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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Jun 14:48:60.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.48.60.37918. eCollection 2024.

A randomized comparative study of serial membrane sweeping at term for vaginal birth after caesarean section in two tertiary hospitals in Delta State

Innocent Okoacha  1   2 , Patrick Ifeanyi Okonta  1   2 , Osamudia Okhionkpamwonyi  1   2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized comparative study of serial membrane sweeping at term for vaginal birth after caesarean section in two tertiary hospitals in Delta State

Innocent Okoacha et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: postdate pregnant women with one previous caesarean section that are planned for vaginal birth after caesarean sections are faced with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This trial was conducted to determine the effect of serial membrane sweeping from 38 weeks gestation in pregnant women planned for vaginal birth after caesarean section.

Methods: this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 90 women at 38 weeks with one previous caesarean section. In the study group, membranes sweeping commenced at 38 weeks and repeated weekly till labour onset. If no labour onset at 41 weeks and 3 days, elective caesarean section was done. In the control group, patients awaited labour onset till 41 weeks and 3 days, after which elective caesarean section was done. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ver. 22). All analyses were done at p<0.05.

Results: labour onset before 41 weeks and 3 days was statistically significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (RR= 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.0; P=0.006). Likewise, successful vaginal birth after caesarean section was statistically significantly higher in the study group (RR=1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5; P = 0.001).

Conclusion: serial membrane sweeping from 38 weeks gestation has significant beneficial effect on labour onset and successful vaginal delivery in women with one previous caesarean section.

Keywords: Labour; Nigeria; Tertiary Hospitals; serial membranes sweeping; vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
consort algorithm of the randomization and follow-up of study participants
Figure 2
Figure 2
indications for repeat caesarean section
Figure 3
Figure 3
proportion of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) with number of membrane sweeping
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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