First Time Mothers Delivery outcome

Background: The rates of birth deliveries by cesarean section have drastically increased around the world and it’s impacting first-time pregnant women. We sought to investigate if there is an increase in infections and hemorrhaging among first-time cesarean deliveries versus vaginal births. Our comparison was to see the outcomes within six weeks of postpartum visits. 

Purpose: This review aims to identify the risks associated with cesarean sections compared to vaginal births among first-time pregnant women.  

Method: A literature search was conducted between August 2023 to October 2023 using the J.Murray Atkins digital library at UNC Charlotte to include: Pubmed, CINHAHL, and ScienceDirect. A filter was placed to identify research within the past five years and written in English. Exclusion criteria include duplicates and systematic reviews. The articles range in date from 2018-2023 including both qualitative and quantitative research designs.

Results: Analysis of the literature revealed the outcomes of cesarean section deliveries risks were greater than vaginal deliveries. The risk found among c-sections deliveries was greater with wound infections than hemorrhage. Longer recovery was associated with c-sections and rehospitalization due to wound complications. Although cesarean section is increasing, medical students do prefer vaginal delivery over cesarean section as the preferred method of delivery due to its increased risks. However, our results were inconclusive when identifying a six-week postpartum time frame. 

Conclusion: Overall, it was found that cesarean section had more complications than vaginal deliveries. Infection had a higher prevalence than hemorrhage among complications.

Keywords: Cesarean section, infection, hemorrhage, postpartum, birthing outcomes, first-time mother, nulliparous, pregnancy, surgical birth, postpartum

Presentation

Biography

Pamela Puerto, BSN, RN

Pamela Puerto is a dialysis nurse working for the VA Health Administration since 2019. She graduated with her ASN from Palm Beach State College (PBSC) in 2018 and her BSN from Winston Salem State University in 2021. Her background consists of critical care and dialysis.  Before nursing she practiced as a Respiratory Therapist, she graduated with her respiratory degree from PBSC in 2013 and then her Bachelor’s in health management in 2016 from PBSC. She is expected to graduate with her MSN in health administration in Spring of 2024 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Jordan Huskins, BSN, RN

Jordan Huskins is from and currently resides in Gastonia, North Carolina. She graduated with an associates degree in nursing in 2017 from Gaston College, and obtained bachelor of science in nursing in 2019 with University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is working as an emergency department nurse for Caromont Regional Medical Center and has a background of medical-surgical nursing. She is also expected to graduate with masters of science in nursing administration in 2024 from University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Jordan wishes to advance into a management position after graduation. 

Nicole Simpson BSN, RN

Nicole Simpson graduated from Broward College in 2014 with her Associate in Arts degree. Then, attended Palm Beach Atlantic University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2021. She went on to pursue a higher degree and currently attends University of North Carolina at Charlotte to study for her Master of Science degree in Community/ Public Health Nursing with an expected graduation date of Spring 2025. Nicole currently works on a neurosurgical stepdown unit at HCA Florida JFK hospital while residing in Broward County, Florida. 

Faculty Committee Advisor(s)

Lufei Young PhD, ACNP-BC

Zhuo Job Chen, PhD

Danielle Brown DNAP, CRNA

Scott Strassels, PharmD, PhD