VBAC in the trenches: a community perspective

Abstract

Is vaginal birth after cesarean in the community a disappearing practice? Since 1996 the rate of trial of labor after cesarean for low-risk women has dropped precipitously. This paper reviews the current literature and summarizes opinions of community obstetricians and midwives. Descriptive data are presented to document the scope of the problem and identify barriers: liability concerns, provider biases, and institutional restrictions. Our perspective draws on experience in our community hospital with a previously high vaginal birth after cesarean rate and a subsequent ban. Strategies to reduce the skyrocketing cesarean rate and encourage trial of labor after cesarean for low-risk women are outlined.