Abstract / Summary
Background and Objectives: The global rate of cesarean sections is on the rise. However, the impact of a prior cesarean section on subsequent birth weight and gestational age remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the association of a previous cesarean section with the birth weight and gestational age of the current pregnancy among women in their second pregnancy in eastern Sudan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gadarif Maternity Hospital, eastern Sudan, involving 183 women in their second pregnancy. Participants’ sociodemographic and obstetrical data were collected via a questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of birth weight and gestational age at delivery were 3030.8 (336.9) grams and 37.7 (1.6) weeks, respectively. Of the total 183, 80 (43.7%) had a previous cesarean section. The prevalences of LBW and preterm birth in the current pregnancy were 35 (19.1%) and 27 (14.8%), respectively. Women with a previous cesarean section had significantly lower mean birth weights (2967.3 g vs. 3080.1 g, p = 0.024) and shorter gestational ages (37.3 weeks vs. 38.1 weeks, p = 0.001) than women without a previous cesarean section. In multivariable linear regression, only a previous cesarean section was negatively associated with birth weight (coefficient = −102.03, p = 0.046). There was no statistical evidence of an association between age, residence, body mass index (BMI), antenatal care (ANC), educational attainment, occupation, and the sex of the newborn and birth weight at delivery. In multivariable linear regression, a previous cesarean section (coefficient = −0.81, p < 0.001), BMI (coefficient = −0.07, p = 0.022), and the number of ANC visits (coefficient = −0.08, p = 0.044) were negatively associated with gestational age. Conclusions: For Sudanese women having their second child, a previous cesarean section is associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age in the current pregnancy. Healthcare providers should monitor these women to mitigate the potential risks associated with these outcomes.