Applied Health Sciences - Clinical Senior Lecturer
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Aberdeen Centre for Women’s Health Research
Person: Clinical Academic