Fear of childbirth after medical vs surgical abortion. Population-based register study from Finland.

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effect of method of induced abortion and other abortion-associated variables on the incidence of fear of childbirth in subsequent pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This population-based register study cohort includes all nulliparous women with their first pregnancy ending in an induced abortion in 2000-2015 and subsequent pregnancy with live singleton delivery between 2000 and 2017 (n = 21 479). Data were derived from three national registers maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. We divided the study population in three cohorts: (a) medical and (b) surgical abortion during first trimester (≤84 days of gestation), and (c) medical abortion during second trimester (85-168 days of gestation). Primary outcome measures were the incidence of registry-identified fear of childbirth and cesarean delivery related to it.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of fear of childbirth was 5.6% (n = 1209). Altogether, 19.2% (n = 4121) of women underwent cesarean delivery. The odds were elevated especially for elective cesarean delivery (odds ratio [OR] 9.30, 95% CI 7.95-10.88, P < .001) in women with fear of childbirth. In multivariable analysis, the odds for fear of childbirth (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.94) and cesarean delivery (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.84-0.90) were decreased in women with a history of first-trimester medical abortion compared with those with first-trimester surgical abortion. Second-trimester medical abortion had no effect on the odds for fear of childbirth (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.71-1.50). Maternal age of 30-39 years and interpregnancy interval over 2 years were additional risk factors for both fear of childbirth and cesarean delivery, but surgical evacuation of uterus after the abortion was not.

CONCLUSIONS

One first- or second-trimester medical abortion does not increase the odds for fear of childbirth, and cesarean delivery related to it in subsequent pregnancy when compared with first-trimester surgical abortion. Older maternal age and longer interpregnancy interval emerged as risk factors for fear of childbirth.