Name of the Condition

• Maternal care for low transverse scar from previous cesarean delivery
• Also known as low transverse uterine scar

Summary

• This condition involves monitoring and managing pregnancies in women who have a low transverse uterine scar from a previous cesarean delivery. This type of scar is typically found at the lower part of the uterus and is the most common incision type during cesarean sections. Proper care is essential to ensure maternal and fetal health in subsequent pregnancies.

Causes

• The condition is directly caused by a previous cesarean delivery, where a transverse incision was made on the lower segment of the uterus. It results from surgical intervention during childbirth.

Risk Factors

• Pregnancy after a previous cesarean delivery
• No time gap (less than 18 months) between pregnancies
• Multiple previous cesarean sections
• A history of uterine surgery

Symptoms

• Typically, there are no symptoms related specifically to the presence of a low transverse scar. However, symptoms to monitor include unusual uterine pain or tenderness during pregnancy.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed through patient history and records of previous cesarean delivery
• Ultrasound imaging may be used to assess the scar and uterine condition

Treatment Options

• Close monitoring of maternal and fetal health during the pregnancy
• Consideration for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) if applicable
• Planned cesarean delivery if there are concerns about the integrity of the scar

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Most women with a low transverse scar can expect a healthy pregnancy and delivery with appropriate monitoring.
• Regular antenatal visits are crucial to assess the scar and monitor for any signs of complications. #### Complications
• Unmonitored or improperly managed cases may risk uterine rupture.
• Scar dehiscence during labor, leading to possible emergency cesarean delivery.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Optimal spacing between pregnancies to allow the uterine scar to heal
• Healthy diet and exercise to support overall pregnancy health
• Avoid unnecessary physical strain during pregnancy

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate attention is needed if experiencing severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, or contractions prior to term.

Additional Resources

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides guidelines on managing pregnancies post-cesarean.
• International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) offers support for understanding cesarean-related concerns.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the patient’s history of previous cesarean delivery with a low transverse scar.
• Avoid coding errors by accurately verifying the incision type (low transverse) through medical records.