Validation of a new calculator for predicting success of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

Race as a variable in a predictive model for a successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery has been challenged as contributing to health inequity. In May 2022, the National Institute of Child Health and Development released a modified calculator that removed race as a variable. The aim of this study was to externally validate the revised calculator amongst a cohort at our institution. We reviewed all patients who underwent a trial of labor after cesarean delivery in 2018-2020 at a tertiary academic medical center and calculated the predicted probability of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery for each patient using both original and revised classification calculators and compared these to observed birth outcomes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for each model. From the cohort of 225 patients that fit inclusion criteria, 37% (n=83) identified as African-American or Hispanic. The vaginal birth after cesarean delivery success rate was 75% for the entire population, and 76% among African-American and/or Hispanic patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the original calculator was 0.71, compared to 0.74 for the new calculator. For African-American and/or Hispanic patients, the average predicted success rates between the models rose from 60 to 69%. Our review confirmed that African-American and Hispanic patients were calculated to have a lower prediction score for a successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery based on the original calculator as compared to the revised calculator. Our results also suggest that race/ethnicity did not significantly contribute to classification ability of the calculator in our patient population.

Application of a specific clinical pathway can affect the choice of trial of labor in patients with a history of cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Mode of delivery in women with previous history of cesarean delivery (CD) is highly modifiable by the practices of the delivery unit. Vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) delivery is a safe and preferred alternative in most cases. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of adopting a complex set of measures aimed at the mode of delivery in this group. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study comparing two birth cohorts before and after the implementation of a series of quality improvement (QI) interventions. The study cohorts comprised women with a history of cesarean delivery who gave birth in the period before (January 2013 - December 2015) and after (January 2018 - December 2020) the adoption of the QI measures. The measures were focused on singleton term cephalic pregnancies with a low transverse incision in the uterus. Measures included approval of all planned CDs by a senior obstetrician, re-training staff on the use of the FIGO classification for intrapartum fetal cardiotocogram, establishing VBAC management guidelines, encouraging epidural analgesia during trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), establishing a labor ward team and introducing a monthly maternity audit. RESULTS: Term singleton cephalic pregnancies with previous history of CD accounted for 12.55% of all births in the pre-intervention period and 12.01% in the post-intervention period. The frequency of cesarean deliveries decreased from 89.94% in the pre-intervention period to 64.47% in the post-intervention period (p < 0.0001). We observed a significant increase in TOLAC from 13.18 to 42.12% (p<0.0001) and also an increase in successful VBAC from 76.27 to 84.35% (p < 0.0001). All changes occurred without statistically significant change in overall perinatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the feasibility to safely increase trial of labor and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery by implementing a series of quality improvement interventions and clinical pathway changes.

Predictors of successful trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) in women with one prior transverse cesarean section at Tertiary Hospitals in northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Trials of labor after cesarean section is the preferred strategy to decrease the cesarean delivery rate and reducing complications associated with multiple cesarean sections. The success rate of trials of labor after cesarean section and associated factors have not been well documented in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the success rate and factors associated with the trial of labor after one cesarean section in five Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals located in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 437 women who came for the trial of labor from December 1, 2021, to March 30, 2022. All women who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included to this study. Data was collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Then, the data was entered into Epi Data 4.6 software and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. To identify the variables influencing the outcome variable, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. The model's fitness was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test, and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare the predictors that are significantly associated with TOLAC. RESULTS: The success rate of the trial of labor after one cesarean section was 56.3% (95% CI, 51.3%, 61.2%). Maternal age ≥ 35 years (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 9.3), the fetal station at admission ≤ zero (AOR: 5. 6, 95% CI 3.3, 9.5), vaginal delivery before cesarean section (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI 1.2, 3.2), and successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.1) were found to have a significant association with the success rate of trial of labor after cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the success rate of the trial of labor after a cesarean section was low as compared to the ACOG guideline and other studies in different countries. Therefore, the clinicians ought to offer counsel during antenatal and intrapartum period, encourage the women to make informed decision on the mode of delivery, and the practitioners need to follow fetal and maternal conditions strictly to minimize adverse birth outcomes.

A jump into the deep end - Women's strategies on the way to VBAC in Poland.

PROBLEM: In Poland, as in other high-income countries, the rate of caesarean sections (CS) is alarmingly high. Promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is one of the ways that may help to decrease CS rate. Despite the recommendations by the Polish Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians that one previous CS should not be an indication for a subsequent one and VBAC should be promoted, the rate of VBAC in Poland remains low. BACKGROUND: Research shows that in countries with high VBAC rates women felt supported by healthcare personnel to have VBAC. AIM: This study aims to explore the elements of Polish maternity services that contribute to or hinder women's chances of having a VBAC. METHODS: The study used qualitative methods of research based on semi-structured interviews. We interviewed 22 women. Each woman was interviewed twice, once during pregnancy and then between 6 and 12 weeks after she had given birth. FINDING: Women who planned vaginal birth after one previous CS engaged in various strategies such as seeking supportive personnel, opting for fee-for-service dedicated midwifery care or traveled long distances to give birth in facilities supporting VBAC. CONCLUSIONS: Polish maternity services do not support women on the way to vaginal birth after surgery. Access to VBAC in Poland is highly unequal and dependent on women's social and financial resources such as access to private care, place of residence, or social relationships. Efforts should be made to make access to VBAC more universal.

Development of a multivariate predictive nomogram among women with antepartum fetal death diagnosed at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation for outcome of TOLAC.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was planned to develop a nomogram that will give a priori estimate on the probability of vaginal birth from maternal features in women with antepartum fetal death diagnosed at ≥ 34 week's gestation and previous one low transverse cesarean section (LTCS). This will help to reduce maternal complications and increase confidence when planning a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). METHODS: A prospective observational study was planned where participants underwent induction of labor with Foley's catheter (unless already in spontaneous labor) within 24 h of enrolment. Participants with absent or inadequate contractions, oxytocin infusion as an additional agent was used. Data was collected on maternal predelivery features. Outcome of participants was categorized into two classes-vaginal and cesarean delivery. Classifiers were trained with data on maternal features and the accuracy of predicting outcome class determined. The classifier with maximum accuracy was used to develop a nomogram. RESULT: Three hundred and one women underwent treatment as per protocol. Two hundred and twenty women attained successful vaginal delivery and eighty-one women underwent caesarean section. Factors having a significant impact on outcome were maternal body mass index (BMI), bishop score, duration of augmentation, estimated foetal weight, interval from previous LTCS, admission to active labor interval, vaginal delivery after LTCS and gestational age. The Naïve -Bayes model gave the highest prediction accuracy (0.88). CONCLUSION: Non-linear classifiers by using selective features could predict the outcome of TOLAC among women with intra-uterine fetal death attempting vaginal birth at or beyond 34 weeks gestation with high accuracy.

Delivery Progress, Labor Interventions and Perinatal Outcome in Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery of Singleton Pregnancies between Nulliparous and Primiparous Women with One Previous Elective Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an alternative to repeated cesarean for women with singleton pregnancy and one previous transverse lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), resulting in most cases being a successful vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). The primary objective of this study was to examine if the progress and the duration of the active first stage and the second stage of labor in nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy, spontaneous start of labor and vaginal birth differ from primiparous women succeeding VBAC after one previous elective LSCS in a country with a low cesarean section and high VBAC rate. Secondary objectives were to compare labor interventions and maternal-neonatal outcomes between the two groups. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected in a four-year period at the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kristianstad and Ystad hospitals in Sweden. Out of 14,925 deliveries, 106 primipara women with one previous elective LSCS and a spontaneous labor onset in the subsequent singleton pregnancy were identified. Of these women, 94 (88.7%) delivered vaginally and were included in the study (VBAC group). The comparison group included 212 randomly selected nulliparous women that had a normal singleton pregnancy, spontaneous labor onset and delivered vaginally. RESULTS: The rate of cervical dilation during the active first stage of labor as well as the duration of the second stage did not differ between the two groups. When adjusting for cervical dilation at admission, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor. No significant differences were found in maternal-neonatal outcomes between the two groups except for higher birth weight in the VBAC group. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with slower dilation rhythm over the duration of the active phase and second stage of labor, need for labor augmentation, postpartum bleeding and need for transfusion at higher rates, irrespective of parity when epidural was used. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that in women with one previous elective LSCS undergoing TOLAC in the subsequent pregnancy resulting in vaginal birth, the progress and duration of labor are not different from those in nulliparous women when labor is spontaneous and the it is a singleton pregnancy. The use of epidural was associated with prolonged labor, need for labor augmentation and higher postpartum bleeding, irrespective of parity. This information may be useful in patient counseling and labor management in TOLAC.

Randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy of a combination regime containing two cervical sensitizers (mifepristone + Foley's catheter) versus single agent mifepristone or Foley's catheter for labor induction in women attempting TOLAC at late third trimester with a dead fetus in utero.

Randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy of a combination regime containing two cervical sensitizers (mifepristone + Foley's catheter) versus single agent mifepristone or Foley's catheter for labor induction in women attempting TOLAC at late third trimester with a dead fetus in utero. AIM: To compare efficacy and safety of a new combination regime comprising of two cervical sensitizers used simultaneously with single agents, for labor induction in women attempting TOLAC at ≥34 weeks' gestation with a dead fetus. METHOD: This was a multiarm randomized controlled trial (RCT) where participants received one of the three regimes-single agent oral Mifepristone 200 mg, intracervical Foley's catheter (16 Fr size, filled with 40 mL normal saline after intracervical instillation), and combination regime consisting of both used simultaneously. Number of women undergoing vaginal birth within 48 h of induction (VB48 ) was the primary outcome compared between groups. RESULTS: VB48 was higher in participants on combination regime in comparison to participants on Foley's catheter (54 vs. 42). Total vaginal births were higher in participants on combination regime compared to both single agents (58 vs. 48 and 44). Duration and dose of oxytocin augmentation was lower in participants on combination regime compared to both single agents. Induction birth interval was short in participants on combination regime compared to those on Foley's catheter. Maternal complications between groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Combination of cervical sensitizers for labor induction in late third trimester among women with dead fetus attempting TOLAC resulted in higher proportion of vaginal births and might reduce risk of scar dehiscence due to requirement of a lower dose of oxytocin for augmentation.

Trial of labor following cesarean in patients with bicornuate uterus: a multicenter retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in women with a bicornuate uterus is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity compared to women with a non-malformed uterus. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at two university-affiliated centers between 2005 and 2021. Parturients with a bicornuate uterus who attempted TOLAC following a single low-segment transverse cesarean delivery (CD) were included and compared to those with a non-malformed uterus. Failed TOLAC rates and the rate of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared using both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among 20,844 eligible births following CD, 125 (0.6%) were identified as having a bicornuate uterus. The overall successful vaginal delivery rate following CD in the bicornuate uterus group was 77.4%. Failed TOLAC rates were significantly higher in the bicornuate group (22.4% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.01). Uterine rupture rates did not differ between the groups, but rates of placental abruption and retained placenta were significantly higher among parturients with a bicornuate uterus (9.8% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01, and 9.8% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.01, respectively). Neonatal outcomes following TOLAC were less favorable in the bicornuate group, particularly in terms of neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal sepsis. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association between the bicornuate uterus and failed TOLAC. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that parturients with a bicornuate uterus who attempted TOLAC have a relatively high overall rate of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). However, their chances of achieving VBAC are significantly lower compared to those with a non-malformed uterus. Obstetricians should be aware of these findings when providing consultation to patients.

To Try or Not to Try: A Questionnaire Study among Women with Previous Lower Segment Cesarean Section.

Background: The recent increase in the cesarean section (CS) rate worldwide has led to global concerns and vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) as an effective way to reduce the CS rate. In this study, our main aim was to know about various factors that help women make their preferred mode of delivery following a previous CS. Material and Method: This was a questionnaire-based study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, among 200 women with previous one lower segment CS (LSCS). Results: Elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) was found to be more among uneducated women and those who had complications in their previous babies. The most common reason for opting for ERCD was fear of labor pains. Women who were counseled by senior doctors were more likely to opt for a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). Conclusion: Improving the education levels of mothers, counseling about advantages associated with vaginal birth, counseling by senior obstetrician, and information regarding labor analgesia can decrease CS rates.

Preferred mode of delivery and its associated factors in pregnant women with a previous cesarean scar at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal births after cesarean or elective repeat cesarean sections (CS) are the options for delivery after one cesarean scar. However, there is a lack of data regarding the preferred next mode of delivery in Ethiopia after a previous cesarean section. Thus, this study assessed the preferred mode of delivery and determinants after one previous CS in the antenatal clinic at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH). METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant mothers with one previous CS at UoGCSH from March to August 2022. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. The collected data were entered, cleaned, and edited using Epi-data 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. A binary logistic regression was performed to assess the determinants of the preferred mode of delivery. A p-value of < 0.05 at the 95% confidence level (CI) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The majority, 71.5% (95% CI: 64.7, 77.1), of participants preferred the trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) as their mode of delivery. Mothers who were married (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.19-16.85), had a diploma educational level (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.84-12.36), had previous post-cesarean complications (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.08-9.74), and knew about the success of the trial of labor after cesarean (AOR = 13.56, 95% CI: 4.52-37.19) were found to prefer the trial of labor compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that most pregnant mothers preferred labor trials after one CS, which is a bit lower but comparable with recommended practice guidelines. Providing adequate information and counseling mothers to make informed decisions about their preferred mode of delivery could be substantial.

The association between trial of labor after cesarean in obese patients and adverse maternal outcomes.

PURPOSE: We hypothesized that among obese patients with a history of cesarean birth, a TOLAC is associated with decreased composite maternal adverse outcomes (CMAO) compared to planned repeat low transverse cesarean section (RLTCS). METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study using the National Birth Certificate database from 2016 to 2020, we compared obese patients who attempted TOLAC at term (≥ 37 weeks estimated gestational age) to planned RLTCS. The primary outcome was a CMAO, defined as delivery complications, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, or maternal blood transfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 794,278 patients met inclusion criteria for the study; 126,809 underwent a TOLAC, and 667,469 had a planned RLTCS. The overall CMAO was significantly higher for patients undergoing TOLAC (9.0 per 1000 live births) compared to RLTCS (5.3 per 1000 live births; aRR 1.64, 95% CI 1.53-1.75). CONCLUSION: This data demonstrate that in obese patients with prior cesarean birth, a trial of labor is associated with increased maternal morbidity when compared to a planned repeat cesarean birth.

Unexpected Uterine Rupture-A Case Report, Review of the Literature and Clinical Suggestions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Women with a history of cesarean section are a high-risk group because they are likely to develop uterine rupture during their next pregnancy. Current evidence suggests that a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) is associated with lower maternal mortality and morbidity than elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD). Additionally, research suggests that uterine rupture can occur in 0.47% of cases of trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). CASE DESCRIPTION: A healthy 32-year-old woman at 41 weeks of gestation, in her fourth pregnancy, was admitted to the hospital due to a dubious CTG record. Following this, the patient gave birth vaginally, underwent a cesarean section, and successfully underwent a VBAC. Due to her advanced gestational age and favorable cervix, the patient qualified for a trial of vaginal labor (TOL). During labor induction, she displayed a pathological CTG pattern and presented symptoms such as abdominal pain and heavy vaginal bleeding. Suspecting a violent uterine rupture, an emergency cesarean section was performed. The presumed diagnosis was confirmed during the procedure-a full-thickness rupture of the pregnant uterus was found. The fetus was delivered without signs of life and successfully resuscitated after 3 min. The newborn girl of weight 3150 g had an Apgar score of 0/6/8/8 at 1, 3, 5, and 10 min. The uterine wall rupture was closed with two layers of sutures. The patient was discharged 4 days after the cesarean section without significant complications, with a healthy newborn girl. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine rupture is a rare but severe obstetric emergency and can be associated with maternal and neonatal fatal outcomes. The risk of uterine rupture during a TOLAC attempt should always be considered, even if it is a subsequent TOLAC.

The safety of trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) versus elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Women's choice of birth following a cesarean delivery either includes a trial of elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS) or a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). No comprehensive overview or systematic summary is currently available. METHODS: EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to 1 February 2020. Studies reporting the safety of TOLAC and ERCS in pregnant women with prior cesarean delivery were included. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adopted as the effective measures. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies covering 676,532 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that the rates of uterine rupture (OR = 3.35, 95%CI [1.57, 7.15], I2 = 81%), neonatal asphyxia (OR = 2.32, 95%CI [1.76, 3.08], I2 = 0%) and perinatal death (OR = 1.71, 95%CI [1.29, 2.25], I2 = 0%) were higher in the TOLAC group compared with the ERCS group. The rates of peripartum hysterectomy (OR = 0.70, 95%CI [0.44, 1.11], I2 = 62%), blood transfusion (OR = 1.24, 95%CI [0.72, 2.12], I2 = 95%), and puerperal infection (OR = 1.11, 95%CI [0.77, 1.60], I2 = 95%) showed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: TOLAC is associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture, neonatal asphyxia, and perinatal death compared with ERCS. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the risks of all complications were small in both groups. This information is important for healthcare providers and women choosing the delivery type.

Delivery after a previous cesarean section reviewed.

At the start of the 20th century, cesarean section (CS) was uncommon in obstetrics. By the end of the century, CS rates had increased dramatically worldwide. Although the explanation for the increase is multifactorial, a major driver in the ongoing escalation is the increase in women who are delivered by repeat CS. This is due, in part, to the fact that there has been a sharp fall in vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) rates as fewer women are offered a trial of labor after CS (TOLAC), due principally to fears of a catastrophic intrapartum uterine rupture. This paper reviewed international VBAC policies and trends. A number of themes emerged. The risk of intrapartum rupture and its associated complications is low and may sometimes be overestimated. Individual maternity hospitals in both developed and developing countries are inadequately resourced to safely supervise a TOLAC. Efforts to mitigate the risks of TOLAC by careful patient selection and good clinical practices may be underutilized. Given the serious short-term and long-term consequences of rising CS rates for women and for maternity services generally, a review of TOLAC policies worldwide should be prioritized and consideration given to convening a Global Consensus Development Conference on Delivery after CS.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes of vaginal birth after caesarean section in a tertiary center: a single-center study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the trial of labor after caesarean (TOLAC) outcomes and determine its reliability by comparing it with elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) and vaginal delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, the outcomes of patients aged 18-40 years who had 57 TOLACs, 72 vaginal deliveries, and 60 elective caesarean sections in Ankara Koru Hospital between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2022 were compared. RESULTS: Gestational age was lower in the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) group than in the elective caesarean section and vaginal birth after caesarean delivery (VBAC) groups (p < 0.0005). The birth weight was statistically significantly lower in the NVD group than in the elective caesarean section and VBAC groups (p < 0.0002). No statistically significant correlation was found between the BMI values in all three groups (p < 0.586). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of pre- and post-natal haemoglobin and APGAR scores (p < 0.575)(p < 0.690)(p < 0.747). The rate of epidural and oxytocin use was higher in the NVD group than in the VBAC group (p < 0.001) (p < 0.037). There was no statistically significant correlation between the birth weights of the infants in the TOLAC group and failed VBAC (p < 0.078). No statistically significant correlation was observed between the use of oxytocin for induction and failed VBAC (p < 0.842). There was no statistically significant correlation between epidural anaesthesia and failed VBAC (p < 0.586). A statistically significant correlation was found between gestational age and caesarean section as a result of a failed VBAC (p < 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The main reason for not preferring TOLAC continues to be uterine rupture. It can be recommended to eligible patients in tertiary centers. Because even when the factors increasing the success of VBAC were excluded, the rate of successful VBAC remained high.

The effect of anti-pandemic measures on some aspects of obstetric care in a single obstetric unit in the Slovak Republic.

< pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Objectives: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > In many countries, various anti-pandemic interventions were adopted in 2020, which also affected obstetric practices. The aim of this study is to determine their effect on the frequency of caesarean section (CS) according to Robson classification (RC). < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Material and methods: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Deliveries in 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Mothers were grouped according to RC, and the frequency of CR in the different groups were compared. < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Results: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > We found a statistically significant increase in the frequency of CR in the pandemic year (20.0% vs 17.8%, p = 0.0242). When classified into RC groups, the increase in the different groups lost statistical significance. Nevertheless, the increase was most important in Robson group 5 due to maternal rejection of vaginal delivery after CR and in Robson group 2b with elective CR. In spite of our expectations, the frequency of caesarean section performed due to indication of protracted labour was not increased. < /span > < /pre > < pre style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; line-height: 150%;" > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Conclusions: < /span > < span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" > Interventions that were implemented during the first and second waves of the pandemic were associated with increased frequency of planned caesarean sections. < /span > < /pre >.

Grand multiparity, is it a help or a hindrance in a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC)?

OBJECTIVE: Parity is a prognostic variable when considering trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). This study aimed to determine whether grandmultiparous patients are at increased risk of poor TOLAC outcomes such as uterine rupture. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort was conducted at a single university-affiliated medical center with approximately 10,000 deliveries per year. The study group included women post one cesarean section who attempted TOLAC carrying a singleton fetus in vertex presentation. We divided the cohort into three groups: group 1 - women who had a parity of 1; group 2 - parity of 2-4; group 3 - parity of 5 and above. The primary outcome was successful VBAC. Secondary outcomes included mode of delivery, uterine rupture, and combined maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, ANOVA, and paired t-test. RESULTS: Five thousand four hundred and forty-seven women comprised the study group: group 1 - 879 patients, group 2 - 2374 patients, and group 3 - 2194 patients. No significant between-group differences were found in gestational age at delivery. Rates of a successful VBAC were 80.6%, 95.4%, and 95.5%, respectively. Group 1 were more likely to have a failed TOLAC compared to group 2 (OR 5.02, 95% CI 3.9-6.5, p<.001) and group 3 (OR 5.17, 95% CI 4.0-6.7, p<.001). There was no increased risk of failed TOLAC when comparing groups 2 and 3 (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.8-1.4, p=.89). Operative delivery rate differed significantly between all three groups; 25.1%, 6.2%, and 3.6%, for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<.001). The rate of uterine rupture was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (1.02% vs. 0.29% p=.02) and group 3 (1.02% vs. 0.2%, p=.01, respectively). There were no differences between group 2 and group 3 (0.29% vs. 0.2% p=.78). CONCLUSIONS: Grandmultiparity is not associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture during TOLAC.

Walking or jogging during pregnancy increases the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise during pregnancy has been proven to reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. However, few studies have examined the relationship between walking or jogging during pregnancy and the success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC). This multicenter, retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the association between walking or jogging during pregnancy and the success rate of VBAC in women who underwent a trial of labor after cesarean delivery. METHODS: The study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019 in Foshan, China. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed on demographic and obstetric data collected from the electronic record system. RESULTS: Of 1080 women included in the final analysis, 80.4% underwent VBAC. In the multivariable analysis, women who walked or jogged ≥200 min/week during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of successful VBAC than women who did not exercise, after adjusting for two sets of confounders: Model 1: Adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.85) and model 2: Adjusted OR, 1.83 (95% CI, 1.09-3.06). CONCLUSIONS: Walking or jogging ≥200 min/week during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of cesarean delivery among women who undergo a trial of labor after cesarean delivery.

Association Between Utilization of Digital Prenatal Services and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.

INTRODUCTION: Digital health services are a promising but understudied method for reducing common barriers to vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), including connection to facilities offering labor after cesarean and patient-centered counseling about mode of birth. This study assesses the relationship between use of digital prenatal services and VBAC. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the use of digital prenatal services and mode of birth among users of an employer-sponsored digital women's and family digital health platform. All users had a prior cesarean birth. Users' self-reported data included demographics, medical history, and birth preferences. We used basic descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to assess the association between digital services utilization and VBAC, adjusting for key patient characteristics. RESULTS: Of 271 included users, 44 (16.2%) had a VBAC and 227 (83.8%) had a cesarean birth. Users of both groups were similar in age, race, and ethnicity. Fewer users in the VBAC group (5/44, 11.4%) as compared with the cesarean birth group (62/227, 27.3%) had a prepregnancy body mass index greater than or equal to 30 (P = 0.02). Likewise, more users in the VBAC group preferred vaginal birth (34/44, 77.3% vs 55/227, 24.2%; P < 0.01). In adjusted models, the services associated with VBAC were care advocate appointments (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.67; 95% CI, 1.99-54.4), health care provider appointments (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.25), and resource reads (aOR, 1.05, 95% CI, 1.00-1.09). VBAC rates were higher for users who reported the digital health platform influenced aspects of their pregnancy and birth. DISCUSSION: Reducing cesarean birth rates is a national priority. Digital health services, particularly care coordination and education, are promising for accomplishing this goal through increasing rates of trial of labor after cesarean and subsequent VBAC rates.

Trial of labor following cesarean in preterm deliveries: success rates and maternal and neonatal outcomes: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rates of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) among parturients attempting preterm trial of labor following a cesarean delivery (TOLAC) vs. term TOLAC. METHODS: A multicenter historic cohort study was conducted at two university-affiliated centers between August 2005 and March 2021. Parturients in their second delivery, attempting TOLAC after a single low segment transverse cesarean delivery were included. We retrospectively examined computerized medical records of all preterm (< 37 weeks) and term (37-42 weeks) births. Multifetal gestations and postterm deliveries (≥ 42 weeks) were excluded. A univariate analysis was conducted, followed by a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 4865 second deliveries following previous cesarean were identified: 212 (4.4%) preterm and 4653 (95.6%) term. Hypertensive disorders, diabetes and fertility treatments were significantly more prevalent in the preterm group. VBAC rate was significantly lower in preterm group (57.5 vs 79.7%., p < 0.01), including both spontaneous and vaginal-assisted deliveries. In multivariate analysis, preterm TOLAC was independently associated with TOLAC failure [adjusted odds ratio 2.24, [95% confidence interval 1.62-3.09]. Overall, maternal outcomes were favorable. Rates of uterine rupture, re-laparotomy and postpartum hemorrhage were comparable between groups. Neonatal outcomes were less favorable among the preterm group; however, preterm vs. term TOLAC was not associated with low 5 min Apgar score (aOR 1.76, 95% CI 0.92-3.40). CONCLUSION: In our study, VBAC rates were lower in preterm compared to term deliveries. Maternal outcomes were comparable. Neonatal outcomes were less favorable in the preterm group, more likely due to prematurity than delivery mode.