Comparing Quality of Life in Women after Vaginal Delivery and Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background & aim: Postpartum period is accompanied by significant changes in women’s quality of life. These alterations can affect the health of mothers and children. Considering the importance of postnatal quality of life and its different contributing factors, this study aimed to compare women’s quality of life after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Methods:This retrospective cohort study included a random sample of 2100 women, referring to Hamadan health care centers for congenital hypothyroidism screening or infant vaccination. The participants’ quality of life was examined, using Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire, evaluating five periods of time including one week, two months, four months, six months, and one year after delivery (either vaginal or cesarean delivery). Data were analyzed using t-test. Results: Quality of life was significantly higher in women with vaginal delivery, compared to women with cesarean section in all periods including one week (68.77 vs. 42.44), two months (69.11 vs. 54.76), four months (78.19 vs. 53.02), six months (75.62 vs. 54.94),and one year(78.43 vs. 53.77) after delivery. Conclusion: Considering women’s higher quality of life after vaginal delivery, compared to cesarean section, it seems that vaginal delivery is a safer and less expensive option, which is recommended for all pregnant women.

Keywords

• Cesarean section
• Iran
• Quality of life
• Vaginal delivery