Effect of type of delivery on future childbearing

1.1. The fetal mortality ascribable to the method of delivery is 4 per cent in midforceps; 0.1 per cent in cesarean section, and essentially zero in spontaneous delivery.2.2. The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is 15 per cent in midforceps; 6.3 per cent in spontaneous delivery; and indeterminable in cesarean section.3.3. The only maternal death ascribable to method of delivery was in the midforceps group.4.4. The mother sustains serious lacerations of the genital tract in approximately 20 per cent of cases when delivered by midforceps, but the late effects of these are nearly negligible.5.5. Spontaneous delivery is followed by further childbearing at the Sloane Hospital for Women in 62 per cent of cases, cesarean section in 52 per cent, and midforceps in 35 per cent.6.6. Hemorrhage greater than 500 c.c. results in a probability of further childbearing of 35 per cent, and if shock is superimposed the probability drops to 25 per cent.7.7. Spontaneous delivery not only is safest for mother and child, but also results in the greatest probability of future childbearing, and it should be sought for by all available means. Failing this, cesarean section is safer than midforceps and results in a greater probability of future childbearing.8.8. The midforceps operation should seldom be performed.