Comparing complications in intended vaginal and caesarean deliveries

A hospital-based, prospective cohort study was conducted at the tertiary care university hospital in southern Thailand, between 1 November 2001 and 31 December 2003. The purpose of this study was to compare the various complications found in vaginal and caesarean deliveries based on the original elected intended mode of delivery. There were a total of 1,429 cases, 1,242 intended vaginal deliveries and 187 intended caesarean deliveries. Major and minor complication rates were found to be significantly lower in the intended vaginal delivery group compared with the intended caesarean delivery group (2.3% and 1.3% vs 4.8% and 3.7%; p < 0.05). The most common major complication was haemorrhage, which was found more frequently in the intended caesarean delivery group (OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.6 - 21.5). After statistical adjustment, an intended caesarean delivery was found to be an independent risk factor for complications.