Uterine surgery before pregnancy is associated with later preterm birth and stillbirth: a population-based record linkage study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Uterine surgery in high income countries is provided for management of failed or unplanned pregnancies, for excision of polyps and fibroids, for correction of congenital anomaly, for investigation of subfertility and to facilitate use of an intrauterine contraceptive device. Many women have at least one procedure prior to their first birth. OBJECTIVE(S): We hypothesise that any uterine surgery requiring dilation of the cervix could weaken the cervix and lead to a higher risk of preterm birth in a later pregnancy. We also hypothesise that uterine surgery could leave endometrial scarring which might lead to later impaired placentation and increased risk of stillbirth. Thirdly we hypothesise that the strength of association will increase for those having repeated surgical procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Population linked data study of all first births in NSW Australia between 2007 and 2019. Linkage between the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection and the Perinatal Data Collection allowed assessment of uterine surgery exposure and subsequent obstetric outcomes for individuals. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of surgery and known relevant covariates. RESULT(S): There were 520050 women who had a first birth in NSW between 2007-2019 and 99659 uterine surgery procedures performed between 2001 and 2019. Uterine surgery occurred for 14.7% of the population. Uterine surgery prior to a first birth is associated with both later preterm birth (adjusted OR 1.51 CI=1.47-1.55) and stillbirth (adjusted OR 1.39 CI=1.26-1.53). The associations strengthened with repeated procedures and were most significant at earliest gestational age. CONCLUSION(S): This hypothesis generating study suggests that uterine surgery before pregnancy should be carefully considered with reference to evidence of benefit and any available medical alternate treatment strategies. Further research is needed to understand potential confounding by indication, as the reason for surgery may independently increase pregnancy risks. Antenatal surveillance for risk of preterm birth may be considered when surgery is unavoidable.Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.