Maternal Morbidity Following a Trial of Labor After Cesarean Section vs. Elective Repeat Cesarean Delivery at KIU Teaching Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to determine maternal morbidity and predictors of successful vaginal birth control (VBAC) among women at KIU Teaching Hospital. A retrospective cohort study was used, with 384 files of women who delivered between 2014 and 2018 selected. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the incidence of maternal morbidities. Univariate analysis and bivariate logistic regression were performed using STATA version 14.0 to identify predictors of successful VBAC. The mean age of the study participants was 25.62 years, with 63.54% of them elective repeat caesarean sections (ERCD) and 36.46% trial of labor after caesarean sections (TOLAC). Morbidities included uterine rupture, thromboembolism, transfusion requirement, and endometritis. Risks of TOLAC versus ERCD included uterine rupture, thromboembolism, and blood transfusion requirement. BMI, birth weight, spontaneous onset of labor, previous safe vaginal birth, and non-diabetic status were found to be predictors of successful VBAC. Delivering women with previous cesarean sections is a complex process that involves the physician's knowledge, experience, and fear of litigation, as well as the previous maternal experience and knowledge. Any decision made will affect the present pregnancy's outcome, future obstetric performance, and fertility of the patient. Keywords: Maternal Mortality Rate, Cesarean delivery, Women, pregnancy, Labour.