Effects of Unanticipated Cesarean Section on Mothers, Infants, and Their Interaction in the First Month of Life

Abstract

The impact of an unanticipated primary cesarean section on the mother, on the infant, and on their interaction was studied during the perinatal period and at 1 month following delivery. Thirty-four mother-infant pairs participated in the study. Fourteen subjects delivered by nonelective, nonemergency cesarean section. Twenty mothers, who delivered vaginally, served as the controls. All subjects had attended a series of prepared childbirth classes. Maternal questionnaire and infant observational data were collected on day 2 and on day 30. Mother-infant interactions in teaching and play sessions were assessed on day 30. The cesarean group was found to have a higher number of obstetrical complications, an increased incidence of maternal depression, and a more difficult convalescence. Previous experience with children emerged as an important mediating variable in the analysis of maternal affective status. No infant behavioral differences were detected as a function of mode of delivery. The discussion highlights the interventions that can be utilized to minimize the negative emotional consequences for women who deliver by cesarean section.