Abstract
Pregnancies following previous caesarean section (CS) are associated with higher incidence of infections, postpartum haemorrhage and obstetric complications. The present study aimed to explore the effect of previous CS on reproductive, maternal and neonatal outcomes in women who underwent assisted reproductive techniques (ART). A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess reproductive and pregnancy outcomes following ART in women with and without a previous CS. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Eligible language articles written in English, published up to October 2023, were identified in Medline, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A total of 19 articles, reporting on 13 different outcomes met the inclusion criteria. It was revealed that women with previous CS had 9% lower clinical pregnancy rates, 13% lower live birth rates, 11% lower implantation rates and 28% lower multiple pregnancy rates compared with women who had prior natural vaginal deliveries. Additionally, previous CS was associated with an 8-fold higher risk of difficult embryo transfers. No significant differences were noted in ectopic pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates or biochemical pregnancy rates. The present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that previous CS is associated with decreased prospects of clinical pregnancy, live birth and successful embryo implantation during ART. The findings of the present study underscored the need to counsel women with prior CS regarding its potential impact on ART outcomes.