Comparative analysis of life quality in mothers after cesarean section and normal vaginal delivery

Statistics indicate that the rate of cesarean section increased in recent years. As complications of hospitalizations and surgery would affect the life quality, the current study was carried out to evaluate the life quality of mothers after normal vaginal delivery [NVD] and cesareane. This is an anterograde analytic study of cohort type. To fulfill the study, a specialized questionnaire was designed, and its validity and reliability was approved. The designed questionnaire accompanied with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] and Short-Form-36 [SF-36] was filled by 50 women underwent NVD and 50 underwent cesarean, 6 to 8 and 12 to 14 weeks, postpartum. Finally, the data was analyzed using chi square, independent t, paired t, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests. Comparing the scores of the two groups 6-8 and 12-14 weeks postpartum indicated that both groups got higher marks in all fields in second step of the study. Anyhow, the improvement of NVD group was higher which was significant in some areas. Comparing the EPDS scores of the groups showed that the cesarean group was more prone to depressive disorders. The difference was significant 6-8 weeks postpartum. Also, the results of SF-36 questionnaire indicate that quality of life in NVD group was better in some aspects and similar with the cesarean group in other aspects. Findings demonstrated that women undergoing NVD experience better quality of life post partum, comparing those undergoing cesarean. So, to terminate the pregnancy, the NVD is better to be considered as the first choice

Comparative study on mothers' quality of life in two methods of normal delivery and caesarean section

Statistics indicate that elective caesarean section has been increasing at an alarming rate in Iran. Caesarean section deliveries might increase the incidence of surgical interventions and hospitalization that affect mothers' quality of life. This was a Cohort prospective analytical study with purpose of assessing and comparing the postnatal quality of life in normal and caesarean section deliveries. A specific questionnaire was designed. Then its validity and reliability were confirmed. 50 mothers with normal delivery and 50 mothers with caesarean section completed the designed questionnaire, EPDS [Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale] and SF-36 [Short Form 36] in 6 to 8 weeks and 12 to 14 weeks after childbirth. The data were analyzed with statistical analyzers. In comparison with 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth, the scores of most of the specific and generic postnatal quality of life subscales during 12 to 14 weeks after delivery improved in both normal delivery and Caesarean section. Nevertheless, the normal delivery group had better status than caesarean section group. In 6-8 weeks after childbirth, postnatal depression was significantly more common than normal delivery [P=0/04], but it was not significant in 12-14 weeks after childbirth. Results of both specific and SF-36 questionnaires analysis showed better results of postnatal quality of life after normal delivery than caesarean section in some subscales; and equal results to caesarean section in other subscales In general the findings suggest that normal delivery leads to a better postnatal quality of life especially resulting in a superior physical and mental health. Therefore, it is better to be considered as the first priority in elective termination of pregnancy