Background: The increase of cesarean sections, which is typical of the most industrialised countries, resulted in a higher rate of repeat cesarean sections. The previous CS is the main indication for cesarean delivery. The purpose of this study is to compare women who had a primary cesarean with women who had a repeat cesarean section in order to assess their different emotional reactions as well as their psychophysical consequences.
Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 36 patients who had a primary cesarean section and to 34 patients who had a repeat cesarean section, 6-12 months after birth. All these women were similar for age and gestational age of the birth.
Results: Results underline that patients are more disposed to accept the operation in repeat cesarean rather than in primary cesarean. Women who have a repeat cesarean section are more likely to accept this kind of delivery since the beginning, with positive effects on their postoperative course. Women who have a repeat cesarean section face more serenely not only prenatal but also post-natal period and show less serious psychophysical sequelae with respect to primary cesarean section because of their previous experience.
Conclusions: As a result, an appropriate psychological support coupled with adequate information can reduce discomfort in cesarean patients.