Spontaneous obstetric anal sphincter injury among high-risk multiparous women following non-operative delivery: Passenger problems?

Abstract

Obstetric anal sphincter injury results in maternal morbidity and sequelae. Obstetric procedures (e.g. operative vaginal delivery, episiotomy) are associated with increased risk, yet few studies have examined modifiable risk factors for a spontaneous obstetric anal sphincter injury (sOASIS) following a non-operative delivery. We aimed to identify risk factors for sOASIS among high-risk multiparous women.