Key result
Women 24-36 months postpartum after a pregnancy complicated by PAS had significantly better physical functioning compared to those 0-6 months postpartum (mean difference 21.9; 95% CI 10.2-33.5).
Why the study?
Little is known about the impact of placenta accreta spectrum on quality of life and sexual function after pregnancy.
Cross-Sectional (n=142)
Mean Difference: 21.9 (95% CI 10.2–33.5)
Women recovering from placenta accreta spectrum experience prolonged mental health impacts and high rates of sexual dysfunction, despite improvements in physical health over time.
Sexual dysfunction screening may be warranted long-term despite physical recovery; leaves open causal mental health links in placenta accreta spectrum.
Background and Aims Little is known about the impact of Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS) on quality of life (QoL). This study aims to explore QoL and sexual function after a pregnancy complicated by PAS. Methods Women who experienced a pregnancy complicated by PAS were invited to complete an online survey. Two validated surveys were completed: Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean scores were calculated and were compared between women by pregnancy outcomes. Continuous variables were presented as mean (standard deviation (SD)) and were compared to assess for significance between groups using independent t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance. Categorical variables were compared using χ2 test. Results A total of 142 women responded to the survey. For the SF‐36, physical health was significantly higher for women at 24–36 months postpartum compared to those from 0–6 months postpartum for physical functioning (mean difference 21.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.2, 33.5), role limitation due to physical function (mean difference 32.1 (95% CI 9.4, 54.7)) and pain (mean difference 15.5 (95% CI 3.4, 30.9)). For the mental health domains, only vitality improved at 24–36 months compared to the first six months postpartum (mean difference 12.8 (95% CI 0.2, 25.5)). The mean FSFI score was 24.8 (±5.8), lower than the critical score of 26.5 indicating sexual dysfunction, and 56.8% (n = 75), scored less than 26.5. Conclusion Women after a pregnancy complicated by PAS had high scores on the physical health domains of SF‐36. The mental health scores were lower for all women regardless of time since birth.
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Bartels et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Placenta Accreta Spectrum (n=142). 24-36 months postpartum vs. 0-6 months postpartum was evaluated on Physical functioning (SF-36) (MD 21.9, 95% CI 10.2, 33.5). Women 24-36 months postpartum after a pregnancy complicated by PAS had significantly better physical functioning compared to those 0-6 months postpartum (mean difference 21.9; 95% CI 10.2-33.5).
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