Abstract
BackgroundCesarean delivery rates are increasing globally with almost half of them occurring due to a previous Cesarean delivery. A trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) is considered a safe procedure, but most eligible women instead undergo Cesarean before 39 weeks of gestation. Lack of education about TOLAC is often associated with increased repeat Cesarean. To reveal the safety and feasibility of TOLAC, we conducted this observational, prospective study with women’s independent decisions. We aimed to clarify the relationship between their chosen mode of delivery and the reason for their previous Cesarean. Additionally, we have tried to identify maternal and obstetric factors associated with failed TOLAC to improve its success rate.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study of 1086 pregnant women with at least one previous Cesarean delivery. Of these, 735 women met our TOLAC criteria (Table 1), and then, could choose TOLAC or repeat Cesarean after receiving detailed explanations regarding the risks and benefits of both procedures. The primary outcomes were the number of successful TOLAC procedures and 5-min Apgar scores < 7 for the trial of labor after Cesarean group and elective Cesarean group. We collected the maternal and neonatal data including the reasons of previous Cesarean.ResultsIn total, 64.1% of women chose TOLAC. The success rate was 91.3%. The uterine rupture rate was 0.6%. There were no significant differences in the rate of Apgar scores at 5 min < 7 between both groups. Histories of experience of labor in previous Cesarean delivery were observed in 30 and 50% of women who chose TOLAC and repeat Cesarean, respectively (p < 0.05). Factors related to failed TOLAC included ≥40 weeks of gestation (odds: 5.47, 95% CI: 2.55–11.70) and prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) (odds: 4.47, 95% CI: 2.07–9.63).ConclusionsTOLAC is a favorable delivery option for both mothers and neonates when women meet criteria and choose after receiving detailed explanations. Women who experience PROM or ≥ 40 weeks of gestation, their modes of delivery should be reconsulted.
Highlights
Cesarean delivery rates are increasing globally with almost half of them occurring due to a previous Cesarean delivery
Many women who are eligible for trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) undergo elective repeat Cesarean delivery (ERCD) before 39 weeks of gestation [14, 15]
Overall the results This study included a total of 1086 pregnant women, with at least one previous Cesarean delivery
Summary
Cesarean delivery rates are increasing globally with almost half of them occurring due to a previous Cesarean delivery. A trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) is considered a safe procedure, but most eligible women instead undergo Cesarean before 39 weeks of gestation. Lack of education about TOLAC is often associated with increased repeat Cesarean. Cesarean delivery is an effective intervention to save maternal and infant lives, while perinatal complications including cerebral palsy rates or mortality have remained the same despite increasing incidence of Cesarean delivery [5, 6]. A trial of labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) can be a safe alternative and success rates are reported 60–80% [3, 7,8,9,10,11]. Many women who are eligible for TOLAC undergo elective repeat Cesarean delivery (ERCD) before 39 weeks of gestation [14, 15]. Clinicians should provide more in depth information on TOLAC to allow women to make an informed decision
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