Maternal Mortality With Cesarean Delivery: A Literature Review

ObjectiveWe sought to determine the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery.MethodsWe reviewed the recent literature (years in analysis: 1975-2001) identified in a literature search and included data from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.FindingsThere were no publications with an ideal trial design and adequate power to establish the relationship between maternal mortality and method of delivery. Three studies, including the one randomized control trial included in analysis, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists data suggest no significant difference in maternal mortality with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery.ConclusionsThe strongest publications suggest there may not be an increased risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery as compared with vaginal delivery; however, there are inadequate data to accurately demonstrate the present-day risk of maternal death with cesarean delivery.