Comparison of maternal-neonatal results of vaginal birth after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate maternal-neonatal results in women who underwent vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and elec-tive repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD).

Material and methods: In a two-year retrospective cohort analysis, 423 patients with a history of prior cesarean section, singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation and gestational age of 37-41 weeks were investigated. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of 195 patients desiring VBAC and undergoing a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) attempt and 228 patients undergoing an ERCD were compared.

Results: While the TOLAC attempt was successful in 141 patients (72.3%), it was unsuccessful in 54 patients. No statistically significant difference was determined between VBAC and ERCD patients regarding uterine rupture, dehiscence, post-partum hemorrhage, the need for a blood transfusion and wound site infection (p > 0.05). When the post-partum neonatal outcomes were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between VBAC and ERCD groups regarding the prevalence of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), respiratory distress, sepsis and birth injury (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The maternal and perinatal outcomes of our study may be encouraging in favor of VBAC particularly in countries with higher cesarean rates. We think that the option of VBAC should be offered more frequently for selected appropriate patients in created safe environments.

Keywords: maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; neonatal morbidity; neonatal mortality; trial of labor after cesarean; vaginal birth after cesarean.