Obstetrics and gynecology
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Feb 2003
Comparative StudyIncidence of postpartum lumbosacral spine and lower extremity nerve injuries.
Neurological injury associated with present day labor and delivery is thought to be unusual. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence, severity, and duration of postpartum lumbosacral spine and lower extremity nerve injury and identify factors related to nerve injury. ⋯ The estimated incidence of postpartum nerve injury was greater than reported from previous studies and is associated with nulliparity and prolonged second stage of labor.
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Obstetrics and gynecology · Feb 2003
Comparative StudyDoes cesarean delivery prevent anal incontinence?
To compare the incidence and severity of anal incontinence in primiparas after cesarean delivery versus spontaneous vaginal delivery. ⋯ Because severe anal incontinence followed elective and prelabor emergency cesarean, it seems that pregnancy itself can lead to pelvic floor disorders. A high incidence of anal incontinence is associated with a second-degree tear. Measures to detect and reduce postpartum anal incontinence should target all pregnant women and mothers, even after prelabor cesarean delivery.
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To describe trends in pregnancy-related mortality and risk factors for pregnancy-related deaths in the United States for the years 1991 through 1997. ⋯ The reported pregnancy-related mortality ratio has increased, probably because of improved identification of pregnancy-related deaths. Black women continue to have an almost four-fold increased risk of pregnancy-related death, the greatest disparity among the maternal and child health indicators. Although review of pregnancy-related deaths by states remains an important public health function, such work must be expanded to identify factors that influence the survival of women with serious pregnancy complications.