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Purpose: This study aimed to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with polyhydramnios attempting trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) compared to those undergoing planned repeat cesarean delivery (PRCD)., Methods: A multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted and included women with term singleton viable pregnancies following a single low-segment transverse cesarean delivery (CD) with a polyhydramnios diagnosis (maximal vertical pocket > 8 cm and/or Amniotic Fluid Index > 24 cm) within 14 days before birth who delivered between the years 2017 and 2021. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between those attempting TOLAC and those opting for PRCD. The primary outcome was composite adverse maternal. Univariate analysis was followed by multivariate analysis to control for potential confounders., Results: Out of 358 included births with a previous CD, 208 (58.1%) attempted TOLAC, while 150 had PRCD (41.9%). The successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rate was 82.2%, and no cases of uterine rupture, hysterectomy, or maternal intensive care unit admission occurred in either group. After controlling for potential confounders, no independent association between TOLAC and composite adverse maternal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-1.20, p = 0.16) and neonatal (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.51-1.53, p = 0.67) adverse outcomes was demonstrated., Conclusion: In patients with a term diagnosed polyhydramnios, TOLAC appears to be a reasonable alternative associated with favorable outcomes. Larger prospective studies are needed to refine management strategies and enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes in this context., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: To investigate the rates and odds ratios (ORs) of early maternal complications among patients with major placenta previa (PP) who have undergone high-order repeat cesarean deliveries (HOR-CDs) in comparison to those with low-order repeat cesarean deliveries (LOR-CDs)., Methods: We carried out a retrospective review of all major PP patients (n=184) who delivered through second or subsequent repeat CDs, from January 2012 to December 2021 (Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia). The patients were categorized into 2 groups: the LOR-CDs group (n=100), comprising individuals with their second and third CDs (CD2-CD3) and the HOR-CDs group (n=84), consisting of those undergoing their fourth to seventh CDs (CD4-CD7)., Results: In comparison to the LOR-CDs, the HOR-CDs group with major PP exhibited significantly higher rates and ORs of early maternal complications, including MRI-diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum (PAS, OR=2.67), transfusions of packed red blood cells (OR=2.71), moderate to severe intra-operative bleeding (OR=1.80), emergency hysterectomy (OR=2.96), urological injuries (OR=3.17), and length of post-operative hospital stay (OR=3.91). The major PP subgroup undergoing CD6-CD7 showed the highest rates and ORs for PAS diagnosis at 84.6% (OR=3.98) and emergency hysterectomy at 28.6% (OR=4.04)., Conclusion: Among patients with major PP, undergoing more than 3 CDs is associated with a notable increase in both the rates and ORs of various early maternal complications. This trend of increasing many complications correlates directly with an ascending number of CDs., (Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.)

Objective:  This study aimed to compare adverse neonatal outcomes associated with the trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) at term in pregnancies according to maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; kg/m 2 ) and the presence of previous vaginal delivery (VD)., Study Design:  This was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of individuals with singleton, cephalic, and term deliveries with a history of one or two cesarean deliveries in the Linked Birth/Infant Death data from 2011 to 2020. Outcomes were examined according to the BMI category including BMI <30, 30 to 39.9, and 40 to 69.9 kg/m 2 . The primary outcome was a composite neonatal outcome, defined as any presence of neonatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admission, assisted ventilation, surfactant therapy, or seizures. Outcomes were compared between TOLAC and elective repeat cesarean delivery (eRCD) after stratifying by BMI category and previous VD. Log-binomial regression was performed to obtain adjusted relative risk (aRR) with 99% confidence intervals, controlling for covariates., Results:  Of 4,055,440 individuals, 2,627,131 had BMI <30 kg/m 2 , 1,108,278 had BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m 2 , and 320,031 had BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m 2 . In individuals with no previous VD, VD rates after TOLAC were 66.7, 57.2, and 48.1%, respectively. In individuals with previous VD, VD rates after TOLAC were 81.4, 74.7, and 67.3%, respectively. In individuals without previous VD, compared with those who had an eRCD, those who had TOLAC were more likely to experience composite neonatal outcomes in individuals with BMI < 30 kg/m 2 (5.0 vs. 6.5%; aRR = 1.33 [1.30-1.36]), BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m 2 (6.1 vs. 7.8%; aRR = 1.29 [1.24-1.34]), and BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m 2 (8.2 vs. 9.0%; aRR = 1.15 [1.07-1.23]). In individuals with previous VD, there was no difference in the composite neonatal outcomes in BMI < 30 kg/m 2 (6.2 vs. 5.8%; aRR = 0.98 [0.96-1.00]), BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m 2 (7.4 vs. 7.1%; aRR = 0.99 [0.95-1.02]), and BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m 2 (9.4 vs. 8.7%; aRR = 0.96 [0.91-1.02])., Conclusion:  TOLAC among obese individuals could be offered in selected cases., Key Points: · TOLAC among obese individuals could be offered selectively, despite their reduced likelihood of attempting or succeeding at it.. · Higher BMI individuals show decreased rates of both attempting and achieving successful TOLAC.. · Despite these trends, attempting TOLAC after a previous vaginal delivery does not heighten neonatal complications.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Most German hospitals do not offer a trial of labour after two caesarean sections (TOLA2C). TOLA2C is claimed to be associated with too many complications, above all the high risk of uterine rupture. The objective of this study is to review our experience with TOLA2C, with special attention paid to the risk and probability of uterine ruptures. Secondary outcomes include comparing neonatal and maternal outcomes in the group of TOLA2C with the group of elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS) and to assess the success rate for vaginal birth after two caesarean sections (VBAC-2)., Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted in a community hospital in North Rhine-Westphalia. Inclusion criteria were all pregnant women with two caesarean sections in their medical history, with a current vertex singleton pregnancy and the absence of morphological abnormalities of the foetus, who gave birth in our facility between January 2015 and June 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Fishers exact tests, Chi 2 -tests and t-tests for independent samples were performed., Results: A total of 91 cases were included in the TOLA2C-group. These were compared to 99 cases that, within the same time frame, had an elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS-group). There was no statistically significant difference found in the neonatal outcome between the two groups (except for the neonatal pH-value: p 0.024). The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TOLA2C-group, while maternal complication rates were almost similar (13.2% in the TOLA2C-Group, vs. 16.2% in the ERCS-Group). The success rate for TOLA2C was 55%. No complete uterine rupture was found, but in three cases an incomplete rupture (3.3% rate for incomplete uterine ruptures) occurred, but had no influence on the neonatal outcome., Conclusion: TOLA2C is not associated with a worse maternal or neonatal outcome compared to ERCS, and especially the risk of complete uterine ruptures seems to be low. TOLA2C should be more widely offered to suitable patients who are motivated for it., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The timing of planned repeat cesarean delivery (CD) is debateful in clinical practice. Planned repeat CD is typically scheduled before the spontaneous onset of labor to minimize the risk of uterine rupture during labor and the associated risk for fetal compromise. This timing should be balanced with the potential risk of delivering an infant who could benefit from additional maturation in utero. We aim to study the influence of gestational age at the time of repeat CD on maternal and fetal complications., Study Design: A population-based retrospective cohort study including all term singleton third CDs (≥ 37 weeks of gestation), between February-2020 and January-2022 at a tertiary medical center was conducted. Maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes were compared by gestational age at the time of the CD. A logistic regression models were constructed to adjust for confounders., Results: The study population included624 third CDs. Among them, two study groups were defined: 199 were at 37 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks of gestation, and 44 were at ≥ 39 weeks of gestation at the time of delivery. 381 were at 38 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks. Since our routine practice is to schedule elective CD at 38 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks of gestation, we defined this group as the comparison group. In a multivariate analysis, both study groups were associated with significantly higher rates of emergent CDs after adjusting for maternal age, parity, ethnicity, premature rapture of membranes, spontaneous onset of labor and birthweight. After adjusting also for emergent CDs, CDs at 37 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks of gestation were significantly associated with maternal and neonatal length of stay exceeding 4 days. Additionally, CDs at 37 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks of gestation were also associated with composite of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes., Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that scheduling third CD at 38 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks is associated with reduced risk of emergent CD, as well as beneficial maternal and neonatal outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Given the call to reduce rates of non-medically indicated cesarean deliveries (CDs) by encouraging trials of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), this study looks at social characteristics of patients choosing a TOLAC versus a scheduled repeat cesarean delivery (SRCD) to determine disparities regarding delivery method choice., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with a history of one CD between April 29, 2015-April 29, 2020. Patients were divided based on type of delivery chosen at admission. Chi-squared tests examined proportional differences between groups and logistic regression models examined odd ratios of choosing TOLAC versus SRCD according to socially dependent categories including race/ethnicity, health insurance, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)., Results: 1,983 patients were included. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that patients with a high SVI (reference: low/medium SVI) (AOR 2.0, CI: 1.5, 2.5), self-identified as Black/ African American (AOR: 2.4, CI: 1.6, 3.6) or Hispanic/Latina (AOR: 2.0, CI: 1.4, 2.8) (reference: White), had public insurance (reference: private insurance) (AOR: 3.7, CI: 2.8, 5.0), and who had an obese BMI (reference: non-obese BMI) were more likely to opt for a TOLAC rather than SRCD., Conclusion: These findings demonstrate differences in delivery method preferences. Specifically, more disadvantaged patients are more likely to choose TOLAC, suggesting that social and economic factors may play a role in delivery preferences. These findings have implications for improving individualized counselling and engaging in shared decision-making around mode of delivery., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Rates of cesarean birth (CBs) are steadily increasing and account for 36.7% of all births in New South Wales (NSW), with primary cesareans driving the increase. NSW Health guidelines recommend women attempt a vaginal birth after a previous CB (VBAC); however, rates of VBAC are decreasing, particularly within the private hospital setting. This study aimed to determine the rates of adverse outcomes for women who planned a VBAC (pVBAC) compared with women who planned an elective repeat CB (pERCB) at one private hospital in Sydney, Australia., Method: This retrospective data review evaluated patient records over a 10-year period (2010-2019). Records (n = 2039) were divided into four groups: pVBAC, pVBAC + EMCB, labor + ERCB (lab + ERCB), and pERCB. The incidence of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes is reported as counts and percentages. Regression and chi-squared tests were used to compare groups. Significance was determined at a p-value of <0.05., Results: Overall, very low rates (N = 148, 7.3%) of women had a VBAC compared with a repeat CB at this private hospital over the 10-year period. The incidence of adverse outcomes was low regardless of study group. Outcomes differed significantly between groups for postpartum hemorrhage (pERCB seven times less likely than VBAC group) and special care nursery admission (pVBAC + EMCB is 4.6 times more likely than in the VBAC group)., Conclusion: Overall, it is safe to attempt a VBAC at this private hospital, and labor after a cesarean should be recommended, yet very few women had a VBAC at the study site. The incidence of adverse outcomes was low compared with other published research., (© 2024 The Authors. Birth published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: With the increasing number of cesarean sections worldwide, the need to determine the gestational age for scheduled cesarean sections has increased. The literature needs clear information, especially about cesarean sections four or more times. Our study aims to determine the ideal gestational week for mothers and babies in patients who are not in labor and who will have four or more cesarean sections., Methods: In our retrospective study, the records of 2318 pregnant women were accessed, and those with singleton pregnancies, without medication use during pregnancy, and without any complicated pregnancies, such as newly defined preeclampsia, diabetes, and thyroid disease, and those over 18 years of age were included. All of the cesarean sections were under scheduled conditions (no beginning of labor and no pain/contraction). The exclusion criteria were patients with vaginal dilatation and effacement, a history of uterine rupture, and a diagnosis of placental adhesion spectrum disorder. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated., Results: Although there was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes according to gestational week, regardless of the number of cesarean sections, transient tachypnea of the newborn increased significantly in scheduled cesareans performed at the 37th week compared with other weeks ( p  < 0.01). The results can be expected at 39 weeks and above., Conclusion: As a result, patients should not undergo cesarean section before 39 weeks unless they are in labor, and it seems safe to wait until 39 weeks.

Objective: Cesarean section (CS) rates have been on the rise globally, leading to an increasing number of women facing the decision between a Trial of Labor after two Cesarean Sections (TOLAC-2) or opting for an Elective Repeat Cesarean Section (ERCS). This study evaluates and compares safety outcomes of TOLAC and ERCS in women with a history of two previous CS deliveries., Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMbase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched for studies published until 30 June 2023. Eligible studies were included based on predetermined criteria, and a random-effects model was employed to pool data for maternal and neonatal outcomes., Results: Thirteen studies with a combined sample size of 101,011 women who had two prior CS were included. TOLAC-2 was associated with significantly higher maternal mortality (odds ratio (OR)=1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.25-1.81) and higher chance of uterine rupture (OR = 7.15, 95% CI = 3.44-14.87) compared to ERCS. However, no correlation was found for other maternal outcomes, including blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or post-partum hemorrhage. Furthermore, neonatal outcomes, such as Apgar scores, NICU admissions, and neonatal mortality, were comparable in the TOLAC-2 and ERCS groups., Conclusion: Our findings suggest an increased risk of uterine rupture and maternal mortality with TOLAC-2, emphasizing the need for personalized risk assessment and shared decision-making by healthcare professionals. Additional studies are needed to refine our understanding of these outcomes in the context of TOLAC-2.

Introduction: The avoidance of liability cases for birth defects due to medical information errors is in the urgent interest of obstetric clinics in Germany. The aim of this study throughout Germany was to have a newly developed information concept with regard to the frequent situation of the relatively indicated secondary caesarean section evaluated by the obstetric clinics in Germany as to its usefulness in practice and to analyze response behaviour on a comparative basis., Methods: All obstetric clinics in Germany were contacted within the context of an anonymous online study using a specially developed questionnaire and asked to answer 5 questions. The clinics were divided into two comparison groups based on their previous information practices in relation to the use of a general information sheet when registering a birth with a medical information discussion., Results: 93 questionnaires were analyzed. The majority of the clinics (59.14%) attested to the usefulness in practice of the new information algorithm. In the group comparison, there are clear differences in evaluation., Conclusion: In their own interest, the clinic operators should strive to provide their doctors with a legally compliant information concept along with the necessary human and material resources., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess the (i) predictors of and associated rates of success and; (ii) maternal and perinatal outcomes of women undergoing trial of labour after two previous caesarean sections (TOLA2C)., Study Design: This retrospective cohort study collected data from two regional obstetric centres with 12,000 deliveries per annum collectively. The population included singleton pregnancies undergoing (i) TOLA2C, (ii) elective repeat caesarean section following two caesarean sections (ERCS) and (iii) trial of labour after one caesarean section (TOLA1C). Data was collected electronically from 2013 to 2021. Statistical analysis included Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis test to compare unpaired samples alongside univariate and multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome measure was maternal and perinatal outcome., Results: The three groups included; n = 146 TOLA2C, n = 206 ERCS and n = 99 TOLA1C. TOLA2C had a success rate of 65 % compared to 74 % for TOLA1C (p = 0.16). The optimal predictor of successful TOLA2C was previous successful TOLA1C OR 8.65 (95 % CI 2.75-38.41). TOLA2C was associated with greater risk of endometritis and/or sepsis postnatally compared to the other two groups [10.3 % (n = 15) versus 0.5 % (n = 1) and 3 % (n = 3) for ERCS and TOLA1C respectively p < 0.01]. It was also associated with longer maternal hospital stay [2.4 days (+/-1.8) versus 1.8 (+/-0.8) and 1.8 (+/-1.7) p < 0.01], a greater proportion of neonates with Apgar scores less than 7 (p=<0.01) and higher rates of neonatal unit admission [14 % (n = 20) versus 5 % (n = 11) versus 4 % (n = 4) (p=<0.01)]., Conclusion: Women considering trial of labour following two caesarean sections should be counselled regarding the potential increased risk of endometritis, sepsis and adverse neonatal outcome., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Australia's caesarean rate is higher than Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, and is rising. Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is safe for selected women. Midwifery continuity of care (CoC) is associated with higher rates of vaginal birth compared to other models; however, impacts on VBAC attempts and success are unknown., Aims: The primary aim was to determine if there is a difference in achieving VBAC between CoC and non-CoC (NCoC) models. The secondary aim was to determine if there is a difference in the proportion of women attempting VBAC between these models., Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of antenatal records and birthing data of all women who birthed in 2021 with one or more previous caesareans. Women were included if they had two or fewer caesareans. Women were excluded if contraindications to VBAC existed., Results: There were 142/1109 (12.8%) women who had previous caesareans and were eligible to attempt VBAC. There were 47/109 (43.1%) women who attempted vaginal birth after one caesarean with 78.7% success. After one caesarean, women in CoC were more likely to achieve VBAC than NCoC (45.2% vs 26.1%; relative risk (RR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-3.00), although when stratified by private and midwifery CoC models, women in midwifery CoC models were more likely to be successful (private RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.23-2.07 vs midwifery RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.50-4.11). Women in CoC were more likely to attempt VBAC (54.7% vs 34.8%; RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.41), and receive counselling about VBAC (92.5% vs 62%; RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.41-3.11)., Conclusion: CoC improves the rate of attempted and successful VBAC through several factors, including increased counselling and greater provision of birth choices., (© 2024 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Background: Globally, cesarean birth rates are rising, and while it can be a lifesaving procedure, cesarean birth is also associated with increased maternal and perinatal risks. This study aims to describe changes over time about the mode of birth and perinatal outcomes in second-pregnancy women with one previous cesarean birth in the Netherlands over the past 20 years., Methods: We conducted a nationwide, population-based study using the Dutch perinatal registry. The mode of birth (intended vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) compared with planned cesarean birth) was assessed in all women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth who gave birth to a term singleton in cephalic presentation between 2000 and 2019 in the Netherlands (n = 143,146). The reported outcomes include the trend of intended VBAC, VBAC success rate, and adverse perinatal outcomes (perinatal mortality up to 7 days, low Apgar score at 5 min, asphyxia, and neonatal intensive care unit admission ≥24 h)., Results: Intended VBAC decreased by 21.5% in women with one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth, from 77.2% in 2000 to 55.7% in 2019, with a marked deceleration from 2009 onwards. The VBAC success rate dropped gradually, from 71.0% to 65.3%, across the same time period. Overall, the cesarean birth rate (planned and unplanned) increased from 45.2% to 63.6%. Adverse perinatal outcomes were higher in women intending VBAC compared with those planning a cesarean birth. Perinatal mortality initially decreased but remained stable from 2009 onwards, with only minimal differences between both modes of birth., Conclusions: In the Netherlands, the proportion of women intending VBAC after one previous cesarean birth and no prior vaginal birth has decreased markedly. Particularly from 2009 onwards, this decrease was not accompanied by a synchronous reduction in perinatal mortality., (© 2023 The Authors. Birth published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: We hypothesized that among obese patients with a history of cesarean birth, a TOLAC is associated with decreased composite maternal adverse outcomes (CMAO) compared to planned repeat low transverse cesarean section (RLTCS)., Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study using the National Birth Certificate database from 2016 to 2020, we compared obese patients who attempted TOLAC at term (≥ 37 weeks estimated gestational age) to planned RLTCS. The primary outcome was a CMAO, defined as delivery complications, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, or maternal blood transfusion., Results: Overall, 794,278 patients met inclusion criteria for the study; 126,809 underwent a TOLAC, and 667,469 had a planned RLTCS. The overall CMAO was significantly higher for patients undergoing TOLAC (9.0 per 1000 live births) compared to RLTCS (5.3 per 1000 live births; aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.53-1.75)., Conclusion: This data demonstrate that in obese patients with prior cesarean birth, a trial of labor is associated with increased maternal morbidity when compared to a planned repeat cesarean birth., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether a trial of labor after two cesarean deliveries (TOLAC2) increases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and identify prognostic factors for TOLAC2 success., Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single medical center. The study group was comprised of women with a history of TOLAC2. Outcomes were compared with women undergoing trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery (TOLAC1). The primary outcome was trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) success. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, uterine rupture, and combined adverse outcome (CAO; uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, 5-minute Apgar score < 7, pH < 7.1). Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis to identify prognostic factors for TOLAC2 success., Results: A total of 381 women who underwent TOLAC2 were compared with 3,635 women who underwent TOLAC1. Women attempting TOLAC2 were less likely to achieve vaginal births after cesarean delivery (VBAC; 80.8 and 92.5%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.47; p  < 0.001) and more likely to experience uterine rupture (0.8 vs. 0.2%; OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1-15.9; p  = 0.02) but not CAO (4.2 vs. 4.8%; OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.5-1.5; p  = 0.3). TOLAC2 women with no previous vaginal deliveries had a lower chance of VBAC and a higher risk of uterine rupture compared with TOLAC1 women without a prior vaginal delivery (45.2 vs. 86.3%; OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.07-0.25; p  < 0.001; 2.3 vs. 0%) and TOLAC2 women with a prior vaginal delivery (45.2 vs. 85.3%; OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.1-0.3; p  < 0.0001; 2.4 vs. 0.6%; OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 0.4-46.3; p  = 0.3). Multivariate analysis revealed that a history of vaginal delivery is an independent predictor of TOLAC2 success., Conclusion: Women attempting TOLAC2 are less likely to achieve VBAC and are at greater risk of uterine rupture compared with those attempting TOLAC1. Despite these risks, the overall success rates remain very high, and the absolute risk of adverse outcomes is still very low. Prior vaginal delivery seems to have a protective effect on TOLAC outcomes. These data should be used to counsel women and assist in decision-making when considering the mode of delivery in women with two previous cesarean sections., Key Points: · TOLAC2 has a lower chance of success and higher rate of uterine rupture compared with TOLAC1.. · Previous vaginal delivery is an independent predictor of TOLAC2 success.. · Overall TOLAC2 outcomes are associated with high chances of success and low risk of uterine rupture.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate if a secondary repeat cesarean after a trial of labor (TOLAC) without uterine rupture is associated with increased morbidity as compared with a scheduled elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD)., Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of repeat cesarean delivery (CD) in a single obstetrical practice between 2005 and 2022. Patients were included if they had a singleton pregnancy at term with one prior CD and had a repeat CD this pregnancy resulting in live birth. Patients were excluded if they had a prior myomectomy, more than one prior CD, uterine rupture in a prior or current pregnancy, or placenta previa in this pregnancy. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients who had a repeat cesarean after TOLAC and ERCD. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal morbidity that included hysterectomy, blood transfusion, cystotomy, bowel injury, intensive care unit admission, thrombosis, reoperation, or maternal mortality., Results: A total of 930 women met inclusion criteria. A total of 176 (18.9%) patients intended to labor and 754 (81.1%) planned an ERCD. There was no difference in the primary outcome between patients with a repeat cesarean after TOLAC compared with patients with ERCD (2.8 vs. 1.2%, p  = 0.158). Patients with repeat cesarean after labor had significantly more 1-minute Apgar scores less than 7, but no difference in 5-minute Apgar scores. We were powered to detect a difference in the primary outcome from 1.2% in the ERCD group to 3.3% in the repeat cesarean after labor group. Results did not differ when we analyzed patients who intended to TOLAC versus patients who actually labored prior CD., Conclusion: For women with one prior CD the morbidity of repeat cesarean after labor is not more than the morbidity of planned repeat CD. Our study can be helpful in delivery planning counseling for patients with one prior CD., Key Points: · Uterine rupture is a known risk of TOLAC.. · This study aimed to understand morbidity associated with labor.. · No added morbidity of repeat cesarean after labor is inferred in this study.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare the risks of adverse perinatal outcomes by body mass index (BMI) categories in healthy pregnant individuals delivered by term elective repeat cesarean (ERCD) to describe an optimal timing of delivery in otherwise healthy patients at the highest-risk BMI threshold., Study Design: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of pregnant individuals undergoing ERCD at 19 centers in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network from 1999 to 2002. Nonanomalous singletons undergoing prelabor ERCD at term were included. The primary outcome was composite neonatal morbidity; secondary outcomes included composite maternal morbidity and individual components of the composites. Patients were stratified by BMI classes and to identify a BMI threshold for which morbidity was the highest. Outcomes were then examined by completed week's gestation, between BMI classes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)., Results: A total of 12,755 patients were included in analysis. Patient's with BMI ≥ 40 had the highest rates of newborn sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and wound complications. While a weight-related response was observed between BMI class and neonatal composite morbidity ( p  < 0.001), only those with BMI ≥ 40 had significantly higher odds of composite neonatal morbidity (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). In analyses of patients with BMI ≥ 40 ( n  = 1,848), there was no difference in the incidence of composite neonatal or maternal morbidity across weeks' gestation at delivery; however, as gestational age approached 39 to 40 weeks, rates of adverse neonatal outcomes decreased, only to increase again at 41 weeks' gestation. Of note, the odds of the primary neonatal composite were the highest at 38 weeks compared with 39 weeks (aOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0)., Conclusion: Neonatal morbidity is significantly higher in pregnant individuals with BMI ≥40 delivering by ERCD. Despite this increased perinatal morbidity, delivery prior to 39 and after 41 weeks in these patients is associated with increased neonatal risks., Key Points: · Obese patients without additional comorbidities have higher rates of neonatal morbidity.. · Patients with BMI ≥ 40 carry the highest odds of poor perinatal outcomes.. · Earlier timing of delivery does not appear to reduce this risk.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Trial of labor after cesarean after 2 cesarean deliveries is linked to a lower success rate of vaginal delivery and higher rates of adverse obstetrical outcomes than trial of labor after cesarean after 1 previous cesarean delivery., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with failed trial of labor after cesarean among women with 2 previous cesarean deliveries., Study Design: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study, which included all women with singleton pregnancies attempting trial of labor after cesarean after 2 previous cesarean deliveries between 2003 and 2021. This study compared labor, maternal, and neonatal characteristics between women with failed trial of labor after cesarean and those with successful trial of labor after cesarean. Univariate analysis was initially performed, followed by multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals)., Results: The study included a total of 1181 women attempting trial of labor after cesarean after 2 previous cesarean deliveries. Among these cases, vaginal birth after cesarean was achieved in 973 women (82.4%). Women with failed trial of labor after cesarean had higher rates of maternal and neonatal morbidities. Several factors were found to be associated with failed trial of labor after cesarean, including longer interpregnancy and interdelivery intervals, lower gravidity and parity, lower rates of previous successful vaginal delivery, smoking, earlier gestational age at delivery (38.3±2.1 vs 39.5±1.3 weeks), late preterm delivery (34-37 weeks of gestation), lower cervical dilation on admission, no use of epidural, and smaller neonatal birthweight. Our multivariable model revealed that late preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-10.47) and cervical dilation on admission for labor <3 cm (adjusted odds ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-4.54) were associated with higher odds of failed trial of labor after cesarean., Conclusion: In the investigated population of women with 2 previous cesarean deliveries undergoing trial of labor after cesarean, admission at the late preterm period with a cervical dilation of <3 cm, which reflects the latent phase, may elevate the risk of failed trial of labor after cesarean and a repeated intrapartum cesarean delivery., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The preoperative prediction of intraperitoneal adhesion (IPA) before repeated cesarean deliveries (CD), which are becoming more prevalent, is crucial for maternal health., Aim: The aim of the study was to preoperatively predict IPA in repeated CD with the stria gravidarum (SG) scoring system., Methods: A total of 167 patients with at least one previous CD at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation were analyzed. Preoperative SG was calculated according to the Davey scoring system: 0-2 score were defined as mild SG (Group 1; n: 94, 56.2%), and 3-8 score were defined as severe SG (Group 2; n = 73, 43.8%). Preoperative previous cesarean incision features were evaluated according to the Vancouver scar scale. IPA was evaluated according to the Nair's and modified Nair's scoring systems., Results: Parity, younger age at first pregnancy, higher body mass index, number of previous CDs, rate of scar symptoms, Nair's and the modified Nair's scores were statistically significant in Group 2 (P = 0.01; P = 0.04; P = 0.007; P = 0.004; P < 0.001; P = 0.007; P = 0.02, respectively). Davey score ≥3 and Vancouver score ≥4.5 were determined as the cut-off value to predict IPA (P = 0.1 and 0.07, respectively). According to multivariate analysis, both Davey and Vancouver scores are independent factors in predicting IPA (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively)., Conclusion: Evaluating the SG score through the Davey score in women with a history of previous CD may assist in predicting IPA status before the planning of a subsequent surgery., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.)

Background: The increasing global incidence of cesarean section has prompted efforts to reduce cesarean delivery rates. A trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) has emerged as an alternative to elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) for women with a prior cesarean delivery. However, the available evidence on the comparative outcomes of these 2 options remains inconsistent, primarily due to varying advantages and risks associated with each. Our meta-analysis aims to compare the maternal-neonatal results in TOLAC and ERCD in women with prior cesarean deliveries., Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library databases up to September,2022 to identity studies evaluating perinatal outcomes in women who underwent TOLAC compared to ERCD following a previous cesarean delivery. The included studies were subjected to meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software to assess the overall findings., Results: A total of 13 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences were identified in the rate of uterine rupture (OR = 2.01,95%CI = 1.48-2.74, P < .00001) and APGAR score < 7 at 5 minutes (OR = 2.17,95%CI = 1.69-2.77, P < .00001) between the TOLAC and ERCD groups. However, no significant differences were observed in the rates of hysterectomy, maternal blood transfusion, postpartum infection, postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal intensive care unit (P ≥ .05) admission between the 2 groups., Conclusions: Our analysis revealed that TOLAC is associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture and lower incidence APGAR score < 7 at 5 minutes compared to ERCD. It is vital to consider predictive factors when determining the appropriate mode of delivery in order to ensure optimal pregnancy outcomes. Efforts should be made to identify the underlying causes of adverse outcomes and implement safety precautions to select suitable participants and create safe environments for TOLAC., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose: Even though the risks and advantages of repeat Cesarean sections (CSs) and vaginal births after cesarean section (VBACs) are well studied, there is a scarcity of information on the effects of previous CS on maternal and fetal outcomes during subsequent deliveries. The aim of this study is to evaluate delivery mode and fetal outcomes in a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC)., Methods: In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were used to evaluate the outcomes of TOLACs. TOLACs were compared to the outcomes of the trial of labor after previous successful vaginal delivery. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the primary outcomes (delivery mode, neonatal intensive care unit, and perinatal/neonatal mortality). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for comparison., Results: A total of 29 352 (77.0%) women attempted vaginal delivery in the TOLAC group. In the control group, 169 377 (97.2%) women attempted vaginal delivery. The adjusted odds for urgent CS (aOR 13.05, CI 12.59-13.65) and emergency CS (aOR 3.65, CI 3.26-4.08) were notably higher in the TOLAC group when compared to the control group. The odds for neonatal intensive care unit treatment (aOR 2.05, CI 1.98-2.14), perinatal mortality (aOR 2.15, CI 1.79-2.57), and neonatal mortality (aOR 1.75, CI 1.20-2.49) were higher in the TOLAC group., Conclusions: The odds for emergency CS were higher among women who underwent TOLAC. The odds for neonatal intensive care and perinatal mortality were also higher, and further research is needed to identify those expecting women who are better suited for TOLAC to minimize the risk for a neonate. The results of this study should be acknowledged by the mother and the clinician when considering the possibility of vaginal births after cesarean section.

The aim of this study was to determine the main contributors to caesarean section (CS) rates at an Australian tertiary hospital. We conducted a retrospective review of women who delivered in an Australian tertiary hospital between 2014 and 2017. Women were allocated according to a modified Robson Ten-Group Classification System and CS indications were collected in nulliparous women and women with previous CS. The largest contributor to the 35.7% overall CS rate was women with a term cephalic infant and a previous CS (31.5% relative CS rate) and the most common indication was repeat CS. The group CS rate in nulliparous women with a cephalic term infant was higher when labour was induced compared to occurring spontaneously (36.6% and 18.1% respectively). The primary CS indication for these women was labour dystocia and maternal request was the most common CS indication for nulliparous women with a pre-labour CS.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Significantly increasing caesarean section (CS) rates continue to prompt concern due to the associated neonatal and maternal risks. The World Health Organisation have endorsed the Robson Ten-Group Classification System to identify and analyse CS rate contributors. What do the results of this study add? We have used the modified Robson Ten-Group Classification System to identify that women with cephalic term infants who are nulliparous or who have had a previous CS are the largest contributors to overall CS rates. CS rates were higher in these nulliparous women if labour was induced compared to occurring spontaneously and the primary CS indication was labour dystocia. In nulliparous women with a CS prior to labour the most common CS indication was maternal request. Majority of women with a previous CS elected for a repeat CS. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? Future efforts should focus on minimising repeat CS in multiparous women and primary CS in nulliparous women. This may be achieved by redefining the definition of labour dystocia, exploring maternal request CS reasoning and critically evaluating induction timing and indication. Appropriately promoting a trial of labour in women with a previous CS in suitable candidates may reduce repeat CS incidence.

The objective of this retrospective, nationwide Finnish population-based cohort study was to determine whether there is an association between preterm caesarean breech delivery in the first pregnancy and maternal and neonatal morbidity in the subsequent pregnancy and delivery. We identified all singleton preterm breech birth in Finland from 2000 to 2017 (n = 1259) and constructed a data set of the first two deliveries for these women. We compared outcomes of the following pregnancy and delivery among women with a previous preterm caesarean breech section with the outcomes of women with one previous vaginal preterm breech birth. p Value, odds ratio, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. Neonates of women with a previous caesarean preterm breech delivery had an increased risk for arterial umbilical cord pH below seven (1.2% versus 0%; p value .024) and a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission [22.9% versus 15% adjusted OR 1.57 (1.13-2.18); p value <.001]. The women with a previous caesarean section had a higher rate of uterine rupture (2.3% versus 0%; p value .001). They were also more likely in the subsequent pregnancy to have a planned caesarean section [19.9% versus 4% adjusted OR 8.55 (4.58-15.95), an emergency caesarean section [21.5% versus 9.7% adjusted OR 2.16 (1.28-2.18)], or an instrumental vaginal delivery [9.3% versus 3.8% adjusted OR 2.38 (1.08-5.23)].IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Vaginal birth after caesarean section is generally known to be associated with a higher risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity. What do the results of this study add? The following birth after previous caesarean preterm breech section is associated with a higher rate of uterine rupture and with a higher rate neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and more often an arterial umbilical cord pH below seven regardless of the mode of the following delivery, compared to women with a subsequent delivery after a previous vaginal preterm breech birth. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results must be considered when counselling patients regarding their first preterm breech delivery, as the selected method of delivery also affects the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies and deliveries.

Objective: To investigate the association between planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section and a child's risk of having a record of special educational needs (SENs)., Design: Population-based cohort study., Setting: Scotland., Population: A cohort of 44 892 singleton children born at term in Scotland between 2002 and 2011 to women with one or more previous caesarean sections., Methods: Linkage of Scottish national health and education data sets., Main Outcome Measures: Any SENs and specific types of SEN recorded when a child was aged 4-11 years and attending a Scottish primary or special school., Results: Children born following planned vaginal birth after previous caesarean (VBAC) compared with elective repeat caesarean section (ERCS) had a similar risk of having a record of any SENs (19.24 versus 17.63%, adjusted risk ratio aRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.99-1.09) or specific types of SEN. There was also little evidence that planned VBAC with or without labour induction compared with ERCS was associated with a child's risk of having a record of any SENs (21.42 versus 17.63%, aRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.17 and 18.78 versus 17.63%, aRR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98-1.08, respectively) or most types of SEN. However, an increased risk of sensory impairment was seen for planned VBAC with labour induction compared with ERCS (1.18 versus 0.78%, risk difference 0.4%, adjusted odds ratio aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.34)., Conclusions: This study provides little evidence of an association between planned mode of birth after previous caesarean and SENs in childhood beyond a small absolute increased risk of sensory impairment seen for planned VBAC with labour induction. This finding may be the result of performing multiple comparisons or residual confounding. The findings provide valuable information to manage and counsel women with previous caesarean section concerning their future birth choices., Tweetable Abstract: There is little evidence planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section is associated with special educational needs in childhood., (© 2021 The Authors. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: For most women who have had a previous cesarean section, vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is a reasonable and safe choice, but which will increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as uterine rupture. In order to reduce the risk, we evaluated the factors that may affect VBAC and and established a model for predicting the success rate of trial of the labor after cesarean section (TOLAC)., Methods: All patients who gave birth at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018, had a history of cesarean section and voluntarily chose the TOLAC were recruited. Among them, 80% of the population was randomly assigned to the training set, while the remaining 20% were assigned to the external validation set. In the training set, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify indicators related to successful TOLAC. A nomogram was constructed based on the results of multiple logistic regression analysis, and the selected variables included in the nomogram were used to predict the probability of successfully obtaining TOLAC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to judge the predictive ability of the model., Results: A total of 778 pregnant women were included in this study. Among them, 595 (76.48%) successfully underwent TOLAC, whereas 183 (23.52%) failed and switched to cesarean section. In multi-factor logistic regression, parity = 1, pre-pregnancy BMI < 24 kg/m 2 , cervical score ≥ 5, a history of previous vaginal delivery and neonatal birthweight < 3300 g were associated with the success of TOLAC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the prediction and validation models was 0.815 (95% CI: 0.762-0.854) and 0.730 (95% CI: 0.652-0.808), respectively, indicating that the nomogram prediction model had medium discriminative power., Conclusion: The TOLAC was useful to reducing the cesarean section rate. Being primiparous, not overweight or obese, having a cervical score ≥ 5, a history of previous vaginal delivery or neonatal birthweight < 3300 g were protective indicators. In this study, the validated model had an approving predictive ability., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: The objective of this analysis was to observe whether maternal and perinatal/neonatal outcomes of birth vary by timing of repeat cesarean among women with a history of one prior cesarean birth in a Guatemalan cohort., Methods: This secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective study conducted in communities in Chimaltenango, Guatemala through the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research., Results: Between January 2017 and April 2020, 26,465 women delivered; 3,143 (11.9%) of those women had a singleton gestation and a history of prior cesarean delivery. 2,210 (79.9%) women with a history of prior cesarean birth had data available on mode of delivery and gave birth by repeat cesarean; 1312 (59.4%) were pre-labor cesareans while 896 (40.5%) were intrapartum cesarean births. Risk factors associated with an increased risk of intrapartum cesarean birth included hospital delivery as compared to "other" location (ARR 1.6 [1.2,2.1]) and dysfunctional labor (ARR 1.6 [1.4,1.9]). Variables associated with a reduced risk of intrapartum cesarean birth were hypertensive disease (ARR 0.7 [0.6,0.9]), schooling (ARR 0.9 [0.8,0.9]), and increasing age, which was associated with a very slight reduction in the outcome (ARR 0.99 [0.98,0.99]). Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not vary by type of cesarean birth., Conclusion: Outcomes of cesarean birth do not seem to vary by timing of repeat cesarean birth, with hypertensive disease increasing the likelihood of pre-labor cesarean. This information might be useful in counseling women that outcomes after failed trial of labor do not appear worse than those after pre-labor cesarean birth., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: The current fact of increasing rates of cesarean deliveries is a catastrophe. Recurrent cesareans result in intraperitoneal adhesions that would lead to maternal morbidity during delivery. Great efforts are directed towards the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions to provide the best care for laboring women. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of abdominal striae and cesarean scar characters in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions., Methods: This was a case- control study conducted in the emergency ward of the obstetrics and gynecology department of a tertiary hospital from June to December 2019. The study was carried on patients admitted to the ward fulfilling particular inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study included two groups, group one was assessed for the presence of striae, and the degree of intraperitoneal adhesions was evaluated during the current cesarean section. Group two included patients without evidence of abdominal striae. They were evaluated for the severity of adhesions also after evaluation of the previous scar. Evaluation of the striae was done using Davey's scoring system. The scar was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale. The modified Nair's scoring system was used to evaluate intraperitoneal adhesions., Results: The study group included 203 women, while the control group included 205 women. There were significant differences in the demographic characters of the recruited patients (p-value 0.001 for almost all variables). The mean Davey score in those with mild, moderate, and severe striae was 1.82 ± 0.39, 3.57 ± 0.5, and 6.73 ± 0.94, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Higher scores for the parameters of the Vancouver scale were present in patients with severe striae (1.69 ± 1.01, 1.73 ± 0.57, 2.67 ± 1.23, and 1.35 ± 1.06 for scar vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height respectively with a p-value of < 0.001 each). Thick intraperitoneal adhesions were noted significantly in women with severe striae [21 (43.75%), p-value < 0.001)]. The Davey's and Vancouver scores showed highly significant predictive performance in the prediction of intraperitoneal adhesions (p-value < 0.001)., Conclusion: Abdominal striae and cesarean scar were significant predictors for intraperitoneal adhesions.

Background: As the birth policy has been adjusted from one-child-one-couple to universal two-child-one-couple in China, there is an increasing number of women undergoing a second pregnancy after a previous cesarean section (CS). Undertaking an elective repeat CS (ERCS) has been taken for granted and has thus become a major contributor to the increasing CS rate in China. Promoting trial of labor after CS (TOLAC) can reduce the CS rate without compromising delivery outcomes. This study aimed to investigate Chinese obstetricians' perspectives regarding TOLAC, and the factors associated with their decision-making regarding recommending TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS under the two-child policy., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with the obstetricians' intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. The independent variables included sociodemographic factors and perceptions regarding TOLAC (selection criteria for TOLAC, basis underlying the selection criteria for TOLAC, and perceived challenges regarding promoting TOLAC)., Results: A total of 426 obstetricians were surveyed, with a response rate of ≥83%. The results showed that 31.0% of the obstetricians had no intention to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. Their decisions were associated with the perceived lack of confidence regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.38-1.38); obstetricians' uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for pregnant women with a history of CS (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.96), and worries about medical lawsuits due to adverse delivery outcomes (OR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07-0.31). The main reported challenges regarding performing TOLAC were lack of clear guidelines for predicting or avoiding the risks associated with TOLAC (83.4%), obstetricians' uncertainty about the safety of TOLAC for women with a history of CS (81.2%), pregnant women's unwillingness to accept the risks associated with TOLAC (81.0%) or demand for ERCS (80.7%), and the perceived lack of confidence (77.5%) or understanding (69.7%) regarding undergoing TOLAC among pregnant women and their families., Conclusion: A proportion of Chinese obstetricians did not intend to recommend TOLAC to pregnant women with a history of CS. This phenomenon was closely associated with obstetricians' concerns about TOLAC safety and perceived attitudes of the pregnant women and their families regarding TOLAC. Effective measures are needed to help obstetricians predict and reduce the risks associated with TOLAC, clearly specify the indications for TOLAC, improve labor management, and popularize TOLAC in China. Additionally, public health education on TOLAC is necessary to improve the understanding of TOLAC among pregnant women with a history of CS and their families, and to improve their interactions with their obstetricians regarding shared decision making.

By observing and analyzing the success rate of Tai'an City central hospital TOLAC and VBNC and various indicators after delivery, we make sure whether TOLAC is safe and feasible to be promoted in Tai'an area.Between January and December 2017, data of 144 cases undergoing TOLAC, 152 cases undergoing VBNC, 152 cases undergoing RCS and 142 case undergoing PCS in Tai'an City Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate of vaginal delivery, labor time, 24 hours postpartum hemorrhage, hospital stay, Apgar score of newborns and puerperal morbidity were observed.Primary study outcomes: The success rates of the TOLAC and VBNC groups were 93.06% and 93.42%, respectively, where the difference was not statistically significant (P = .901). Secondary study outcomes: There were no significant differences in labor time (P = .0249), amount of 24 hours postpartum hemorrhage (P = .206), Apgar score of newborns (P = .582), hospital stay (P = .194) and puerperal morbidity (P = .942) between the VBAC group and VBNC group. There were statistically significant differences in amount of 24 hours postpartum hemorrhage (P < .001), hospital stay (P < .001) and puerperal morbidity (P = .018), but no difference in Apgar score of newborns (P = .228) between the VBAC group and RCS group. There were significant differences in operation time (P = .011), amount of 24 hours hemorrhage (P = .001), hospital stay (P = .001) and puerperal morbidity (P = .041), but no significant difference in Apgar score of newborns (P = .300) between the RCS and PCS groups.The TOLAC is as safe and feasible as VBNC, and more favorable to the safety of mother and fetus than RCS in Tai'an area.

Background: Evidence-based medicine has shown that successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is associated with fewer complications than an elective repeat cesarean. Although spontaneous vaginal births and reductions in cesarean delivery (CD) rates have been advocated, the risk factors for VBAC complications remain unclear and failed trials of labor (TOL) can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes., Methods: To construct an antepartum predictive scoring model for VBAC. Retrospective analysis of charts from 1062 women who underwent TOL at no less than 28 gestational weeks with vertex singletons and no more than one prior CD., Results: We constructed our scoring model based on the following variables: maternal age, previous vaginal delivery, interdelivery interval (time between prior cesarean and the following delivery), presence of prior cesarean TOL, dystocia as prior CD indication, intertuberous diameter, maternal predelivery body mass index, gestational age at delivery, estimated fetal weight, and hypertensive disorders. Previous vaginal delivery was the most influential variable. The nomogram showed an area under the curve of 77.7% (95% confidence interval, 73.8-81.5%; sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 70%; cut-off, 13 points). The Kappa value to judge the consistency of the results between the predictive model and the actual results was 0.71(95% confidence interval 0.65-0.77) indicating strong consistency. We used the cut-off to divide the VBAC women into two groups according to the success of the TOL. The maternal and neonatal outcomes such as labor time, number of deliveries by midwives, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, neonatal asphyxia, puerperal infection were significantly different between the two groups., Conclusions: Our predictive scoring model incorporates easily ascertainable variables and can be used to personalize antepartum counselling for successful TOLs after cesareans.

Background: The worldwide incidence of birth by Caesarean Section (CS) is rising. Many births after a previous CS are by repeat surgery, either by an elective CS or after a failed trial of labour. Adhesion formation is associated with increased maternal morbidity in patients with repeat CSs. In spite of large-scale studies the relation between the incidence of adhesion formation and CS surgical technique is unclear. This study aims to assess maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality after repeat CSs in a rural hospital in a low-income country (LIC) and to analyse the effect of surgical technique on the formation of adhesions., Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective medical records study of all women undergoing CS in Ndala Hospital in 2011 and 2012., Results: Of the 3966 births, 450 were by CS (11.3%), of which 321 were 1 st CS, 80 2 nd CS, 36 3 rd CS, 12 4 th and one 5 th CS (71, 18, 8, 3 and 0.2% respectively). Adhesions were considered to be severe in 56% of second CSs and 64% of third CSs. In 2 nd CSs, adhesions were not associated with closure of the peritoneum at 1 st CS, but were associated with the prior use of a midline skin incision. There was no increase in maternal morbidity when severe adhesions were present. Adverse neonatal outcome was more prevalent when severe adhesions were present, but this was statistically non-significant (16% vs 6%)., Conclusions: Our results give insight into the practice of repeat CS in our rural hospital. Adhesions after CSs are common and occur more frequently after midline skin incision at 1 st CS compared to a transverse incision. Reviewing local data is important to evaluate quality of care and to compare local outcomes to the literature.

Purpose: To examine whether the presence of peritoneal adhesions at the second cesarean delivery (CD), attributable to the first CD, are associated with maternal intra-operative organ injury and adverse neonatal outcomes., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, comparing severe maternal intra-operative organ injury and adverse neonatal outcomes, between women with and without peritoneal adhesions. All women with two CDs during the follow-up period were included. Women with adhesions diagnosed during the first CD, history of other abdominal or pelvic surgery, pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, uterine Mullerian anomalies and newborns with known chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded, resulting in 7925 women. Intra-operative peritoneal organ injury was defined as a composite of bladder injury, ureteral injury, small bowel injury or hysterectomy. The examined adverse neonatal outcomes were low 1 and 5 min Apgar scores, intrapartum death (IPD) and postpartum death (PPD). Multivariate logistic regression was performed., Results: Peritoneal adhesions at the second CD, attributable to the first CD were diagnosed in 32.6% of patients (n = 2581). The presence of peritoneal adhesions was not found to be independently associated with intra-operative organ injury nor with 5 min Apgar scores, IPD and PPD. Second CDs complicated with adhesions were found to be associated with low (< 7) 1 min Apgar scores (adjusted OR 1.38, CI 1.20-1.58, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Adhesions attributable to a previous CD do not seem to increase the risk for intra-operative organ injury and adverse neonatal outcomes. These findings may assist in reassuring patients who are facing a second CD.

Objective: Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) is a common practice worldwide but the evidence is still scant regarding this practice in women who underwent 2 previous cesareans. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review our experience with vaginal birth after two previous cesarean sections (VBA2C), with specific attention to the indications for previous cesarean and to the women's motivation for attempting trial of labor., Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a primary care hospital between January 2011 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancies, absence of morphological abnormalities at ultrasonographic screening of the second trimester (or at any other stage of pregnancy), and two previous cesarean sections., Results: The final analysis included 114 cases for maternal and neonatal outcomes. In total, 40.4% of women chose trial of labor after two cesarean delivery (TOLA2C group). TOLA2C was associated with a success rate of 76.1%, a higher gestational age at birth, and a shorter hospital stay, compared with elective repeated cesarean delivery group. There were no significant differences in the rate of Apgar scores at 5 minutes <7 between both groups. The percentage of successful TOLA2C in women with prior vaginal delivery was 92.8%. Factors related to failed TOLA2C included failure to progress (3/11, 27.3%), nonreassuring fetal heart rate (3/11, 27.3%), and no onset of spontaneous labor after premature rupture of membranes (5/11, 45.4%). In the group of TOLA2C, more than 70% accepted to travel more than 45 minutes to reach our hospital, with the aim to attempt VBA2C., Conclusion: TOLA2C is a possible option for both mothers and neonates in selected cases. Adequate counseling about pros and cons of TOLA2C is mandatory. The woman's motivation represents a key element to determine the success of VBA2C., Key Points: · Selection of candidates and motivation of the patients represent key elements for successful TOLA2C.. · A careful record of obstetrical history and previous deliveries can provide clinicians useful information.. · Mode of delivery in women with two previous cesareans is strongly associated with doctor's counseling.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Study Objective: Data regarding trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) among young women are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the TOLAC success rate and its related factors among adolescent women who had never delivered vaginally., Design: A multicenter retrospective cohort study of all adolescent women aged ≤21 years with a history of 1 previous cesarean delivery, who delivered in 2 tertiary medical centers during 2007-2019. Women were allocated to 2 groups: 1) women who underwent TOLAC, and 2) women who had a repeat cesarean delivery with no trial of labor. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. In addition, perinatal outcomes were compared between women with successful and unsuccessful TOLAC., Results: The study cohort included 167 women who had a previous caesarean delivery; 117 underwent TOLAC and 50 underwent a repeat cesarean delivery with no trial of labor. Neonatal birthweight (median 2937 vs 3170 g, P = .03) and gestational age at delivery (median 38 weeks vs 39, P = .009) were lower in the repeat cesarean group as compared to those undergoing TOLAC. Overall, 97 of 117 participants (83%) had a successful TOLAC. Failed TOLAC was associated low birthweight as compared to successful TOLAC (5 [25%] vs 7 [7%], odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-15.3, P = .02), and birthweight difference between current and previous deliveries was higher in the failed TOLAC group (median 315 vs 197 g, P = .04). Rates of neonatal Apgar score at 1 minute < 7 and of neonatal intensive care unit admission were higher in the TOLAC failure group (4 [20%] vs 5 [5%], OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.1-19.0, P = .03, and 4 [20%] vs 4 [4%], OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.3-25.6, P = .02), respectively). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, only low birthweight was independently associated with TOLAC failure (adjusted OR 9.9, 95% CI 2.1-45.4, P = .003). Two cases of uterine rupture occurred in the no trial of labor group, whereas none were encountered in participants undergoing TOLAC., Conclusions: TOLAC in adolescent women who had never delivered vaginally is associated with a relatively high success rate., (Copyright © 2020 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide, an increase that is multifactorial and not well understood. There is considerable variation in the rates of vaginal birth after previous Caesarean section (VBAC). Cultural differences could be one explanation of the varying rates., Objective: To interpret cultural perspectives on VBAC., Methods: A hermeneutic approach for analysing findings from four published qualitative studies that were part of the OptiBIRTH study, focusing on clinicians and women's views of important factors for improving the rate of VBAC. 115 clinicians and 73 women participated in individual interviews and focus group interviews in countries with low rates (Germany, Italy and Ireland) and countries with high rates (Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands), in the original studies., Results: Three themes demonstrated how the culture differs between the high and low VBAC rate countries; from being an obvious first alternative to an issue dependent on many factors; from something included in the ordinary care to something special; and from obstetrician making the final decision to a choice by the woman. The fourth theme, preparing for a new birth by early follow-up and leaving the last birth behind, reflects coherence between the cultures., Discussion: The findings deepen our understanding of why the VBAC rates vary across countries and healthcare settings, and can be used for improving the care for women., Conclusion: In order to improve VBAC rates both maternity care settings and individual professionals need to reflect on their VBAC culture, and make make changes to develop a 'pro-VBAC culture'., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Canada's cesarean delivery (CD) rate continues to increase. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada advocates the use of the modified Robson classification for comparisons. This study describes national and provincial CD rates according to this classification system., Methods: All 2016-2017 in-hospital births in Canada (outside Québec) reported to the Discharge Abstract Database were categorized using the modified Robson classification system. CD rates, group size, and contributions of each group to the overall volume of CD were reported. Rates by province and hospital peer group were also examined (Canadian Task Force Classification III)., Results: A total of 286 201 women gave birth; among these, 83 262 (29.1%) had CDs. Robson group 5 (term singleton previous CD) had a CD rate of 80.5% and was the largest contributing group to the overall number of CD (36.6%). Women whose labour was induced (Robson group 2A) had a CD rate almost double the rate of women with spontaneous labour (Robson group 1): 33.5% versus 18.4%. These latter two groups made the next largest contributions to overall CD (15.7% and 14.1%, respectively). There were substantial variations in CD rates across provinces and among hospital peer groups., Conclusion: The study found large variations in CD rates across provinces and hospitals within each Robson group, thus suggesting that examining variations to determine the groups contributing the most to CD rates (Robson groups 5, 2A, and 1) may provide valuable insight for reducing CD rates. This study provides a benchmark for measuring the impact of future initiatives to reduce CD rates in Canada., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose of Review: The prevalence of cesarean delivery is increasing worldwide despite the advance of Trial of Labor After Cesarean section. In many countries, a history of previous cesarean section is an almost absolute indication for a repeat cesarean section. The purpose of this review was to examine if the perioperative anesthetic management of patients with repeat cesarean section is different from the anesthetic management of patients with primary cesarean section., Recent Findings: This review discusses important topics, such as early diagnosis of cases with a potentially high risk for complications; the need for assessment of patients diagnosed with abnormal placentation; the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that includes interaction of the anesthesiologist, gynaecologist, and invasive radiologist; emphasizing the need for reinforcement of new methods of invasive procedures; management of massive bleeding, use of new technologies, and development of an institutional protocol for management of patients with abnormal placentation., Summary: According to this review, we show that the management of patients with repeat cesarean section without abnormal placentation is almost the same as the management of patients for primary cesarean section. Timely diagnosis of patient with abnormal placentation and multidisciplinary approach is crucial for prevention of morbidity or even mortality.

Title: Outcome of multiple cesarean sections in a tertiary maternity hospital in the United Arab Emirates., Objective: To describe the operative outcomes, clinical findings, maternal morbidity and neonatal outcome associated with increasing numbers of cesarean deliveries., Design: Retrospective study., Setting: Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates., Population: The study cohort was 1008 women giving birth by cesarean section who had previously undergone one or more cesarean sections, who had a singleton pregnancy, and who were not in labor., Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken over the one-year period from January 2016 to December 2016. Women were divided into five groups according to number of previous cesarean sections. The first group comprised of women who had one previous cesarean section, the second group women who had two previous cesarean sections, the third group consequently three previous cesarean sections and the fourth group four previous cesarean sections, whereas in the fifth group women had previously five or more previous cesarean sections. The maternal and neonatal outcomes of the groups were retrospectively evaluated., Results: The risks of placenta previa, placenta accreta, uterine dehiscence or rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, bladder injury, lengths of operative time and hospital stay, and number of admissions to the high dependency unit increased with increasing numbers of previous cesarean sections. Women with five or more previous cesarean sections had a 10-fold increased risk of placenta previa (odds ratio [OR], 9.8; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 3.3-28.6), a 27 - fold increased risk of placenta accreta (OR, 26.5; 95 % CI, 4.2-166.3), and an 11-fold increased risk of uterine dehiscence or rupture (OR, 11.3; 95 % CI, 1.8-70.8)., Discussion: The results of our study indicate that serious maternal morbidity increases with increasing numbers of previous cesarean sections. Women planning large families should consider the risks of repeat cesarean sections when contemplating elective primary cesarean delivery or attempted vaginal birth after one previous cesarean section., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest No conflicts of interests are declared., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: 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. 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., Methods: This 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., Results: In 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)., Conclusions: TOLAC 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.

Background: To improve care for women going through trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), we need to understand their birth experience better. We investigated the association between mode of delivery on birth experience in second birth among women with a first cesarean., Methods: A population-based cohort study based on the Swedish Pregnancy Register with 808 women with a first cesarean and eligible for TOLAC in 2014-2017. Outcomes were mean birth experience measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) score from 1-10 and having a negative birth experience defined as VAS score ≤5. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed with β-estimates and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)., Results: Mean VAS score among women with an elective repeat cesarean (n = 251 (31%)), vaginal birth (n = 388 (48%)) or unplanned repeat cesarean (n = 169 (21%)) in second birth were 8.8 (standard deviation SD 1.4), 8.0 (SD 2.0) and 7.6 (SD 2.1), respectively. Compared to women having an elective repeat cesarean, women having an unplanned repeat cesarean delivery had five-fold higher odds of negative birth experience (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.5-16.5). Women having a first elective cesarean and a subsequent unplanned repeat cesarean delivery had the highest odds of negative birth experience (crude OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.5-35.5)., Conclusions: Most women with a first cesarean scored their second birth experience as positive irrespective of mode of delivery. However, the odds of a negative birth experience increased among women having an unplanned repeat cesarean delivery, especially when the first cesarean delivery was elective., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: To evaluate if newborn weight difference is associated with the mode of delivery in women with a previous cesarean section due to arrest of descent., Study Design: This retrospective cohort analysis included all women admitted to the delivery room of Carmel Medical Center with a singleton fetus at vertex presentation and a prior cesarean section for arrest of descent. A comparison was made between women who had a subsequent successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery vs. a repeat cesarean section for arrest of descent. The primary outcome was newborn weight difference between the previous cesarean section and the present delivery. Secondary outcomes were gestational age, gravidity, age, induction of labor, previous vaginal birth and epidural analgesia., Results: Of 179 women with a prior cesarean section due to arrest of descent, 55 women (30.7 %) underwent an elective repeat cesarean section. Of the remaining 124 women, 95 women (76.6 %) achieved a vaginal delivery. Out of the 29 cases who underwent a repeat cesarean section, 18 women had a cesarean section for arrest of descent. Women who achieved vaginal delivery were more likely to be with higher gravidity, a previous vaginal delivery and a lower rate of epidural anesthesia. Following multivariate logistic regression, the women who required a cesarean section due to arrest of descent, had significantly higher birth weight in the current than in the previous pregnancy, compared to women achieving vaginal delivery (Odds Ratio 4.7, CI 95 % 1.4-15.7, P = 0.012)., Conclusion: Current birth weight higher than the previous newborn weight in a cesarean section for arrest of descent is associated with lower likelihood of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery and therefore should be taken in consideration during fetal weight estimation and the decision on the mode of delivery. This issue should be explored in future prospective large-cohort studies., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the rates of lower segment Caesarean Section and their indications using modified Robson criteria., Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised review of records from October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017,related to all Caesarean Sections. The data was classified according to Robson's Ten Group Classification System. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 6155 deliveries, 2052(33.3%) were caesarean sections. According to the criterion used, the major contributor to overall Caesarean Section rate was Group 5 which entails previous Caesarian delivery, single, cephalic, >37 weeks., Conclusions: Women with previous scar should be assessed and offered trial of labour after caesarean section, where appropriate.

Objective: Maternal age is an established determinant of successful trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). While an increasing proportion of parturients are aged 40 years and older, and previously underwent a cesarean section, little data regarding TOLAC success for this age group is available. This study assessed TOLAC success, and its associated characteristics, among women >40 years who never delivered vaginally., Study Design: A retrospective case-control study of all women who never delivered vaginally aged ≥40 years with a history of previous cesarean delivery, who delivered at our hospital during 2006-2017. Maternal, neonatal, and delivery characteristics were compared between women with successful and unsuccessful TOLAC., Results: Of 335 older women who never delivered vaginally with a history of one cesarean delivery, 61 (18.2 %) elected TOLAC (18.2 %); the median age was 41[40-42] years and the inter-delivery interval 34 [25-50] months. Overall, 38/61 (62.3 %) had a successful TOLAC. Women with successful TOLAC had a higher rate of a non-recurrent indication for cesarean delivery in their previous cesarean delivery (42.1 % vs. 13.0 %, P = 0.01), whereas dysfunctional labor at previous delivery was more common in the failed TOLAC group (47.8 % vs. 15.8 %, P = 0.007). Failed TOLAC was associated with the presence of gestational diabetes (13.0 % vs. 0 %, P = 0.02) and having a comorbidity (47.8 % vs. 21.0 %, P = 0.02). Induction of labor at TOLAC was more common in the failed TOLAC group (34.8 % vs. 2.6 %, P < 0.001). Birthweight was higher in the failed TOLAC group (3330 vs. 3107 g, P = 0.04), as well as the birthweight difference between deliveries (212 g vs. 82 g, P = 0.03). Neonatal and maternal outcomes were comparable between groups, except for longer length of stay (5 vs. 4 days, P = 0.04) in the failed TOLAC group. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, only two factors were independently associated with TOLAC failure: previous cesarean delivery due to dysfunctional labor (OR [95 % CI]: 13.40 (1.29, 138.71), P = 0.03) and higher inter-delivery birthweight difference (OR [95 % CI]: 1.18 (1.11, 1.39), P = 0.02)., Conclusions: TOLAC in older women who never delivered vaginally is associated with a moderate success rate. The indication for cesarean delivery at the first delivery and inter-delivery birthweight difference were identified as having strong predictive value for TOLAC outcome., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In pregnancies after a previous cesarean section (CS), a planned repeat CS delivery has been associated with excess risk of adverse outcome. However, also the alternative, a trial of labor after CS (TOLAC), has been associated with excess risks. A TOLAC failure, involving a non-planned CS, carries the highest risk of adverse outcome and a vaginal delivery the lowest. Thus, the decision regarding delivery mode is pivotal in clinical handling of these pregnancies. However, even with a high TOLAC rate, as seen in Norway, repeat CSs are regularly performed for no apparent medical reason. The objective of the present study was to assess to which extent demographic, socioeconomic, and health system factors are determinants of TOLAC and TOLAC failure in low risk pregnancies, and whether any effects observed changed with time., Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 24 645 second deliveries (1989-2014) after a first delivery CS. Thus, none of the women had prior vaginal deliveries or more than one CS. Included pregnancies were low risk, cephalic, single, and had gestational age ≥ 37 weeks. Data were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). The exposure variables were (second delivery) maternal age, length of maternal education, maternal country of origin, size of the delivery unit, health region (South-East, West, Mid, North), and maternal county of residence. The outcomes were TOLAC and TOLAC failure, as rates (%), relative risk (RR) and relative risk adjusted (ARR). Changes in determinant effects over time were assessed by comparing rates in two periods, 1989-2002 vs 2003-2014, and including these periods in an interaction model., Results: The TOLAC rate was 74.9%, with a TOLAC failure rate of 16.2%, resulting in a vaginal birth rate of 62.8%. Low TOLAC rates were observed at high maternal age and in women from East Asia or Latin America. High TOLAC failure rates were observed at high maternal age, in women with less than 11 years of education, and in women of non-western origin. The effects of health system factors, i.e. delivery unit size and administrative region were considerable, on both TOLAC and TOLAC failure. The effects of several determinants changed significantly (P < 0.05) from 1989-2002 to 2003-2014: The association between non-TOLAC and maternal age > 39 years became weaker, the association between short education and TOLAC failure became stronger, and the association between TOLAC failure and small size of delivery unit became stronger., Conclusion: Low maternal age, high education, and western country of origin were associated with high TOLAC rates, and low TOLAC failure rates. Maternity unit characteristics (size and region) contributed with effects on the same level as individual determinants studied. Temporal changes were observed in determinant effects., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Cesarean delivery (CD) is the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide. Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is associated with an increase in perinatal complications related to uterine rupture. However, in general, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is considered safe and women have less morbidity than those who undergo an elective repeat CD. Objective: To develop an integrated model with the best performance criteria for predicting vaginal delivery success after CD. Study design: Retrospective observational study including 2367 women who underwent a TOLAC. A predictive model using classification and regression tree modeling was constructed to predict vaginal delivery using maternal demographic, medical history, and labor predictors. Results: Vaginal delivery was best predicted by spontaneous onset of labor, estimated fetal weight <3775 g, maternal body mass index <25, previous CD as an elective or for fetal distress reasons, and interdelivery interval <2290 days. The algorithm showed a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 53%, and the area under the curve was 0.69. Conclusions: The classification and regression tree algorithm can be used to develop a predictive model for the success of TOLAC.

Aim: There is much discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Some data suggest the greater the likelihood of success, the lower the risks of TOLAC. Our goal was to identify clinical and demographic variables associated with a failed TOLAC, available at admission for spontaneous labor and until 3 h later, with the aim of building two scores for risk of failed TOLAC., Methods: This is a nested case-control study with live births to women with one previous cesarean, in a public Brazilian teaching hospital. Preterm, induction, noncephalic presentations, twins, fetal malformations were excluded. Cases were failed TOLAC, and controls, the successful TOLAC. It was accessed the association of the cases with 20 variables (P < 0.05). Associated variables were tested in multivariate analysis to build the scores, which were internally validated., Results: We included 260 TOLAC, 42 cases and 218 controls. We found 11 variables associated with failed TOLAC. In the score to be applied at admission, we included hypertension, fundal height, previous vaginal birth and dilatation at admission. In the second score hypertension, fundal height at admission, membrane status and difference in dilatation 3 h after admission. Both scores presented good performance in the receiver-operator curve (areas under curve: 0.73 and 0.84, respectively). Both scores were translated into nomograms for clinical use., Conclusion: Two scores were built for risk of failed TOLAC, to be applied at admission and 3 h later. We believe that choosing the more favorable cases makes risks of TOLAC lower., (© 2019 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Background: The delivery mode for pregnant women with uteruses scarred by prior caesarean section (CS) is a controversial issue, even though the CS rate has risen in the past 20 years. We performed this retrospective study to identify the factors associated with preference for CS or vaginal birth after CS (VBAC)., Methods: Pregnant women (n = 679) with scarred uteruses from Moulay Ali Cherif Provincial Hospital, Rashidiya, Morocco, were enrolled. Gestational age, comorbidity, fetal position, gravidity and parity, abnormal amniotic fluid, macrosomia, placenta previa or abruptio, abnormal fetal presentation, premature rupture of fetal membrane with labor failure, poor progression in delivery, and fetal outcomes were recorded., Results: Out of 679 pregnant women ≥28 gestational weeks, 351 (51.69%) had a preference for CS. Pregnant women showed preference for CS if they were older (95% CI 1.010-1.097), had higher gestational age (95% CI 1.024-1.286), and a shorter period had passed since the last CS (95% CI 0.842-0.992). Prior gravidity (95% CI 0.638-1.166), parity (95% CI 0.453-1.235), vaginal delivery history (95% CI 0.717-1.818), and birth weight (95% CI 1.000-1.001) did not influence CS preference. In comparison with fetal preference, maternal preference was the prior indicator for CS. Correlation analysis showed that pregnant women with longer intervals since the last CS and history of gravidity, parity, and vaginal delivery showed good progress in the first and second stages of vaginal delivery., Conclusions: We concluded that maternal and gestational age and interval since the last CS promoted CS preference among pregnant women with scarred uteruses.

Objective: To explore factors that can be used to predict successful vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) and its outcome., Methods: This is a prospective study involving women with a previous low-segment cesarean section, singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation who desire for vaginal trial delivery. Delivery modes were observed and the pregnancy outcomes were followed up. The data were analyzed to identify the factors associated with the success of vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC). Then, there were elaborated the models, and their predictive capacity was determined by receiver-operator curve (ROC)., Results: The multivariate logistic regression showed Bishop's score and spontaneous labour independently influenced vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) success. The prediction model is established and validated. The fitting degree and prediction accuracy of the model is good. The vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) group had less postpartum hemorrhage (Median 270 ml vs. 300 ml, P < 0.05), a lower puerperal infection rate (1.62% vs 5.88%, P < 0.01), and shorter postpartum hospitalization (Median 2 days vs. 3 days, P < 0.01) than the trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)-failure groups. It also had less postpartum hemorrhage (Median 270 ml vs. 320 ml, P < 0.01), a lower puerperal infection rate (1.62% vs 6.23%, P < 0.05), and shorter postpartum hospitalization (Median 2 days vs. 3 days, P < 0.01) than the elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) groups. The use of labor analgesia in the vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) group had no effect on pregnancy outcomes., Conclusion: The predictive factors are conducive to making rational choices about delivery mode and should improve pregnancy outcomes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The differences in post-operative pain are unclear between the primiparas who underwent a primary cesarean section and multiparas who underwent their first repeat cesarean section. The study aimed to explore the possible differences in postoperative pain between primiparas and multiparas., Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed only including women who underwent cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia. Postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was administered to all subjects with 0.2 mg/kg hydromorphone and 4 mg/kg flurbiprofen; the pump was programmed as 2.0 mL/h background infusion with a loading dose of 1 mL and a lockout period of 15 min. Postoperative incision and visceral pain intensity were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, and inadequate analgesia was defined as a visual analogue scale score ≥ 40 during 48 h post-operation. Additionally, the patients' pain statuses in postoperative week 1 and week 4 were also assessed during follow-up via telephone., Results: From January to May 2017, a total of 168 patients (67 primiparas and 101 multiparas) were included. The relative risk for multiparas to experience inadequate analgesia on incision pain was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.74) compared to primiparas. In patients aged < 30 years, inadequate analgesia on visceral pain was higher in multiparas than in primiparas (RR, 3.56 [1.05 to 12.04], P = 0.025). There was no significant difference in the combined incidence of inadequate analgesia in both types of pain between the multiparas and primiparas (33.7% vs. 40.2%, P = 0.381). No difference was found in PCIA use between the two groups (111.1 ± 36.0 mL vs. 110.9 ± 37.3 mL, P = 0.979). In addition, a significantly higher incidence of pain was noted 4 weeks post-surgery in primiparas than that in multiparas (62.2% vs. 37.7%, P = 0.011)., Conclusion: Multiparas who underwent their first repeat cesarean section have a lower for inadequate analgesia on incision pain during the first 48 h after surgery than primiparas. Multiparas aged under 30 years may be more prone to experiencing postoperative inadequate analgesia on visceral pain., Trail Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03009955 , Date registered: December 30, 2016.