Less incontinence with C-section in Breech births: Vaginal births show 2.8% higher rate. (Analysis of Term Breech Trial).

NEW ORLEANS -- Decreasing the risk for urinary incontinence is another reason why planned cesarean section should be favored over planned vaginal birth with breech presentation, Dr. Mary E. Hannah said at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Among 1,596 women who participated in the Term Breech Trial and responded to a questionnaire 3 months post partum, stress incontinence was reported by 4.5% of those who had planned cesarean section delivery, compared with 7.3% of those with planned vaginal birth.

"Planned cesarean delivery also is not associated with increased risk of other postpartum problems," Dr. Hannah said in a poster session at the meeting, which was cosponsored by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The questionnaire also sought information about the need for the mother or baby to return for medical care, breast-feeding, ease of caring for the baby, and adjustment to new motherhood. In addition, the women were asked about their sexual relations and relationship with their husband or partner, depression, and their childbirth experience.

The increased rate of urinary stress incontinence was the only finding that differed significantly between the two groups. "Incontinence of flatus was not different between groups, but was less of a problem in the planned cesarean section group, if it occurred," Dr. Hannah said.