Abstract
Eight hundred and eighty women having their first baby were asked whether they had had dysmenorrhoea; 61 per cent had and 39 per cent had not. Eleven per cent of the former had to have forceps, ventouse or caesarean section, compared with twice as many (20·8 per cent) of the latter (p = 0·001). Those with severe dysmenorrhoea had a greater need for operative interference (not statistically significant). I suggest, after 21 years of observation, that the level of prostaglandin activity may be different in these women, and that a history of no dysmenorrhoea or severe dysmenorrhoea might be considered as a risk factor for a complicated delivery.
- © Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
