Abstract
BackgroundPrevious research is inconclusive on the effects of mode of delivery on maternal health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for associations between mode of delivery and postpartum health-related quality-of-life.MethodsElectronic databases MEDLINE ALL (OVID), Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and EMBASE (OVID) were searched for English written articles investigating the relationship between mode of delivery and quality-of-life published form inception to 15th October 2020. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, assessed full texts, and extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted where possible.ResultsTwenty-one studies, including 19,879 women, met the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of 18 studies found HRQoL scores were significantly higher for women after vaginal delivery in comparison to caesarean (emergency and elective combined) (Effect Size (ES) 0.17, 95% CI 0.01–0.25, n = 7665) with highest scores after assisted vaginal delivery (ES 0.21, 95% CI 0.13–0.30, n = 2547). Physical functioning (ES 11.18, 95% CI = 2.29–20.06, n = 1746), physical role (ES 13.10, 95% CI = 1.16–25.05, n = 1471), vitality (ES 6.31, 95% CI = 1.14–10.29, n = 1746) and social functioning (ES 5.69, 95% CI = 1.26–10.11, n = 1746) were significantly higher after vaginal delivery compared to caesarean.ConclusionsHealth-related quality-of-life scores were higher for women after vaginal delivery in comparison to caesarean section. Consequently, women should be encouraged to deliver vaginally where possible. The findings of this research should be available to the relevant population to help support informed choice.
Highlights
Previous research is inconclusive on the effects of mode of delivery on maternal health-related qualityof-life (HRQoL)
The main reason for exclusion was irrelevant outcomes
The PRISMA diagram (Fig. 1) provides details of exclusions at each stage and reasons for full text exclusions can be found in Additional file 1
Summary
Previous research is inconclusive on the effects of mode of delivery on maternal health-related qualityof-life (HRQoL). Childbirth is a major event in a woman’s life, that for many, brings significant health problems. Following birth she must recover from these whilst learning to feed and care for her newborn [1]. HRQoL is a multidimensional measure of health from the individual’s perspective. It focuses on the physical, emotional and social impact that diseases have on individuals and accounts for their goals, expectations, standards and concerns [5,6,7,8]. Evidence shows HRQoL is a valid measure of maternal health [5, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
