Forceps Up the Risk of Fecal Incontinence

Forceps-assisted childbirth significantly boosts a woman's risk of fecal incontinence, researchers report. Investigators pooled data on more than 7,800 mothers. Ten percent reported experiencing fecal incontinence during the year following childbirth. Those whose deliveries involved forceps and who experienced tears in the anal sphincter were at double the risk of fecal incontinence during the three months following delivery, compared with mothers whose deliveries did not involve forceps.

MacArthur C, Glazener CM, Wilson PD, Herbison GP, Gee H, Lang GD, Lancashire R   Obstetric practice and faecal incontinence three months after delivery   BJOG 2001 (Jul);   108 (7):   678-683

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