Does Bisphenol-A play a role in the development of neural tube defects?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate BPA levels in the maternal serum and amniotic fluid of patients diagnosed with NTD. In addition, we wanted to investigate the relationship between neurodevelopmental defects, such as neural tube defects (NTD), and BPA levels. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational study was carried out at Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital between April 15, 2021, and April 15, 2022. The study consisted of 92 patients between the ages of 18-45 who had an amniocentesis at 15-22 weeks of gestation. The patients were divided into two groups according to the indications of amniocentesis. Group 1 contained the patients with abnormal maternal serum screening results or cell-free DNA results and abnormal ultrasonography findings (45 patients). Group 2 contained the patients with a pre-diagnosis of NTD (47 patients). The first 5 cc fluids and maternal serum samples taken during the amniocentesis procedure of all patients were delivered to the biochemistry laboratory. The BPA values between groups were compared. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of amniotic fluid BPA levels (36.66 (19.00:82.00) and 39.62 (19.02-73.87)) and maternal blood BPA levels (22.26 (12.60-228) and 47.81 (12.89-228.39)). In cases with NTD, amniotic fluid BPA levels and maternal blood BPA levels were significantly higher than the control group. When AUC values were compared, the AFP numerical value was higher than the amniotic fluid and maternal blood BPA levels. CONCLUSION: Plastic, which is indispensable for modern life, may negatively affect fetal development in intrauterine life. The data in this study says that high maternal blood BPA may be associated with NTD.

The Association of ICSI Outcomes with Semen and Blood Bisphenol A Concentrations of the Male Partner.

This study investigated the association of blood and semen Bisphenol A (BPA) levels of the male partner on the reproductive outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment cycles. For this prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02703584), blood and semen samples of the male partner of the 75 women who had ICSI were analyzed. The study group consisted of men who had ICSI for male factor infertility other than azoospermia, while men with normal spermiogram whose partners underwent ICSI due to tubal factor infertility were taken as the study group. Habitual consumption of drinking water from plastic carboys/bottles (PBW) at home was also questioned in both groups as it was considered as chronic BPA exposure. The association of ICSI outcome with blood BPA (bBPA) and semen BPA (sBPA) levels was analyzed in both groups. No significant correlation was found between sperm parameters and bBPA levels in both groups. A negative correlation was found between sBPA levels and total sperm count and progressive sperm motility in men who consumed PBW. Embryo development arrest was found to be significantly higher in patients who have high sBPA levels. Although sBPA levels were not different in PBW consumers, bBPA levels were found to be significantly lower in those who consumed tap water (TW) than those who used PBW. Elevated bBPA were associated with a significant decrease in clinical pregnancy rate. Considering the widespread human exposure to BPA, the effect of BPA on the male reproductive system needs to be further examined.

Does the decrease in E2 levels between the trigger of ovulation and embryo transfer affect the reproductive outcome in IVF-ICSI cycles?

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the rate of decline in serum estradiol (E2) levels between hCG injection and the day of embryo transfer (ET) on the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with infertility of different etiologies. Materials and Methods: Women 20-45 years of age who underwent a standard GnRH antagonist or long agonist protocol and fresh ET during day 3 of their first ART cycle were included. Group 1 was diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, group 2 comprised high ovarian responders, and group 3 consisted of normal responders. Both groups were divided into four subgroups according to the decrease in E2 levels between the day of hCG injection and the day of ET. Subgroup A patients had a decrease of <20%, subgroup B a decrease of 20-40%, subgroup C a decrease of 41-60%, and subgroup D a decrease >60%. The primary outcome measure was the effect of an E2 decline, based on the measurement of E2 on the day of hCG administration and day of ET, on the implantation rate. The secondary outcome was the change in E2 values in these three groups. Results: The study was conducted on 1.928 women. Of these, 639 were poor responders (group 1), 502 were high responders (group 2), and 787 women had a normal ovarian response (group 3). Patients with a 60% decrease in their E2 levels on the ET day after hCG had a lower live birth rate (LBR) and higher miscarriage rate (MCR), except normoresponders, in whom a similar decline was significant only with respect to MCR. Conclusion: We indicate that high ovarian responders who underwent fresh ET cycles with a 60% decrease in their E2 levels on the ET day after human chorionic gonadotropin had lower LBRs and higher miscarriage. However, in normoresponder women, this decline was only significant in miscarriage.

Investigating the predictive role of uterocervical angle in predicting preterm labor in singleton pregnancies: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In this meta-analysis, we aimedto demonstrate the relationship between uterocervical angle and preterm labor in singleton pregnancies more clearly and reliablywith this meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METODS: In this study, we use keywords such as "uterocervical angle," "cervical angle," "angle," "cervix," "cervical," "preterm," and "preterm labour." We searched various databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalKey, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search encompassed the period from January 1, 2010, to December 27, 2020. As a result of the literature review, a total of 585 articles were identified. After the screening and selection process, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. These six studies were deemed relevant and provided valuable information on the research topic. RESULTS: When the Egger test (p = 0.020) and Begg test (p = 0.188) were performed, no significant publication bias was found in the studies examined. These statistical tests assess publication bias, and the resulting p-values indicate a low probability of bias in the included studies. Cochran's Q test revealed the presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. Heterogeneity indicates variability in the results beyond what would be expected by chance alone. This finding suggests that the studies may differ in methodologies, populations, or other factors, which could impact the overall results and require further investigation. There was a significant difference between the patient and control groups (p < 0.001). This result provides strong evidence to support the importance of the difference between the two groups compared. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, a wider uterocervical angle appeared to be significantly associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in overall effect. It concluded that a wide uterocervical angle may be a potential risk factor for preterm delivery. Moreover, the study revealed a significant association between wider uterocervical angles and an elevated risk of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies. In this study, the definition of preterm birth accepts as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. These results highlight the potential significance of evaluating the uterocervical angle as a meaningful predictor for identifying the propensity of preterm labour in singleton pregnancies.

Anterior uterocervical angle: is it an ultrasonographic screening tool that estimates the latent phase duration in post term pregnancies?

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, in addition to cervical length measurement, a new ultrasonographic parameter has been defined as uterocervical angle (UCA), which can be used in the prediction of preterm labor. In this study,we evaluated the place of uterocervical angle in predicting the latent phase duration in postterm pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study consists of 90 pregnant women aged between 18 to 40 years who were hospitalized with a diagnose of late term pregnancy. Pregnant women with a latent phase duration of 1200 minutes or less were defined as Group 1. Patients with latent phase duration over 1200 minutes were defined as Group 2. All patients' age, BMI, smoke, cervical length measurements, uterocervical angle, latent and active phase of labor durations, length of the third stage and delivery types were compared. RESULTS: The UCA median value of group 1 was 120 (94-147), and group 2 was 99 (94-105) (p < 0.001). CL medians of Groups 1 and 2 were 29 (17-43) and 28 (27-41) respectively (p: 0.871). UCA (AUC: 0.917, p < 0.0001) significantly predicted prolonged latent phase duration. Optimal cut off value was obtained at the value of 105 degree (100% sensitivity, 75% specificity) for UCA. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that duration of labor was significantly higher in a group with low UCA (p: 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: UCA can be a successful tool that can be used to predict duration of labor in cases of postterm pregnancies with medical induction.

The predictive role of second trimester uterocervical angle measurement in obstetric outcomes.

Objective: Uterocervical angle has been suggested as a marker to predict preterm birth. However, the literature has limited data about its predictive role in preterm delivery. Moreover, no evidence is present to clarify the role of second-trimester uterocervical angle in induction success and postpartum hemorrhage. Here, it was aimed to compare the role of uterocervical angle with cervical length in predicting preterm labor and assess the utility of the second-trimester uterocervical angle in induction success and postpartum hemorrhage. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 pregnant women, hospitalized with a diagnosis of preterm labor were included in the study. Sonographic measurements of cervical length and uterocervical angle were performed between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation. The demographic, obstetric, laboratory, and sonographic features of the participants were recorded. Patients were divided into subgroups as preterm and term; with and without induction success; with and without postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, preterm cases were divided into subgroups as early and late preterm. Variables were evaluated between the groups. Results: Cervical length was shorter in the preterm group (30.74±6.37 and 39.19±5.36, p<0.001). The uterocervical angle was 100.85 (85.2-147) in preterm and 88 (70-131) degrees in terms that were statistically significant (p<0.001). Furthermore, the uterocervical angle was wider [126 (100.7-147) and 98 (85.2-114), p<0.001] in the early preterm group. When the groups with and without postpartum bleeding were compared, no significant difference was detected in terms of uterocervical angle [96.5 (71-131) and 88 (70-147), p=0.164]. Additionally, the uterocervical angle was wider in the successful induction group (p<0.001). An a uterocervical angle >85 degrees predicted preterm delivery with 100% sensitivity and 45.54% specificity [area under the curve (AUC)=0.743, p<0.001]. When the cervical length and uterocervical angle were evaluated together to predict preterm delivery, no significant difference was found (p=0.086). An a uterocervical angle >88 degrees predicted induction success with 84.78% sensitivity and 79.75% specificity (AUC=0.887, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the uterocervical angle can be a useful marker in predicting preterm labor and induction success, although it does not predict postpartum hemorrhage.

Evaluation of the predictive role of anterior uterocervical angle in preterm labor in twin gestation through meta-analysis: anterior uterocervical angle and preterm labor in twin gestation.

Multiple gestations are high-risk pregnancies with increased obstetric and perinatal risks. Preterm labor occurs in about half of twin pregnancies. Thus, prediction of the time of delivery and prevention of premature birth are very important in multiple gestations. Anterior uterocervical angle is a successful tool that has been used in the prediction of preterm labor in recent years. However there is only limited data about this issue for twin pregnancies in the literature. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship between uterocervical angle and preterm labor in twin pregnancies more clearly and reliably with this meta-analysis. In this context, "twin gestation, uterocervical angle, cervical angle, angle, cervix, cervical, preterm and preterm labor" keywords were used and PubMed, Medline, ClinicalKey, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar database were searched between 1 January 2010 and 27 December 2020. Finally, a total of three studies were included in the analysis. Here, we found that uterocervical angle was associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery in the overall effect.

The value of LH supplementation in young women with diminished ovarian reserve treated with GnRH Antagonist Protocol for ovarian hyperstimulation in ICSI-cycles.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the success of two controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols; rFSH + hp-hMG with only rFSH in the GnRH antagonist protocol in diminished ovarian reserve under 35 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from January 2015 to June 2019 were abstracted from the hospital records of IVF Clinic. The women younger than 35 years of age who were diagnosed as diminished ovarian reserve and underwent standard GnRH antagonist protocol were included. Patients in Group-1 underwent controlled ovarian stimulation with rFSH alone and Group-2 with rFSH in combination with hp-hMG. Patients in both groups were divided into three subgroups according to their antral follicle count at Day 3: < 4 (a), 4-6 (b), and 7-10 (c). Demographic features and IVF outcomes of the patients were extracted. RESULTS: Total number of retrieved oocytes, was higher in Group-1 than Group-2 (6.5 ±â€…2.1 vs 5.5 ±â€…2.3, respectively, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Although the main study outcome parameters did not show significant difference between Group-1a and Group-2a, the number of mature oocytes (5 ±â€…2.8 vs 1.8 ±â€…1.2, respectively, p = 0.006) was higher in Group-1a. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no beneficial effect of LH supplementation during IVF for the treatment of women under 35 years old with diminished ovarian reserve in the first treatment cycle when compared with rFSH only in the antagonist protocols.

Evaluation of embryo transfer through a scoring system: ETSS (Embryo transfer scoring system).

INTRODUCTION: To create a scoring system by including all of the factors that are recommended for an ideal ET and to investigate its correlation with the Β-HCG results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective trial between January 2009 and December 2018. Women who had a single ET between the specified dates were included in the study. The embryo grade, ET day, distance between the fundus to embryo transfer site measured via ultrasonography, endometrial thickness on ET day, and presence of mucus and blood in the catheter after transfer were the variables evaluated. Each one of the five variables that constituted the scoring system were rated separately. RESULTS: Overall, 1652 patients participated in this research. Antral follicle count (13,3 ± 8 vs. 14,6 ± 8,2, p: 0,001), endometrial thickness on the ET day (9.9 ± 2 vs.10.3 ± 2, p = 0.006) and number of mature oocytes (8.6 ± 6 vs. 9 ± 5.1, p: 0.003) were significantly higher in patients with positive Β-HCG values. The total score in the Β-HCG positive group was 9.8 ± 1.4 versus 8.9 ± 1.4 in the Β-HCG negative group (p < 0.001). The best ETSS cut-off value for predicting Β-HCG positivity was 9.5, with 82% sensitivity and 67% specificity (AUC:0.808). CONCLUSION: Our scoring system is an important step toward standardization, as it offers a new, practical, cost-free, and applicable scoring system based on pre- and post-ET measurements and laboratory data.

The effect of plastic bottled water consumption on outcomes of ICSI cycles undertaken for unexplained infertility.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do bisphenol A (BPA) levels in maternal urine, serum and follicular fluid affect embryo quality and intracytoplasmic sperm hinjection (ICSI) cycle outcomes in women with unexplained infertility? DESIGN: Prospective study conducted between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019. The study cohort consisted of 82 women aged between 23 and 33 years who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection owing to unexplained infertility and provided urine, blood and follicular fluid samples on the day of oocyte retrieval. Consumption of drinking water from plastic carboys or bottles at home were considered as chronic BPA exposure. Demographic features and IVF outcomes of the patients were collected. RESULTS: Among the 82 women with unexplained infertility, clinical pregnancy was achieved in 22 (26.8%) patients after the IVF and embryo transfer cycle. The patients who consumed tap water had statistically significantly lower BPA values in three body fluids compared with patients who consumed plastic bottled water (all P < 0.001). Women who had grade 1 embryos transferred had lower serum BPA values than women who had grade 2 embryos transferred (10.8 ± 5.2 versus 26.9 ± 22 ng/ml, P = 0.003). Serum and follicular fluid BPA levels were statistically significantly higher in women who failed to achieve clinical pregnancy (P < 0.001, P = 0.006, respectively) and obtain a live birth (both P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A negative relationship was found between serum and follicular fluid BPA levels and embryo quality, clinical pregnancy and live birth in these women. In addition, the BPA levels of women who consume tap water at home were lower than those who use plastic bottled water.

Measurement of the Uterocervical Angle for Predicting the Latent Period in Pregnancy Exhibiting Premature Membrane Rupture.

OBJECTIVES: The duration of the latent period is uncertain in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This time estimate provides information on the time of the corticosteroid to be applied and the time of delivery of the pregnant women. Here, we used transvaginal sonography to determine the relationship between the uterocervical angle (UCA) and PPROM latency and the risk for neonatal complications. DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study of 80 singleton pregnancies with PPROM. Participants/Materials, Setting, and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary center with a total of 80 singleton pregnancies with PPROM. The UCA and cervical length were measured in the first evaluation of PPROM in patients between 24 and 34 weeks of age. The study population was subdivided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 27) included women who gave birth within 10 days after a PPROM diagnosis and group 2 (n = 53) included women who gave birth later than this. Our aim was latency prediction (more or less than 10 days) in PPROM patients undergoing regular UCA monitoring. RESULTS: Of the women in group 1, 74.1% (n = 20) had spontaneous births and 7.4% (n = 2) had induced births because of clinical chorioamnionitis. Of the women in group 2, 71.6% (n = 38) had spontaneous births and 7.6% (n = 4) had induced births because of clinical chorioamnionitis (n = 3) or poor fetal condition (n = 1). We drew receiver operating characteristic curves to explore whether the UCA predicted birth within 10 days of PPROM. The area under the curve was 0.894 (p < 0.001). The optimal UCA cutoff was 108°, with 93% sensitivity and 85% specificity. LIMITATIONS: First, the sample size was small; it would have been better to have more patients. Second, we measured the UCA only once. Third, patients were not categorized by parity. CONCLUSIONS: The UCA, measured by the transvaginal route, can successfully predict latent period in PPROM. Measuring the UCA can be useful to determine the time of corticosteroid administration and to inform patients about the time of birth.

The Efficacy and Efficiency of Uterocervical Angle Measurements to Predict Preterm Labor in Idiopathic Polyhydramnios Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Uterocervical angle measurements in pregnant women with idiopathic polyhydramnios were appraised for their predictive value for spontaneous preterm labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we included nulliparous and multiparous pregnant women diagnosed with idiopathic polyhydramnios at 24-28 weeks at our polyclinic; the uterocervical angle and cervical length were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at the time of diagnosis. Routine pregnancy follow-up was done by our team and gestational age at delivery and maternal-fetal outcomes were noted. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients delivered before 37 weeks and 36 patients delivered at 37 weeks or later. Preterm labor subjects had larger UCA values (126.7±12.9° vs. 100.8±16.2°) and term labor patients had larger cervical length values (34.3±4.5 mm vs. 40.6±5.2 mm). In women with idiopathic polyhydramnios, the area under the curve for the uterocervical angle was 0.885 (p<0.001) and it was 0.823 for the cervical length (p<0.001). DISCUSSION: The uterocervical angle, a sagittal transvaginal cervical image measurement, is a practical method that successfully predicts spontaneous preterm labor risk in singleton pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios. In addition, the uterocervical angle displayed greater sensitivity, but lower specificity, compared with cervical length measures.

Can Serum Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels Predict HPV Penetration in Patients with ASCUS?

In the process of progression to cancer from atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), mostly Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is responsible. Additionally, patients with cell cycle disorders are thought to be at risk. The aim of this prospective cohort trial was to analyze the association between presence of ASCUS and HPV persistence with folate and vitamin B12 levels. 200 patients who had Papanicolaou (PAP) smear test were divided into a ASCUS group (n:100) and control group (n:100). Control group consisted of women who did not have intraepithelial neoplasia, based on PAP smear results. HPV testing was also done in study group. Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in ASCUS (+) HPV (+) patients were significantly lower than that of ASCUS (-) or ASCUS (+) HPV (-) patients (p < 0.01). In our study, there was no statistically significant difference between folate levels in patients with different types of HPV (p > 0.05), however vitamin B12 levels of patients with other high-risk HPV types were significantly lower than patients with positive HPV16-18 (p = 0.01). The positivity of HPV in women with ASCUS is associated with low serum vitamin B12 and folate levels.

A retrospective analysis of risk factors for clavicle fractures in newborns with shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury: A single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the risk factors for clavicle fractures in newborns with shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury and to determine whether their incidence is associated with local characteristics. METHODS: This study was conducted as a retrospective trial between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients with clavicular fracture who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of a community hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The clavicular fracture cohort was first divided into two groups and then two subgroups: patients with/without shoulder dystocia and patients with/without a brachial plexus injury. Peripartum and neonatal risk factors of these patients were reviewed using the patient information system. Any additional neurological or musculoskeletal trauma was noted. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients with shoulder dystocia in 25 (54%) and brachial plexus injury in 12 (26%) were included in the study. The birth weight of patients with shoulder dystocia was 4,164.2±412.7 g, and that of patients without was 3,535.8±865.2 g (p=0.003). In 11 of 14 patients (44%) in whom labor was induced and whose infant had a fractured clavicle, the infant also had shoulder dystocia (p=0.029). Brachial plexus injury was found in 8 (66.7%) of 14 infants who were born by induced labor and who had a clavicular fracture (p=0.002). The regression analysis revealed that age and induction of labor were independent risk factors for brachial plexus injury (odds ratio=1.599 and 81.862, respectively). Gestational weight gain (p=0.003) and neonatal birth weight (p=0.047) were also found as independent risk factors for shoulder dystocia. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has shown that not only birth age or birth weight but also excessive weight gain by mother and induction of labor may increase the risk of clavicula fracture with brachial plexus palsy. Advanced maternal age, multiparity, and deliveries after 39 weeks seem to be risk factors for a clavicular fracture with a brachial plexus injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Efficacy of chewing gum for improving bowel function after cesarean sections: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effects of chewing xylitol-free gum at different intervals after cesarean sections.Study design: One hundred fifty patients undergoing cesarean sections were randomized into a gum chewing group (n = 75) and a control group (n = 75). Patients in the gum group chewed one sugarless gum for 30 min at 3, 5, and 7 h postoperatively. The two groups were compared in terms of time to first bowel movement, first feeling of hunger, first passage of flatus, and defecation time. Postoperative satisfaction with bowel movements was rated on a scale of 1-5.Results: First bowel movement time (4.93 ± 1.05 versus 7.97 ± 2.33 h postoperatively, p = .0001), first feeling of hunger (5.51 ± 1.68 versus 6.30 ± 1.58 h postoperatively, p = .004), first passage of flatus (11.73 ± 4.61 versus 14.10 ± 2.71 h postoperatively, p = .001), and mean length of hospital stay (2.30 ± 0.49 versus 2.50 ± 0.50 d, p = .015) were significantly reduced in the gum group compared with the control group. Postoperative satisfaction scores for overall bowel function were better in the patients who chewed gum.Conclusion: Gum chewing at frequent intervals in the early postoperative period promotes the early return of bowel movements, shortens hospitalization, and increases patient satisfaction regarding bowel function.

Postoperative pain and neuropathy after caesarean operation featuring blunt or sharp opening of the fascia: a randomised, parallel group, double-blind study.

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain and neuropathy after primary caesarean sections with either blunt or sharp fascial expansions. A total of 123 women undergoing primary caesarean sections were included in the study. The sharp group had 61 patients, and the blunt group had 62. In the sharp group, the fascia was incised sharply and extended using scissors. In blunt group, the fascia was bluntly opened by lateral finger-pulling. The primary outcome was postoperative pain. The long-term chronic pain scores were significantly lower in the blunt group during mobilisation (p = .012 and p = .022). Neuropathy was significantly more prevalent in the sharp group at both 1 and 3 months postoperatively (p = .043 and p = .016, respectively). The odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI for postoperative neuropathy at 1 and 3 months were as follows; OR 3.71, 95%CI 0.97-14.24 and OR 5.67, 95%CI 1.18-27.08, respectively. The OR for postoperative pain after 3 months was 3.26 (95%CI 1.09-9.73). The prevelance of postsurgical neuropathy and chronic pain at 3 months were significantly lower in the blunt group. Blunt fascial opening reduces the complication rate of postoperative pain and neuropathy after caesarean sections. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The anatomic relationship of the abdominal fascia and the anterior abdominal wall nerves is a known fact. The fascia during caesarean sections can be opened by either a sharp or blunt extension. Data on the isolated impact of different fascial incisions on postoperative pain is limited. What do the results of this study add? The postoperative pain scores on the incision area are lower in the bluntly opened group compared to the sharp fascial incision group. By extending the fascia bluntly, a decrease in trauma and damage to nerves was observed. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The lateral extension of the fascia during caesarean sections must be done cautiously to prevent temporary damage to nerves and vessels. The blunt opening of the fascia by lateral finger pulling might be a preferred method over the sharp approach that uses scissors. We included only primary caesarean cases, however, comparisons of blunt and sharp fascial incisions in patients with more than one abdominal surgery should be explored in future studies.