In preeclampsia, is vaginal delivery preferred over cesarean delivery?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Cesarean section is always preferred.
• D. Delivery method has no impact on outcomes.

Answer: (A)

In preeclampsia, vaginal delivery is preferred when feasible because it avoids the added risks of major abdominal surgery and anesthesia that come with cesarean birth. If the mother and fetus are stable and labor can be safely induced or allowed to progress, vaginal delivery generally provides similar or better outcomes with shorter recovery and fewer postpartum complications. Cesarean delivery is reserved for situations where there are obstetric indications or emergencies—such as fetal distress, rapid need for delivery due to severe disease, or when labor cannot be safely established or progressed. While a cesarean may be necessary in certain urgent scenarios, it is not routinely favored in preeclampsia due to higher maternal risk.