Safety of vaginal birth after single previous lower segment caesarean: a retrospective analysis of 200 cases

Abstract

Background: Vaginal birth after Caesarean delivery (VBAC) has long been proposed as a viable measure to reduce overall Caesarean delivery rates. The objective of present study was to assess predictive factors and to study outcome of pregnancy in women with one previous lower segment caesarean section underwent trial of scar, in author’s hospital setting.Methods: This retrospective analysis of 200 pregnant women with one previous lower segment caesarean section underwent trial of scar, was carried out over a period of one year, in department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior (M.P.). The maternal and neonatal data and data concerning the course of delivery were reviewed and subjected to statistical analysis.Results: The success rate of VBAC was 36%. Young maternal age, gestational age <40 weeks, neonate birth weight 2.5-3 kg, admission in active phase of labor, previous caesarean for malpresentation, meconium stained liquor and fetal distress, were associated with successful VBAC. The commonest indication of repeat caesarean section was non-progress of labor in 34.37% women. Admission rate to neonatal intensive care unit was less in VBAC (2.77%) than in repeat caesarean section group (7.03%). There was one case of uterine rupture. There were 3 perinatal deaths and no maternal deaths.Conclusions: Women with a prior caesarean section are at increased risk of subsequent caesarean. Vaginal birth after caesarean should be encouraged in selected cases to reduce the risks of repeated caesarean sections. However, in the event of a failed trial, there is a definite increase in neonatal and maternal morbidity which is also reflected in our study.