Conclusions
The findings of this study reinforce that a prior CD is associated with
an increased risk of subsequent stillbirth, with the greatest risk for
subsequent intrapartum stillbirth in women who had a previous pre-labour
CD. The association could be explained, to some extent, by underlying
maternal and intrapartum conditions. These findings might
help women and health care
providers to reach optimal decisions regarding mode of delivery.
Considering the important public health consequences of stillbirth,
further large-scale studies are needed to confirm findings of the
present study, particularly to evaluate the association between VBAC and
intrapartum stillbirth, as this will strengthen the current
recommendations for the management of pregnancy following CD.