Open AccessMaternal mortality after cesarean section in The Netherlands
Author(s) -
Schuitemaker Nico,
Roosmalen Jos,
Dekker Guus,
Dongen Pieter,
Geijn Herman,
Gravenhorst Jack Bennebroek
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0412.1997.tb07987.x
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetrics , vaginal birth , case fatality rate , section (typography) , pregnancy , gynecology , population , environmental health , genetics , advertising , business , biology
Background. To assess cesarean section‐related maternal mortality in The Netherlands during 1983–1992. Methods. A nationwide confidential enquiry into the causes of maternal death. Results. The risk of dying after vaginal birth was 0.04 per 1000 vaginal births (65/1.763.999) compared to 0.53 per 1000 cesarean births (57/108.587). The direct risk of dying from cesarean section was 0.13 per 1000 operations (14/108.587). In some women cesarean section did not initiate, but contributed to, the train of events leading to death. Adding this associated risk to the direct risk gives a fatality rate of 0.28 per 1000 cesarean births (30/108.587). Conclusions. Although cesarean section is a relatively safe procedure nowadays, birth by cesarean section in The Netherlands is seven times more hazardous than vaginal birth. Keeping the cesarean birth rate as low as possible is therefore in the interest of women of reproductive age.