The authors point out that the choice of a cesarean delivery affect a woman's reproductive future with a subsequent risk of pregnancy complications, such as placenta previa, placenta accreta and uterine rupture. In addition, neonatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies may be worse in women who had a cesarean in their first pregnancy.
The authors suggest that before the right of women to choose elective primary cesarean delivery is universally endorsed, studies comparing the risks-both long and short term-with vaginal delivery must be conducted. They conclude if it is truly about patient choice, then the choice of vaginal birth must be accepted along with patient choice cesarean.
Patient-Choice Vaginal Delivery?
By Lawrence M. Leeman, M.D., M.P.H., et al
OTHER STUDIES IN THIS ISSUE
EXPLANATIONS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE RISK IN TERMS OF "HEART AGE" ARE MORE EFFECTIVE IN STIMULATING CHANGE
Complex explanations about cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk appear to be ineffective in motivating behavior change. This qualitative study of 50 adults found that all participants were aware that "high cholesterol" adversely affects health, but they demonstrated inadequate knowledge about hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease risk, and few knew their cholesterol numbers. Instead, researchers suggest that cardiovascular risk-adjusted age may be a useful strategy for communicating about risk and motivating behavior change. Furthermore, this approach may be
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Contact: Kristin Robinson
kristinr@aafp.org
913-906-6000 x5221
American Academy of Family Physicians
30-May-2006