Does the number of previous caesarean deliveries affect maternal outcome and complication rates?

We evaluated maternal complications in relation to number of previous caesarean sections in Princess Badea Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan. Analysis of the medical records of 1739 patients delivered by caesarean section was conducted. It revealed a 14-fold increase in the risk of caesarean hysterectomy in patients with placenta praevia and previous caesarean section compared to patients with placenta praevia and no previous caesarean section. The risk of caesarean hysterectomy increased with increasing number of previous caesarean sections. Those with 3 or more previous caesarean sections were at significantly higher risk of blood transfusion. Post-operative pyrexia was commoner in women with 3 or more previous caesarean sections compared to those undergoing their first one.