Cardiovascular changes in vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections

Abstract

There was no statistically significant difference in cardiac output between vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Central venous pressure was lower in cesarean section than vaginal deliveries at all points after anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure is lower in cesarean section than vaginal deliveries at all points after anesthesia. All values were within normal range. Mean circulation time was longer in the vaginal delivery group than the cesarean section group at Point F, the end of the procedure. Total peripheral resistance was less in the cesarean section group than the vaginal group, only at Point B, after administration of the anesthesia. None of the differences in the parameters measured would imply that cesarean section imposes a greater cardiac stress than vaginal delivery. This study indicates that cardiac strain is very similar in vaginal and abdominal delivery. Therefore, the length and type of labor should be a primary consideration in the pregnant cardiac patient.