Search

An impact of a rising primary caesarean rate is the increase in women planning a subsequent birth after caesarean. The options for women with a previous caesarean are planning a repeat elective caesarean or planning a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC). For women planning a VBAC they will either have a VBAC or a repeat emergency caesarean. Although for most women planning a VBAC is a safe and satisfying experience, in most countries, including Australia, a repeat caesarean is the most common mode of birth for women with a previous caesarean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The decision regarding mode of birth following a primary caesarean section is important. Women may choose an elective repeat caesarean section or a trial of labour in an attempt to achieve a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). The highest morbidity and mortality is associated with those who have an emergency caesarean section following a trial of labour. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict successful VBAC is important in antenatal counselling. Aims: To test the validity of the Grobman prediction nomogram in a New Zealand (NZ) population. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed of women carrying a singleton, cephalic pregnancy at term and who had one previous lower segment caesarean section in Northland, NZ. The probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated using the variables in the Grobman model and compared with observed VBAC rates using a calibration curve. The predictive ability of the model was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Of the 421 eligible women, 354 elected to undergo a trial of labour, of whom 69.5% had a successful VBAC. The AUC for the Grobman model was 0.72 (95% CI 0.67‐0.78) with predicted and actual outcomes being similar when predicted success was over 50%. The predictive ability of the model appeared more accurate for Māori and Pacifika women compared to the NZ European population. Conclusions: The Grobman model predicts successful VBAC reasonably well in a NZ population and can be used as an antenatal counselling aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with those of normal vaginal birth (NVB) in a tertiary hospital in China., Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 1,024 women who birthed vaginally between January 2019 and December 2020. The VBAC group ( n  = 512) included women with one previous cesarean, while the NVB group ( n  = 512) had no previous caesareans. All women used epidural analgesia. We assessed maternal and neonatal complications using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0., Results: The VBAC group had an 87.5% success rate for vaginal birth under epidural analgesia, whereas the NVB group had a 100% success rate. A primary focus of the study was uterine rupture. Vaginal birth after cesarean was associated with a higher incidence of uterine rupture (0.8% vs 0%, p  = 0.031), postpartum hemorrhage (6.6% vs 3.5%, p  = 0.021) and the need for blood transfusions (2.7% vs 0.8%, p  = 0.012) compared with NVB. There were no substantial differences in maternal infections, wound infections or perineal lacerations between the groups. Although neonatal outcomes were generally similar, the VBAC group experienced higher rates of 5-minute Apgar scores <7 (2.3% vs 0.6%, p  = 0.009) and admissions to neonatal intensive care units (3.1% vs 1.2%, p  = 0.016 Even after adjusting for confounders, VBAC remained an independent risk factor for several complications., Conclusion: Although VBAC is feasible and mostly safe, it is associated with a higher risk of specific complications compared with NVB. Careful selection of candidates and close monitoring are essential for optimizing outcomes in VBAC cases.

Abstract Background Most women who have a caesarean can safely have a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) for their next birth, but more women have an elective repeat caesarean than a VBAC. Methods The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of women planning a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) in Australia, the interactions with their health care providers and their thoughts, feelings and experiences after an antenatal appointment and following the birth. The study explored the effect of different models of care on women’s relationships with their health care provider using a feminist theoretical lens. Eleven women who had previously experienced a caesarean section and were planning a VBAC in their current pregnancy used the ‘myVBACapp’ to record their thoughts after their antenatal appointments and were followed up with in-depth interviews in the postnatal period. Results Fifty-three antenatal logs and eleven postnatal interviews were obtained over a period of eight months in 2017. Women accessed a variety of models of care. The four contextual factors found to influence whether a woman felt resolved after having a VBAC or repeat caesarean were: ‘having confidence in themselves and in their health care providers’, ‘having control’, ‘having a supportive relationship with a health care provider’ and ‘staying active in labour’. Conclusions The findings highlight that when women have high feelings of control and confidence; have a supportive continual relationship with a health care provider; and are able to have an active labour; it can result in feelings of resolution, regardless of mode of birth. Women’s sense of control and confidence can be undermined through the impact of paternalistic and patriarchal maternity systems by maintaining women’s subordination and lack of control within the system. Women planning a VBAC want confident, skilled, care providers who can support them to feel in control and confident throughout the birthing process. Continuity of care (CoC) provides a supportive relationship which some women in this study found beneficial when planning a VBAC.

Abstract Background The OptiBIRTH study incorporates a multicentre cluster randomised trial in 15 hospital sites across three European countries. The trial was designed to test a complex intervention aimed at improving vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) rates through increasing women’s involvement in their care. Prior to developing a robust standardised model to conduct the health economic analysis, an analysis of a hypothetical cohort was performed to estimate the costs and health effects of VBAC compared to elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) for low-risk women in four European countries. Methods A decision-analytic model was developed to estimate the costs and the health effects, measured using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), of VBAC compared with ERCD. A cost-effectiveness analysis for the period from confirmation of pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum was performed for short-term consequences and during lifetime for long-term consequences, based on a hypothetical cohort of 100,000 pregnant women in each of four different countries; Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Italy. A societal perspective was adopted. Where possible, transition probabilities, costs and health effects were adapted from national data obtained from the respective countries. Country-specific thresholds were used to determine the cost-effectiveness of VBAC compared to ERCD. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the uncertainty of model assumptions. Results Within a 6-week time horizon, VBAC resulted in a reduction in costs, ranging from €3,334,052 (Germany) to €66,162,379 (Ireland), and gains in QALYs ranging from 6399 (Italy) to 7561 (Germany) per 100,000 women birthing in each country. Compared to ERCD, VBAC is the dominant strategy in all four countries. Applying a lifetime horizon, VBAC is dominant compared to ERCD in all countries except for Germany (probabilistic analysis, ICER: €8609/QALY). In conclusion, compared to ERCD, VBAC remains cost-effective when using a lifetime time. Conclusions In all four countries, VBAC was cost-effective compared to ERCD for low-risk women. This is important for health service managers, economists and policy makers concerned with maximising health benefits within limited and constrained resources.

Abstract Background Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is an alternative option for women who have had a previous caesarean section (CS); however, uptake is limited because of concern about the risks of uterine rupture. The aim of this study was to explore women’s decision-making processes and the influences on their mode of birth following a previous CS. Methods A qualitative approach was used. The research comprised three stages. Stage I consisted of naturalistic observation at 33-34 weeks’ gestation. Stage II involved interviews with pregnant women at 35-37 weeks’ gestation. Stage III consisted of interviews with the same women who were interviewed postnatally, 1 month after birth. The research was conducted in a private medical centre in northern Taiwan. Using a purposive sampling, 21 women and 9 obstetricians were recruited. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, observation and field notes. Constant comparative analysis was employed for data analysis. Results Ensuring the safety of mother and baby was the focus of women’s decisions. Women’s decisions-making influences included previous birth experience, concern about the risks of vaginal birth, evaluation of mode of birth, current pregnancy situation, information resources and health insurance. In communicating with obstetricians, some women complied with obstetricians’ recommendations for repeat caesarean section (RCS) without being informed of alternatives. Others used four step decision-making processes that included searching for information, listening to obstetricians’ professional judgement, evaluating alternatives, and making a decision regarding mode of birth. After birth, women reflected on their decisions in three aspects: reflection on birth choices; reflection on factors influencing decisions; and reflection on outcomes of decisions. Conclusions The health and wellbeing of mother and baby were the major concerns for women. In response to the decision-making influences, women’s interactions with obstetricians regarding birth choices varied from passive decision-making to shared decision-making. All women have the right to be informed of alternative birthing options. Routine provision of explanations by obstetricians regarding risks associated with alternative birth options, in addition to financial coverage for RCS from National Health Insurance, would assist women’s decision-making. Establishment of a website to provide women with reliable information about birthing options may also assist women’s decision-making.

Objective: Biomechanics of pelvic floor muscles is becoming an important field of research in understanding a complex process of labour. Current evidence indicates that the levator ani stretches to allow passage of the fetus through the birth canal. We sought to identify properties of the functional female pelvic floor during pregnancy that could help to predict the mode of delivery, especially in women who underwent caesarean section in the past.Methods: A single centre prospective cohort study of pregnant women in the 3rd trimester attending antenatal clinic. Participants were categorised into three groups: 1. nulliparous, 2. previous one vaginal delivery and 3. previous one caesarean section who chose a trial of labour in their current pregnancy. All women underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of their pelvic floor muscles. Distensibility and the mode of delivery were assessed in participants' current pregnancies. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis.Results: 133 women were included: 55 nulliparous, 52 primiparous (previous one vaginal birth), and 26 primiparous (previous one LSCS and planned for vaginal delivery after caesarean (VBAC)). Participants were scanned at an average gestation of 32 weeks. The inter-observer reliability test for puborectalis distensibility was good (kappa 0.75). Overall, women who delivered vaginally had a more distensible puborectalis muscle than those who delivered by emergency LSCS regardless of their previous type of delivery. Women who underwent a successful VBAC had less distensible pelvic floor muscles compared to their nulliparous and primiparous counterparts (who delivered vaginally in the past).Conclusion: These results support our basic conceptual theory of puborectalis muscle distensibility influencing the mode of delivery and endorse application of dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound in future studies. We identified measurable differences in the functional female pelvic anatomy aiding a better understanding of physiology of the labour. There are trends towards lesser distensibility in women who delivered by LSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is an alternative option for women who have had a previous caesarean section (CS); however, uptake is limited because of concern about the risks of uterine rupture. The aim of this study was to explore women's decision-making processes and the influences on their mode of birth following a previous CS.Methods: A qualitative approach was used. The research comprised three stages. Stage I consisted of naturalistic observation at 33-34 weeks' gestation. Stage II involved interviews with pregnant women at 35-37 weeks' gestation. Stage III consisted of interviews with the same women who were interviewed postnatally, 1 month after birth. The research was conducted in a private medical centre in northern Taiwan. Using a purposive sampling, 21 women and 9 obstetricians were recruited. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, observation and field notes. Constant comparative analysis was employed for data analysis.Results: Ensuring the safety of mother and baby was the focus of women's decisions. Women's decisions-making influences included previous birth experience, concern about the risks of vaginal birth, evaluation of mode of birth, current pregnancy situation, information resources and health insurance. In communicating with obstetricians, some women complied with obstetricians' recommendations for repeat caesarean section (RCS) without being informed of alternatives. Others used four step decision-making processes that included searching for information, listening to obstetricians' professional judgement, evaluating alternatives, and making a decision regarding mode of birth. After birth, women reflected on their decisions in three aspects: reflection on birth choices; reflection on factors influencing decisions; and reflection on outcomes of decisions.Conclusions: The health and wellbeing of mother and baby were the major concerns for women. In response to the decision-making influences, women's interactions with obstetricians regarding birth choices varied from passive decision-making to shared decision-making. All women have the right to be informed of alternative birthing options. Routine provision of explanations by obstetricians regarding risks associated with alternative birth options, in addition to financial coverage for RCS from National Health Insurance, would assist women's decision-making. Establishment of a website to provide women with reliable information about birthing options may also assist women's decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS OF THE STUDY Induction of labour after previous caesarean section (CS) is a challenge for obstetricians due to the increased risk of uterine rupture. Common methods for labour induction are balloon catheters and oxytocin as they are considered safe. However, the effectiveness remains unclear as currently available data are limited. Therefore, we aimed to determine safety and effectiveness of balloon catheter or oxytocin for labour induction after CS. METHODS We included 179 consecutive women with a previous CS and labour induction in this retrospective study. We performed labour induction using a balloon catheter in case of a Bishop score of 6 and/or premature rupture of membranes. The primary outcome was the rate of successful vaginal deliveries. We adjusted for multiple factors that may have impacted on the rate of vaginal delivery as well. The secondary outcomes were the rate of maternal and neonatal morbidities. RESULTS We detected a vaginal delivery success rate of 45.8% in the catheter and of 63.9% in the oxytocin group. We identified previous vaginal birth as an independent predictive factor for successful vaginal delivery in both groups. Induction using oxytocin was a negative predictive factor for neonatal admissions. Multivariate analysis showed that post-term pregnancy decreased the likelihood of vaginal delivery. We did not detect any factors predicting uterine rupture or uterine dehiscence, which occurred with similar frequency in both groups. Finally, the neonatal admission rate was less likely with higher gestational age and oxytocin as an induction method, whereas previous vaginal birth increased the risk. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that induction of labour with balloon catheter or oxytocin seems to be safe in women with previous CS. Labour induction using a balloon catheter in women with previous CS and unfavourable cervix has a disappointingly low success rate. We identified factors influencing vaginal delivery success rates. Women with previous CS and indications for labour induction should be informed about vaginal birth success rates and the alternative of elective repeat CS needs to be discussed.

Objectives Variations in caesarean section (CS) between some immigrant groups and receiving country populations have been widely reported. Often, African immigrant women are at higher risk of CS than the receiving population in developed countries. However, evidence about subsequent mode of birth following CS for African women post-migration is lacking. The objective of this study was to examine differences in attempted and successful vaginal birth after previous caesarean (VBAC) for Eastern African immigrants (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan) compared with Australian-born women. Design A population-based observational study was conducted using the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection. Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios for attempted and successful VBAC. Setting Victoria, Australia. Participants 554 Eastern African immigrants and 24,587 Australian-born eligible women with previous CS having singleton births in public care. Findings 41.5% of Eastern African immigrant women and 26.1% Australian-born women attempted a VBAC with 50.9% of Eastern African immigrants and 60.5% of Australian-born women being successful. After adjusting for maternal demographic characteristics and available clinical confounding factors, Eastern African immigrants were more likely to attempt (OR adj 1.94, 95% CI 1.57–2.47) but less likely to succeed (OR adj 0.54 95% CI 0.41–0.71) in having a VBAC. Conclusion/Implications for practice There are disparities in attempted and successful VBAC between Eastern African origin and Australian-born women. Unsuccessful VBAC attempt is more common among Eastern African immigrants, suggesting the need for improved strategies to select and support potential candidates for vaginal birth among these immigrants to enhance success and reduce potential complications associated with failed VBAC attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare vaginal birth rates in women planning vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) at home versus in an obstetric unit (OU) and explore transfer rates in women planning home VBAC.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: OUs and planned home births in England.Population: 1436 women planning VBAC in the Birthplace cohort, including 209 planning home VBAC.Methods: We used Poisson regression to calculate relative risks adjusted for maternal characteristics.Main Outcome Measures: Main Outcomes: (i) vaginal birth and (ii) transfer from planned home birth to OU during labour or immediately after birth.Secondary Outcomes: (i) composite of maternal blood transfusion or admission to higher level care, (ii) stillbirth or Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, (iii) neonatal unit admission.Results: Planned VBAC at home was associated with a statistically significant increase in the chances of having a vaginal birth compared with planned VBAC in an OU (adjusted relative risk 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.24). The risk of an adverse maternal outcome was around 2-3% in both settings, with a similar risk of an adverse neonatal outcome. Transfer rates were high (37%) and varied markedly by parity (para 1, 56.7% versus para 2+, 24.6%).Conclusion: Women in the cohort who planned VBAC at home had an increased chance of a vaginal birth compared with those planning VBAC in an OU, but transfer rates were high, particularly for women with only one previous birth, and the risk of an adverse maternal or perinatal outcome was around 2-3%. No change in guidance can be recommended.Tweetable Abstract: Higher vaginal birth rates in planned VBAC at home versus in OU but 2-3% adverse outcomes and high transfer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: in the context of a rising caesarean section (CS) rate in Japan, the objectives of this study were; to investigate the national situation for women's birth options after primary CS; to explore characteristics of institutions accepting planned vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC); to identify the timing and type of information given to women about their birth options by health professionals. Design: a national census study using a self-administered postal survey of nursing managers within obstetric departments in Japanese hospitals and clinics was conducted. Data were analyzed to explore characteristics of institutions accepting or not accepting VBAC and information given to women about planned VBAC and planned repeat CS. Setting: institutions included hospitals and clinics providing childbirth services throughout Japan. Participants: nursing managers from hospitals (n=303) and clinics (n = 196) completed surveys about their institutional policies and practices around birth after CS. Findings: only 154 (30.9%) of 499 institutions examined, accepted planned vaginal birth as an option for birth after CS. The success rate of VBAC was 77.0% in these institutions. Availability of transport services for institutional transfer and existence of a Maternal Fetal Intensive Care Unit (MFICU) were significantly associated with acceptance of VBAC (OR=5.39,p< 0.001; OR=2.96,p=0.04). Information about options for birth method was mostly provided in the form of consent documents, and doctors were the sole provider of information about method of childbirth in 55.7% of institutions. Nursing managers described challenges in caring for women who strongly desire VBAC when women did not have access to information or if institutional policies conflicted with women's wishes. They recommended evidence-based information for women regarding birth choices after CS and recognised the necessity of emotional support for women faced with decision dilemmas. Key conclusions: institutional policies and practices for birth after CS vary widely in Japan, with evidence of limited opportunities for women to make informed choices about planned VBAC. It was difficult for nurse managers to support women to choose VBAC when institutional policy conflicted with this choice and when women did not have consistent or balanced information. Implications for practice: strategies are needed to support women as well as pregnancy care providers to support women to consider VBAC as a possible birth option after CS and to expand the use of shared decision making in pregnancy care settings in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of women-centred interventions during pregnancy and birth to increase rates of vaginal birth after caesarean. Design: we searched bibliographic databases for randomised trials or cluster randomised trials on women-centred interventions during pregnancy and birth designed to increase VBAC rates in women with at least one previous caesarean section. Comparator groups included standard or usual care or an alternative treatment aimed at increasing VBAC rates. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed independently by two authors using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool. Outcome data were extracted independently from each included study by two review authors. Findings: in total, 821 citations were identified and screened by title and abstract; 806 were excluded and full text of 15 assessed. Of these, 12 were excluded leaving three papers included in the review. Two studies evaluated the effectiveness of decision aids for mode of birth and one evaluated the effectiveness of an antenatal education programme. The findings demonstrate that neither the use of decision aids nor information/education of women have a significant effect on VBAC rates. Nevertheless, decision-aids significantly decrease women's decisional conflict about mode of birth, and information programmes significantly increase their knowledge about the risks and benefits of possible modes of birth. Key conclusions: few studies evaluated women-centred interventions designed to improve VBAC rates, and all interventions were applied in pregnancy only, none during the birth. There is an urgent need to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of all types of women-centred interventions during pregnancy and birth, designed to improve VBAC rates. Implications for practice: decision-aids and information programmes during pregnancy should be provided for women as, even though they do not affect the rate of VBAC, they decrease women's decisional conflict and increase their knowledge about possible modes of birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We analysed the impact on caesarean section (CS) rate of introducing a routine trial of labour (TOL) for patients with a previous CS. Study design: During 2007 and 2008, we offered a TOL to all women with one previous CS planning to give birth in our hospital. The adherence to the procedure, success of vaginal delivery, overall CS rate, incidence of symptomatic uterine rupture and other complications were evaluated. Labour induction was allowed only using castor oil or Amniotomy. Results: One hundred and ninety-four women were considered eligible for TOL. A total of 87.6% of them agreed to undergo the procedure (78.7% in the first year versus 95.2% in the second year, p < 0.05). Of these, 63.5% delivered successfully (42.3% in the first year versus 78.8% in the second year, p < 0.05); 10.6% underwent a primary CS because of failed spontaneous labour or failed labour induction and 25.9% a secondary CS during labour. The CS rate decreased significantly from 19.6% (in 2003-2006) to 14.9% (iN 2007-2008) ( p < 0.05). One case of symptomatic uterine rupture occurred, while no difference for other complications was observed. Conclusions: The CS rate decreased dramatically through introducing a TOL programme for patients with one previous CS. The possibility of symptomatic uterine rupture should be however considered and patients adequately informed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the UK, around 10–15% of the obstetric population have experienced prior caesarean delivery. This article provides a practical evidence-based approach to the antenatal and intrapartum management of such women. This review is primarily sourced from data presented in guidelines produced by UK (RCOG, NICE) and USA (ACOG, NIH) professional bodies. Antenatal counselling should incorporate an individualized assessment of the risks and benefits of ERCS (elective repeat caesarean section) and planned VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) modes of delivery. Planned VBAC is associated with slightly (0.25%) increased perinatal risk than planned ERCS, although absolute risks are low for both modes of delivery. This information, coupled with high rates of VBAC success (70%) and very low-risk of uterine scar rupture (0.5%), indicates planned VBAC is an appropriate option for the vast majority of multiparous women with previous caesarean delivery and is cost effective for the healthcare provider. Of significance, recent guidance from NICE (UK) adds a further dimension to decision making as it has stated that maternal request for caesarean section is permissible in certain circumstances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

McGrath P, Phillips E, Vaughan G. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 274–281 Vaginal birth after Caesarean risk decision-making: Australian findings on the mothers' perspective The purpose of this paper is to explore, from the mothers' perspective, the decision-making experience with regard to subsequent birth choice for women who had previously delivered by Caesarean section. A qualitative methodological approach was taken to the exploration of mothers' knowledge of the risks of vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) or elective Caesarean following a prior birth by Caesarean section. This paper presents the insights provided by the four women who chose VBAC. The health professionals' attitude to birth, and thus the support they offer to mothers, is predominantly pro-Caesarean. In view of the declining numbers of VBACs and the fact that the clinical literature documents risks for both elective Caesarean and VBAC, it is important for health professionals to be very sensitive and balanced in the information and support offered for the VBAC birth option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Cahill A, Tuuli M, Odibo A, Stamilio D, Macones G. Vaginal birth after caesarean for women with three or more prior caesareans: assessing safety and success. BJOG 2010;117:422–427. Objective To estimate the rate of success and risk of maternal morbidities in women with three or more prior caesareans who attempt vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Design Retrospective cohort design. Setting Multicentre, from 1996 to 2000, including 17 tertiary and community delivery centres in north-eastern USA. Population A total of 25 005 women who had had at least one prior caesarean delivery. Methods Women who attempted VBAC with three or more prior caesareans were compared with those who attempted after one and two prior caesareans. Univariable and stratified analyses were used to select factors for multivariable analyses for maternal morbidity. Maternal characteristics were compared using a Student’s t test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was composite maternal morbidity, defined as at least one of the following: uterine rupture, bladder or bowel injury, or uterine artery laceration. Secondary outcomes were VBAC success, blood transfusion and fever. Results Of 25 005 women, 860 had three or more prior caesarean deliveries: 89 attempted VBAC and 771 elected for repeat caesarean. Of the 89 who attempted VBAC, there were no cases of composite maternal morbidity. They were also as likely to have a successful VBAC as women with one prior caesarean (79.8% versus 75.5%, adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.81–2.41, P = 0.22). Conclusion Women with three or more prior caesareans who attempt VBAC have similar rates of success and risk for maternal morbidity as those with one prior caesarean, and as those delivered by elective repeat caesarean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to explore the views of consultant obstetricians in the south-west of England on the use of prostaglandin and oxytocin in women undergoing vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC), and assess how the perceived risk of uterine rupture in such a cohort of women affected their practice. A postal questionnaire was sent to randomly selected consultant obstetricians in the south-west of England. The response rate from the survey was 59.2%. The study showed that the willingness of consultants to use prostaglandin in VBAC was related to their length of practice. Some 89.7% of all respondents claim they would use syntocinon for augmentation in VBAC; 75% of all the responding consultants who have been in the post for longer than 10 years claim they would not use either of the agents in VBAC. We conclude that, despite concerns about the risks of increased uterine rupture in both induction and augmentation in labour of women undergoing VBAC, our study did not seem to support the fact that obstetricians' practices are influenced by this perceived risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study estimated the effect that a multifaceted intervention aiming to improve the quality of obstetrical care and reduce Caesarean section (CS) had on the rate of vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC)., Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the cluster randomized controlled trial Quality of Care, Obstetrics Risk Management, and Mode of Delivery involving (1) audits regarding the indications for CS, (2) provision of feedback to health professionals, and (3) implementation of best practices to reduce CS rates in Quebec. The impact of intervention on VBAC, trial of labour (TOL), and maternal and neonatal morbidity was reported using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)., Results: Out of 105 351 women who delivered during the pre- and postintervention period, 12 493 (11.9%) had a previous CS. We observed no significant impact of the multifaceted intervention on the rates of TOL (adjusted OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.96-1.56, P = 0.11) and VBAC (adjusted OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.97-1.48, P = 0.10) in women with one previous CS. However, the rate of TOL was reduced (adjusted OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.14-0.99) in women with more than one previous CS. The intervention has no influence on maternal and neonatal morbidity., Conclusions: A multifaceted intervention including audits, feedback to health professionals, and implementation of best practices did not affect VBAC rates or maternal and neonatal morbidity. Our results pointed out the need for decision-making processand risk management tools specific to women with previous CS., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: in the context of a rising caesarean section (CS) rate in Japan, the objectives of this study were; to investigate the national situation for women's birth options after primary CS; to explore characteristics of institutions accepting planned vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC); to identify the timing and type of information given to women about their birth options by health professionals., Design: a national census study using a self-administered postal survey of nursing managers within obstetric departments in Japanese hospitals and clinics was conducted. Data were analyzed to explore characteristics of institutions accepting or not accepting VBAC and information given to women about planned VBAC and planned repeat CS., Setting: institutions included hospitals and clinics providing childbirth services throughout Japan., Participants: nursing managers from hospitals (n=303) and clinics (n=196) completed surveys about their institutional policies and practices around birth after CS., Findings: only 154 (30.9%) of 499 institutions examined, accepted planned vaginal birth as an option for birth after CS. The success rate of VBAC was 77.0% in these institutions. Availability of transport services for institutional transfer and existence of a Maternal Fetal Intensive Care Unit (MFICU) were significantly associated with acceptance of VBAC (OR=5.39, p<0.001; OR=2.96, p=0.04). Information about options for birth method was mostly provided in the form of consent documents, and doctors were the sole provider of information about method of childbirth in 55.7% of institutions. Nursing managers described challenges in caring for women who strongly desire VBAC when women did not have access to information or if institutional policies conflicted with women's wishes. They recommended evidence-based information for women regarding birth choices after CS and recognised the necessity of emotional support for women faced with decision dilemmas., Key Conclusions: institutional policies and practices for birth after CS vary widely in Japan, with evidence of limited opportunities for women to make informed choices about planned VBAC. It was difficult for nurse managers to support women to choose VBAC when institutional policy conflicted with this choice and when women did not have consistent or balanced information., Implications for Practice: strategies are needed to support women as well as pregnancy care providers to support women to consider VBAC as a possible birth option after CS and to expand the use of shared decision making in pregnancy care settings in Japan., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)