Abstract

VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN SECTION

Shahrazad Kamil Habeeb and Raya Issa Rezqallah

Abstract

Cesarean section (CS) has evolved from a procedure with considerable morbidity and mortality risks into one that is safe enough to be considered as a matter of maternal choice in high resource countries. Improvements in operative techniques, anesthesia, intensive care, blood transfusion services and availability of antibiotics have all contributed to improved safety of the procedure for pregnant women. Rates of CS are rising all over the world and so are the rates of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Attempting a VBAC is a safe and appropriate choice that must be offered to most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery. Approximately 70e75% of women who attempt VBAC will have a successful vaginal delivery. However, VBAC is associated with risks for both the mother and the baby. The possibility of uterine rupture in labor ranges from 3 to 7 per 1000 pregnancies while the risk of perinatal death or severe morbidity should a uterine rupture occur is higher with the trial of vaginal delivery than with repeat cesarean delivery.

Keywords: Vaginal birth, cesarean section.