Current concepts regarding vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Dec;15(6):479-82. doi: 10.1097/00001703-200312000-00004.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the current literature on vaginal birth after cesarean delivery efficacy and safety.

Recent findings: There are two major themes in current vaginal birth after cesarean delivery research. The first is continued work on the short-term safety, including maternal events such as uterine rupture and perinatal death. The second theme focuses on identifying predictors for success and failure.

Summary: Current information suggests that the rate of major maternal and neonatal complications with vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is low, and this option should be offered to women with a single prior low transverse cesarean. Future research should focus on an evaluation of both short-term and long-term consequences of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery compared with elective repeat cesarean section.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Obstetric Labor Complications / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Prognosis
  • Trial of Labor
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean* / adverse effects