Successful VBAC Research Articles

Walking or jogging during pregnancy increases the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

Exercise during pregnancy has been proven to reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. However, few studies have examined the relationship between walking or jogging during pregnancy and the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC). This multicenter, retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the association between walking or jogging during pregnancy and the success rate of VBAC in women who underwent a trial of labor after cesarean delivery. The study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019 in Foshan, China. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed on demographic and obstetric data collected from the electronic record system. Of 1080 women included in the final analysis, 80.4% underwent VBAC. In the multivariable analysis, women who walked or jogged ≥200 min/week during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of successful VBAC than women who did not exercise, after adjusting for two sets of confounders: Model 1: Adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.85) and model 2: Adjusted OR, 1.83 (95% CI, 1.09-3.06). Walking or jogging ≥200 min/week during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of cesarean delivery among women who undergo a trial of labor after cesarean delivery.

Induction of Labor in Women with Previous Cesarean Section and Unfavorable Cervix: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The efficacy and safety of a cervical ripening balloon (CRB) in women with a previous cesarean section (CS) and unfavorable Bishop score are still controversial. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed across six tertiary hospitals from 2015 to 2019. Women with one previous transverse CS, singleton cephalic term pregnancy and BS < 6 were included if submitted to labor induction with a CRB. The main outcome was the rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) after CRB ripening. Secondary outcomes were abnormal composite fetal and maternal outcomes. Results: Of the 265 women included, 57.3% had successful vaginal birth. Augmentation improved vaginal delivery (32.2% vs. 21.2%). Intrapartum analgesia was associated with an increased VBAC rate (58.6% vs. 34.5%). Maternal BMI ≥30 and age ≥40 years increased emergency CS rate (11.8% vs. 28.3% and 7.2 vs. 15.9%). Composite adverse maternal outcome occurred in 4.8% of CRB group women and increased to 17.6% when associated with oxytocin. Uterine rupture occurred in one case (0.4%) in the CRB-oxytocin group. Poorer fetal outcome occurred after emergency CS, if compared to successful VBAC (12.4% vs. 3.3%). Conclusions: In women with a previous CS and unfavorable Bishop score, induction of labor with a CRB can be considered safe and effective.

An innovative web-based decision-aid about birth after cesarean for shared decision making in Taiwan: study protocol for a randomized control trial

BackgroundTaiwan has a high national caesarean rate coupled with a low vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) rate. This study aims to develop and evaluate a web-based decision-aid with communication support tools, to increase shared decision making (SDM) about birth after caesarean.MethodsA quantitative approach will be adopted using a randomized pre-test and post-test experimental design in a medical centre in northern Taiwan. The web-based decision aid consists of five sections. Section 1 provides a two-part video to introduce SDM and how to participate in SDM. Section 2 presents an overview of functions and features of the birth decision-aid. Section 3 presents relevant VBAC information, including definitions, benefits and risks, and an artificial intelligence (AI) calculator for rate and likelihood of VBAC success. Section 4 presents the information regarding elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD), involving definitions, benefits, and risks. Section 5 comprises four steps of decision making to meet women’s values and preferences. Pregnant women who have had one previous caesarean and are eligible for VBAC, will be recruited at 14–16 weeks. Participants will complete a baseline survey prior to random allocation to either the control group (usual care) or intervention group (usual care plus an AI-decision aid). A follow up survey at 35–38 weeks will measure change in decisional conflict, knowledge, birth mode preference, and decision-aid acceptability. Actual birth outcomes and satisfaction will be assessed one month after birth.DiscussionThe innovative web-based decision-aid with support tools will help to promote pregnant women’s decision-making engagement and communication with their providers and improve opportunities for supportive communication about VBAC SDM in Taiwan. Linking web-based AI data analysis into the medical record will also be assessed for feasibility during implementation in clinical practice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT05091944), Registered on October 24, 2021.

Validation of the Grobman model for successful vaginal birth after cesarean section in Jordanian women

BackgroundTo validate both models of Grobman nomogram (The antenatal and the intrapartum model) for predicting successful intended Vaginal Birth After Caesarean delivery (VBAC) in a Jordanian population.MethodsA retrospective study has identified all live, singleton, term, cephalic pregnancies with a previous lower segment cesarean section who opted for a Trial Of Labour After Caesarean Section (TOLAC) between January 2014 to December 2020. Five variables were used for the antenatal model, while ten variables were used for the intrapartum model. Two sets of patients were created: one for the antenatal model and the other for the intrapartum model. The predicted probability for each woman was calculated and compared with the successful VBAC for each category. The predictive ability was assessed with a receiver operating characteristic, and the area under the curve (AUC) was determined.ResultsThere were seven hundred and fourteen complete cases for the antenatal model and six hundred ninety-seven for the intrapartum model. Our population's overall number of VBAC is 83.89% for the antenatal group and 82.92% for the intrapartum group. The mean predicted probability for a successful intended VBAC using the antenatal and intrapartum models were 79.53 ± 13.47 and 78.64 ± 14.03, respectively. The antenatal and intrapartum predictive models ROC had an AUC of 65% (95% CI: 60%-71%) and 64% (95% CI: 58%-69%), respectively.ConclusionsBoth models are validated in the Jordanian population. Adapting the antenatal model as supporting evidence can lead to a higher rate of TOLAC.

Prediction of Success Rates of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery According to the Previous Indication for Cesarean Delivery

Background: Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) has long been accepted as a safe option for women with previous cesarean delivery. Previous efforts have been exerted in trials to predict the success rates of TOLAC according to specific parameters related to previous cesarean section and before TOLAC. We aimed to investigate the different indications of previous cesarean delivery as independent predictors for successful vaginal birth. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Armed Forces Hospitals of the Southern Region between December 15, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The included 566 patients with previous cesarean section who were willing to undergo a trial of labor were divided into two groups according to the success of vaginal birth (VBAC). Results: The nonrecurring indications for previous cesarean delivery were higher in the successful group (fetal distress 54.7% vs 41.1%, malpresentation 26% vs 21.4%, multifetal pregnancy 3.8% vs 2.7%). Additionally, the successful VBAC group had a significantly higher percentage of previous successful VBAC (47.7% vs 21.9%) and prior vaginal deliveries (58.5% vs 44.2%) and less coincidence of medical disorders and meconium-stained liquor (18.1% vs 26.3% and 3.2% vs 8.2%, respectively) than the unsuccessful group. Conclusion: During counseling regarding trial of labor after cesarean section, indications for previous cesarean section not related to arrest of labor can predict higher success of VBAC. Moreover, previous successful vaginal delivery or VBAC improves the success rates.

Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Score for the Prediction of Successful Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section – A Prospective Observational Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic and obstetrical factors affecting the chances of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery and to develop a scoring system for the prediction of same. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective observational study done over a period of 1 year. A total of 100 term pregnant women with previous one lower-segment cesarean section (LSCS) fulfilling the criteria for a trial of labor were recruited for the study. As 23 patients refused to undergo trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) in early labor, 77 women formed the study group. Parameters assessed to predict successful TOLAC were maternal age, body mass index (BMI), history of prior vaginal delivery, interdelivery interval, indication of previous cesarean section, gestational age, type of labor, Bishop's score, and expected baby weight. Scores 0–2 were given, and the mean score obtained was correlated with the outcome of TOLAC. Results: Successful vaginal delivery occurred in 57.14% (44/77) of women. BMI ≤30 kg/m2 (P = 0.004), parity ≤ 3 (P = 0.005), Bishop's score &gt;4 (P = 0.000), spontaneous onset of labor at the time of admission (P = 0.001), and nonrecurrent indication of previous LSCS (P = 0.029) were found to be significantly associated with the VBAC. The probability of having a successful VBAC was 83.3% and 100%, with the VBAC score value of more than 18 and 20, respectively. Conclusion: The mean VBAC score of 18–20 by the current scoring system is beneficial in predicting the outcome. This can help in counseling the patient, relatives as well as health professionals to undergo labor trial to decrease the cesarean section rate in the current era.

Rising trends in perinatal morbidity following trial of labor after cesarean delivery: population-based study

We aimed to investigate trends in major maternal and neonatal morbidities following the trial of labor after Cesarean delivery (TOLAC). In this study, we evaluated the ten-year trends in maternal and neonatal morbidity following TOLAC from the vital statistics natality birth data provided by National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from January 2011 to December 2020. Trends were evaluated in the following four populations: successful Vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery (VBAC), failed TOLAC [women who underwent CD after a failed trial of labor], elective repeat CD [women with a previous history of CD delivered via CD without any attempt for vaginal birth], and total United States birth population. The Mann-Kendall test was used to assess the trend. From 2011-2020, 675,743 (70.89%) had successful VBAC, 953,115 women underwent TOLAC, and 4,596,029 women delivered via elective repeat CD. Uterine rupture was higher in failed TOLAC population with a significant inclining trend (p-value 0.004). The unplanned hysterectomy, maternal transfusion, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission following the delivery were higher in mothers who underwent elective repeat CD and failed TOLAC, with an inclining trend in recent years. Regarding neonatal morbidity, the neonatal ICU admission more frequently occurred following the failed TOLAC and elective repeat CD with a significantly increasing trend in all four populations (p-value < 0.001 for all populations). Successful VBAC has the best outcome in terms of perinatal morbidity compared to repeat elective CD and failed TOLAC. A significant rising trend has been reported following TOLAC in recent years for the major perinatal morbidities in comparison to the total United States population. Our results present vital counseling points for patients considering TOLAC; particularly those who have lower chances for successful VBAC. It also highlights the need to reassess management strategies of pregnancies undergoing TOLAC.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean Section at Good Shepherd Mission Hospital at Tshikaji in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background: The success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section with a single cesarean scar is greater than 50%, the lack of the information about the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery pushes most of obstetricians to increase the num ber of cesarean sections following a previous cesarean section. Guidelines for Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) indicate that TOLAC offers women with no contraindications and one previous transverse low-segment cesarean. The objective of the current study was to study the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC), the indications for emergency repeat cesarean section and to determine the maternal and fetal prognosis in vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) at Tshikaji Mission Hospital. Patients, Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the records of 126 women were selected to undergo the TOLAC in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Tshikaji Mission Hospital over the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The data on demography, antenatal care, labour and delivery and outcomes were collected from the maternity unit of this hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0. Results: The TOLAC in 126 studied women. The course of work allowed vaginal delivery 107 parturient women, a success rate of successful VBAC of 85% after the TOLAC. The repeat emergency cesarean section was necessary for delivery in 15% of cases for failed TOLAC. There was no maternal mortality, but we recorded one fetal death or 0.8% of perinatal mortality, 2 cases of cicatricial dehiscence, the incidence of 1.6%. Maternal morbidity after delivery on cicatricial uterus was dominated by postpartum hemorrhages, with 19 cases or 15.1% of cases. Cervical dilatation of more than 3 cm at the time of admission, the parity more than 3 and were the significant factors in favor of a successful VBAC. Birth weight of more than 3500 g, fetal distress and malpresentation were associated with a lower success rate of VBAC. The TOLAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Pregnancy on a cicatricial uterus represents a high-risk pregnancy. Trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. There is a significantly high vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) success rate among selected women undergoing trial of scar in Tshikaji Hospital. TOLAC remains the option for childbirth in low resource settings as Kasai region in DRC. Adequate patient education and counselling in addition to appropriate patient selection for TOLAC remain the cornerstone to achieving high VBAC success rate.

Elective induction of labor following prior cesarean delivery

Following the ARRIVE trial, induction of labor at 39 weeks has increased in the United States. The risk of uterine rupture and optimal timing of elective induction in those women with a prior cesarean delivery is not well described, and they were not included in the ARRIVE trial. We aimed to estimate the risk of uterine rupture in those women undergoing elective induction of labor with a prior cesarean delivery. This was a retrospective cohort of women with a prior cesarean delivery from 1996 to 2000. Women were included if they had ≤ 2 prior cesareans. Women were excluded if they had a history of an unknown prior incision, a classical incision, gestational age < 39 weeks, any diabetes, chronic hypertension, twin gestation, collagen or vascular disease, or HIV. Those undergoing expectant management were compared to those undergoing elective induction with no medical or obstetrical indications for delivery. Analysis was performed at three gestational age groups: 39 weeks, 40 weeks, and 41 weeks. The primary outcome was uterine rupture. Secondary outcomes included vaginal delivery and a composite major morbidity. Comparisons were made using Student’s t-test or χ2 test as appropriate. At 39 weeks, 618 (10.3%) elective inductions were compared to 5365 (89.7%) undergoing expectant management; uterine rupture occurred more frequently (2.1% vs. 0.9%; P=0.006) with fewer successful VBAC (66.8% vs. 75%; P< 0.001). The risk of uterine rupture was similar between groups at 40 (0.8% vs. 1.2%; P=0.387) and 41 weeks (1.4% vs. 0.8%; P=0.448). Among elective inductions, the risk of rupture or major morbidity was not significantly different by timing, although 39 weeks was associated with more vaginal deliveries. Women undergoing elective induction of labor with a prior cesarean scar had an increased risk of uterine rupture when compared to expectant management at 39 weeks, with fewer successful VBAC. However, when induction is compared across all age groups, the risk of a major maternal morbidity is not increased.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Lower uterine segment thickness is assessed by ultrasound in individuals who have had prior caesarean sections

Introduction: The increased number of caesarean births is causing a great deal of professional and public worry. Using transvaginal and abdominal ultrasonography, estimate the critical thickness over which a safe vaginal birth is foreseeable in women who have previously had caesarean delivery. Method: 50 pregnant women who had previously had a caesarean section served as the case group in a case-control research, whereas 50 pregnant women who had never undergone a caesarean section served as the control group. The gestational age was between 38 and 40 weeks. The thickness of the LUS was measured using TA and TV ultrasonography in both groups; in the study group, a thickness of >2 mm was regarded as good healing and a thickness of 2 mm as poor healing; the mode of delivery for women was either trial VBAC (unless an obstetrical indication for CS existed) or ERCS. There was a correlation between U/S measures and every intraoperative LUS manifestation and delivery result. Result: The total VBAC success rate was 52%, the incidence of dehiscence was 4%, and there was no uterine rupture. The overall VBAC success rate was 84%. Between TA and TV ultrasonography, there was a 95% correlation. The ROC curve's crucial cut off value for safe LUS thickness was 2.5mm. Conclusion: In women who have had a prior caesarean section, sonography enables a reliable measurement of the LUS thickness, making it theoretically possible to utilise it to foretell the risk of uterine rupture during a trial vaginal delivery.

Quality Initiative to Reduce Failed Trial of Labor after Cesarean Using Calculated VBAC Success Likelihood.

Vaginal birth after cesarean can reduce morbidity associated with multiple cesarean deliveries. Failed vaginal birth after cesarean is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Vaginal Birth After Cesarean calculator is a validated tool to predict the likelihood of successful trial of labor after cesarean. Predicted likelihood < 60% has been associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. We sought to determine if formal incorporation of calculated vaginal birth after cesarean likelihood into patient-centered counseling would reduce failed vaginal birth after cesarean. This is a quality improvement intervention at a single tertiary-care academic medical center, in which standardized patient counseling was implemented, facilitated by an electronic medical record template featuring patient-specific likelihood of vaginal birth after cesarean success. Term singleton pregnancies with history of one to two cesareans were included; those with contraindication to labor were excluded. Historical controls (January 2016-December 2018, n = 693) were compared with a postimplementation cohort (January 2019-April 2020, n = 328). Primary outcome was failed vaginal birth after cesarean. Fewer patients in the postintervention cohort had a history of an arrest disorder (PRE: 48%, 330/693 vs. POST: 40%, 130/326, p = 0.03); demographics were otherwise similar, including the proportion of patients with <60% likelihood of success (PRE: 39%, 267/693, vs. POST: 38%, 125/326). Following implementation, induction of labor in patients with a <60% likelihood of successful vaginal birth after cesarean decreased from 17% (45/267) to 5% (6/125, p < 0.01). The proportion of failed vaginal birth after cesarean decreased from 33% (107/329) to 22% (32/143, p = 0.04). Overall vaginal birth after cesarean rate did not change (PRE: 32%, 222/693, vs. POST: 34%, 111/326, p = 0.52). An intervention targeting provider counseling that included a validated vaginal birth after cesarean success likelihood was associated with decreased risk of failed trial of labor after cesarean without affecting overall vaginal birth after cesarean rate. · Labored cesarean increases maternal morbidity.. · Application of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) calculator to antenatal counseling decreased labored cesarean.. · Application of the MFMU calculator to antenatal counseling did not decrease overall vaginal birth after cesarean rate..

Artificial rupture of membranes as a mode for induction of labor in women with a previous cesarean section- a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundInduction of labor in women with a previous cesarean section (CS) is associated with increased rates of uterine rupture and failed attempt for vaginal delivery. Prostaglandins use is contraindicated in this population, limiting available options for cervical ripening.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) as a mode of Induction of labor (IOL) in women with a previous cesarean section.MethodsA retrospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary care center between January 2015 and October 2020. Women with one previous cesarean section and a current singleton term pregnancy requiring IOL, with an unfavorable cervix, were included. The primary outcome was a successful vaginal delivery (VBAC); secondary outcomes were rates of chorioamnionitis, uterine rupture and low Apgar score (< 7).ResultsOf the 665 women who met the inclusion criteria, 492 (74%) did not receive subsequent oxytocin and 173 (26%) did. There were significant differences in the baseline characteristics between these two groups, including maternal age, cervical dilation at presentation, parity, and a history of a previous VBAC. Among women who were induced solely by AROM the rate of a successful TOLAC was higher (81.3% vs 73.9%), total time of IOL was shorter (mean 8.7 h vs.16.1 h) and the risk of chorioamnionitis was lower (7.3% vs 18.4%). When subdividing the women who received oxytocin into early (< 12 h after AROM) vs late (> 12 h after AROM) administration, there were no significant changes in the rates of successful VBAC or of chorioamnionitis.ConclusionAROM as a single mode of IOL in women with a previous CS is a safe and efficient practice with high rates of successful VBAC. When spontaneous labor does not develop, there is no advantage to delay the administration of oxytocin.

Effect of Short Inter-Pregnancy Interval on the Outcome of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section

Objective: To determine the effect of short inter-pregnancy interval on the outcome of vaginal birth after cesarean section.&#x0D; Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan to Oct 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 400 pregnant females were selected for this study. For every consecutive pregnant woman with a previous cesarean section and short inter-pregnancy interval (&lt;18 months) recruited into the study, a suitable control with inter-pregnancy interval ≥18 months were recruited.&#x0D; Results: Only 107(53.5 %) females with short interpregnancy interval had a successful vaginal birth after cesarean section, whereas 143(71.5 %) females with &gt;18 months’ inter-pregnancy interval had a successful VBAC. In patients with a history of vaginal delivery, the success of vaginal birth after the cesarean section was significantly higher than in those without previous vaginal delivery or VBAC (p=0.005). 231 out of 250(92.4%) pregnant females with spontaneous onset of labour had a successful VBAC compared to those who had induction of labour, 19(7.6%) (p=0.005). Patients who needed augmentation during delivery had a higher rate of undergoing a cesarean section than VBAC (p=0.003). However, no significant difference was observed in the spontaneous onset of labour and the need for induction and augmentation of labour for the inter-pregnancy interval.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study concluded that with increasing inter-pregnancy interval, the chances of a successful VBAC increase (p=0.001) with fewer reported complications.

Analysis of Maternal and Infant Outcomes and Related Factors of Vaginal Delivery of Second Pregnancy after Cesarean Section.

Objective To explore the clinical effect of different delivery methods and the safety of vaginal delivery of second pregnancy after cesarean section and analyze the related factors. Methods A total of 738 eligible pregnant women who underwent cesarean section from September 2018 to August 2020 were randomly selected from our hospital. Among them, 527 pregnant women successfully delivered vaginally were selected as the observation group, and 211 pregnant women who failed vaginal delivery were selected as the control group. To analyze the factors that influence the success of vaginal delivery of second pregnancy after cesarean section and compare the outcomes of mother and infant in two groups. Results There was no significant difference in age, prenatal body mass index (BMI), and thickness of lower uterine segment between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in fetal head orientation, fetal abdominal circumference, fetal biparietal diameter, uterine height, premature rupture of membranes, Bishop score, and epidural anesthesia during labor between the two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fetal abdominal circumference, fetal head orientation, Bishop score, and epidural anesthesia during labor were independent factors affecting the success of VBAC (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of uterine rupture between the two groups (P > 0.05). The amount of postpartum hemorrhage in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Apgar score, asphyxia rate, and hospitalization rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion There are many factors that influence the success of vaginal delivery after cesarean section. Through prenatal comprehensive evaluation of vaginal delivery conditions, we can guide the parturient to choose a reasonable mode of delivery, reduce the incidence of complications, and improve the outcome of mother and baby.

SUCCESSFUL PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease affecting skin and mucous membranes, rarely found in pregnancy. It is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. Here we report the case of a woman who conceived while on treatment for active pemphigus vulgaris, and had a successful VBAC.

Delivery outcome and predictors of successful vaginal birth after primary cesarean delivery: A comparative study

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the rate and predictive factors for successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, and measure maternal and neonatal outcomes of VBAC following one previous cesarean delivery. Methods: In this hospital-based prospective study, sixty women with one previous CD (subjects) who attempted VBAC and another sixty without previous CD (controls) carrying singleton cephalic fetuses matched for maternal age, parity, and gestational age were compared. The primary outcome measures were successful vaginal delivery and its predictors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22.0), and p&lt;0.05 was significant. Results: Out of 1768 deliveries, 105 (5.9%) had one previous CD; 57.1% (60/105) attempted while 61.7% (37/60) had successful VBAC; 23 (38.3%) had failed VBAC and repeat CD, while 14 (23.3%) of the control group had CD. The significant predictors of successful VBAC were cervical dilatation ≥4cm on admission (p=0.003), maternal age &gt;35 years (p=0.019); and augmentation of labor (p=0.020); while previous vaginal delivery (p=0.108), parity (p=0.706), BMI (0.240), and inter-delivery interval (p=0.265) were not statistically significant. The maternal and neonatal outcomes were not statistically different among women who had successful VBAC after one CD compared to women without previous CD. Important morbidities following VBAC included uterine rupture (3.3%) and primary postpartum hemorrhage (6.7%). There was no peripartum hysterectomy or maternal death; the perinatal mortality rate was 16.7/1,000 live births for women who attempted VBAC while no perinatal death was recorded among the controls. Conclusion: VBAC is safe, and its outcome is comparable to women without previous CD.

Simplifying the prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: role of the cervical exam

Objective Predicting likelihood of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a cornerstone in counseling patients considering a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Yet, the simplified Bishop score (SBS), a score comprised cervical dilation, station, and effacement assessment used to predict successful vaginal delivery, has not been applied to the TOLAC population. We evaluated the relationship between admission SBS and likelihood of successful VBAC. We also determined the predictive characteristics of SBS, compared to cervical dilation alone, for successful VBAC. Methods This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of patients with a singleton gestation, ≥37 0/7 weeks gestation, and prior cesarean admitted to Labor & Delivery between 2010 and 2014. The primary outcome of successful VBAC was compared between those with a favorable (score >5) and unfavorable (score ≤5) admission SBS. Secondary outcomes were select maternal and neonatal outcomes. Adjusted risk ratios were estimated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Receiver-operating characteristic curves compared predictive capabilities of cervical dilation alone to SBS for successful VBAC. Results Of the 656 patients who underwent a TOLAC during the study period, 421 (64%) had a successful VBAC. 203 (31%) and 453 (69%) had a favorable and an unfavorable admission SBS, respectively. After adjusting for body mass index and prior vaginal delivery, patients with a favorable admission SBS had a 30% greater likelihood of successful VBAC compared to those with an unfavorable SBS (aRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16–1.40). Admission cervical dilation alone performed similarly to SBS as a predictor of successful VBAC, with a receiver-operator characteristic curve area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 (95% CI 0.64–0.72) versus an AUC 0.66 (95% CI 0.62–0.70), respectively (p = .07). There were no differences in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes between those with an unfavorable and favorable SBS. Conclusions A favorable admission SBS is associated with an increased likelihood of VBAC. Although both admission SBS and cervical dilation alone are only modest predictors of VBAC, admission cervical dilation performs overall similarly to current models for VBAC prediction and is an objective, reproducible, and generalizable measure. Our study highlights the value of waiting until end of pregnancy (rather than the first prenatal visit) to conclude patient counseling on the decision to TOLAC in order to consider admission cervical assessment, particularly cervical dilation.

Vaginal birth after cesarean section: Experience from a regional hospital

ObjectiveTrial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is an option for women with previous cesarean section. However, few women choose this option because of safety concerns. We evaluate the safety and risks associated with TOLAC and the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC). Material and methodsWe reviewed all patients with a history of previous cesarean section that underwent elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) or TOLAC in a regional teaching hospital from Nov, 2013 to May, 2018. Maternal basic clinical information, intrapartum management, postpartum complications, and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. Results199 pregnant women with a history of at least one previous cesarean section were enrolled. 156 women received ERCS and 43 women (21.6%) underwent TOLAC, with 37 (86.0%) who underwent successful VBAC. The VBAC rate was 18.6%. Higher success rate was found in women with previous vaginal birth than in women without vaginal birth (100% vs. 81.8%). One case (2.3%) in the VBAC group was complicated with uterine rupture and inevitable neonatal death during second stage of labor. The uterus was repaired without maternal complications. In another case, the newborn's condition was complicated with low APGAR score (<7) at birth due to maternal chorioamnionitis. Among indications for previous cesarean section, cephalo-pelvic disproportion (CPD) was associated with TOLAC failure and uterine rupture after VBAC. ConclusionVBAC is a feasible and safe option. Modes of delivery should be thoroughly discussed when considering TOLAC for women with history of previous cesarean section due to CPD, considering its association with TOLAC failure in second stage of labor.

Fetal and maternal outcomes of trial of Labour with uterine scar.

Objective: To ascertain the vaginal birth rate following the trial of uterine scar and its outcomes. Study Design: Cross-sectional Observational study. Setting: Department of Gynecology Bakhtawar Amin Trust Teaching Hospital Multan. Period: 6th August 2020 to 6th August 2021. Material &amp; Methods: After passing through selection criteria, all enrolled women underwent serial ultrasound including pelvis ultrasound to access scar thickness up to thirty-six gestation weeks. All women were evaluated for baseline investigations, clinical history, and underwent cardiotocography (CTG) which was then followed by a trial of labor (TOL). Women who experienced spontaneous labor after TOL were observed through partogram and intrapartum CTG. All maternal and fetal outcomes were observed. Results: Out of these 80 women, 51 (63.7%) had successfully given birth through the vaginal route while 29 (36.2%) underwent emergency CS following TOL. The majority of enrolled women, 62 (77.5%) had age less than 35 years, 45 (56.2%) had parity 1-4, and 74 (92.5%) had gestation age &gt;36 weeks. 3 (5.8%) women had a history of VBAC and all had parity &gt;4. Among the women with successful VBAC, the majority were younger than 35 years (88.2%), parity less than 4 (62.7%), and all were positive for previous successful VBAC. Postpartum hemorrhage was the most reported maternal complication (3.9%). Three (4.4%) experienced intra-uterine deaths which were the major fetal complications. Conclusion: Trial of vaginal birth following cesarean section could be a preferable option given its association with low fetal and maternal complications and considerable success rate.

Vaginal birth after cesarean or recurrent elective cesarean section: What are the decision making processes of pregnant women in Turkey? A phenomenological study

What is known about deciding the mode of delivery after cesarean section (CS) is limited. Our aim was explore women’s decision-making process since pregnancy. Constant comparative analysis was used in the analysis. COREQ checklist was used in reporting. The main theme was inability of having control. Four categories emerged; reasons for wanting VBAC, VBAC experiences, reasons for RCS, and RCS experiences. Women did not have an absolute say in their decisions. RCS experiences were defined as traumatic and VBAC experiences were defined as achievement that provided strength and pride. Findings contribute to the literature on increasing the success of VBAC the importance and encouraging healthcare professionals.