Risk Factors Associated with Unsuccessful Vaginal Birth after One Cesarean (VBAC-1) in Puerto Rico

Background: Cesarean section (CS) has increased steadily over the last decade, with an estimated one-third of women delivering by cesarean section worldwide. Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the demographic and associated factors influencing vaginal birth after one cesarean (VBAC-1) success focusing on variables like pre-pregnancy BMI, diabetes, hypertension, education, and smoking. Study Design and Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed 285 cases (81 unsuccessful VBAC-1, 204 successful VBAC-1) from San Juan City Hospital (Puerto Rico) between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. We used odds ratios and model selection comparison to assess the impact of variables on successful VBAC-1, using a significance threshold of 95% CI. Model selection assessed binomial model combinations using a generalized linear approach to identify key risk factors. Results: Unsuccessful VBAC-1 (a repeat cesarean), was associated with diabetes (OR: 0.376, p = 0.086), hypertension (OR: 0.23, p = 0.006), and university-educated women (OR: 1.372, p = 0.711). High school-educated women had an OR of 3.966 (p = 0.105), while overweight women were 0.481 times more likely to have unsuccessful VBAC-1 (p = 0.041). Significant associations were not found with obesity (OR: 0.574, p = 0.122), underweight/normal (OR: 1.01, p = 0.810), or smoking (OR: 1.227, p = 0.990). Conclusion: Results revealed women with higher education levels, hypertension, or diabetes are less likely to have a successful VBAC-1. Understanding the complex interactions affecting these outcomes is aimed at establishing guidelines for healthcare professionals to conduct systematic risk/benefit assessments. This study lays a foundation for evidence-based practices and policies, offering initial insights into VBAC-1 success factors in Puerto Rico.

Vaginal Birth after Cesarean after Zavanelli Maneuver: A Woman’s Right to Choose

Introduction: Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) plays an essential role in lowering cesarean rates. Despite endorsement, trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) attempt rates remain low, in part due to fear of lawsuits. Zavanelli maneuver is a last resort procedure in the management of shoulder dystocia. We discuss a case of a woman determined to have a vaginal birth after her prior birth was complicated by shoulder dystocia requiring a Zavanelli maneuver. Her physicians were reluctant to allow her a TOLAC given her prior obstetric history. Case: A 34-year-old para 1 with prior cesarean delivery due to shoulder dystocia that required Zavanelli maneuver presents determined to pursue VBAC in her current pregnancy. She considered her delivery route options and addressed her modifiable risk factors. She consulted with multiple perinatologists who agreed that a TOLAC was reasonable, however she had to travel more than 70 miles (from Pennsylvania to New Jersey) to find an obstetrical practice and hospital willing to consider VBAC. She transferred care and the remainder of her prenatal course was uncomplicated. She went into labor at 41 weeks and had a successful VBAC without complication. In a thank you letter to her obstetrician, she described her birth experience as euphoric. Conclusion: This case illustrates how a woman’s choice of delivery route may be impacted by fear of litigation. Local providers focused on her prior delivery instead of her overall improved risk profile. Delivery route decisions should be based on a thorough evaluation of all risk factors and individualized to meet the reproductive goals of each woman. .

Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean Section at Good Shepherd Mission Hospital at Tshikaji in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Background: The success rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section with a single cesarean scar is greater than 50%, the lack of the information about the safety of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery pushes most of obstetricians to increase the num ber of cesarean sections following a previous cesarean section. Guidelines for Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) indicate that TOLAC offers women with no contraindications and one previous transverse low-segment cesarean. The objective of the current study was to study the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC), the indications for emergency repeat cesarean section and to determine the maternal and fetal prognosis in vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) at Tshikaji Mission Hospital. Patients, Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study of the records of 126 women were selected to undergo the TOLAC in the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Tshikaji Mission Hospital over the period from January 1st to December 31st, 2021. The data on demography, antenatal care, labour and delivery and outcomes were collected from the maternity unit of this hospital. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 2.0. Results: The TOLAC in 126 studied women. The course of work allowed vaginal delivery 107 parturient women, a success rate of successful VBAC of 85% after the TOLAC. The repeat emergency cesarean section was necessary for delivery in 15% of cases for failed TOLAC. There was no maternal mortality, but we recorded one fetal death or 0.8% of perinatal mortality, 2 cases of cicatricial dehiscence, the incidence of 1.6%. Maternal morbidity after delivery on cicatricial uterus was dominated by postpartum hemorrhages, with 19 cases or 15.1% of cases. Cervical dilatation of more than 3 cm at the time of admission, the parity more than 3 and were the significant factors in favor of a successful VBAC. Birth weight of more than 3500 g, fetal distress and malpresentation were associated with a lower success rate of VBAC. The TOLAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. Conclusion: Pregnancy on a cicatricial uterus represents a high-risk pregnancy. Trial of VBAC in selected cases has great importance in the present era of the rising rate of primary CS especially in rural areas. There is a significantly high vaginal birth after caesarian section (VBAC) success rate among selected women undergoing trial of scar in Tshikaji Hospital. TOLAC remains the option for childbirth in low resource settings as Kasai region in DRC. Adequate patient education and counselling in addition to appropriate patient selection for TOLAC remain the cornerstone to achieving high VBAC success rate.

Prediction of Success Rates of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery According to the Previous Indication for Cesarean Delivery

Background: Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) has long been accepted as a safe option for women with previous cesarean delivery. Previous efforts have been exerted in trials to predict the success rates of TOLAC according to specific parameters related to previous cesarean section and before TOLAC. We aimed to investigate the different indications of previous cesarean delivery as independent predictors for successful vaginal birth. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Armed Forces Hospitals of the Southern Region between December 15, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The included 566 patients with previous cesarean section who were willing to undergo a trial of labor were divided into two groups according to the success of vaginal birth (VBAC). Results: The nonrecurring indications for previous cesarean delivery were higher in the successful group (fetal distress 54.7% vs 41.1%, malpresentation 26% vs 21.4%, multifetal pregnancy 3.8% vs 2.7%). Additionally, the successful VBAC group had a significantly higher percentage of previous successful VBAC (47.7% vs 21.9%) and prior vaginal deliveries (58.5% vs 44.2%) and less coincidence of medical disorders and meconium-stained liquor (18.1% vs 26.3% and 3.2% vs 8.2%, respectively) than the unsuccessful group. Conclusion: During counseling regarding trial of labor after cesarean section, indications for previous cesarean section not related to arrest of labor can predict higher success of VBAC. Moreover, previous successful vaginal delivery or VBAC improves the success rates.

Laparoscopic repair of uterine rupture following successful second vaginal birth after caesarean delivery: A case report

BACKGROUND With the increasing trend of vaginal birth after caesarean delivery(VBAC),evaluation of the feasibility and safety of a second VBAC with grand multiparity is worth considering.Intrapartum uterine rupture is diagnosed in approximately one-fifth of all VBAC cases following successful vaginal delivery.To our knowledge,no report is available on the application of laparoscopy to repair postpartum uterine rupture after a successful second VBAC in China.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old woman(gravida 5,para 2)at 39 wk and 5 d of gestation was admitted to the hospital in labour.After a successful VBAC and observation for approximately 13 h,the patient complained of progressive abdominal pain.Given the symptoms,signs,and auxiliary examination results,intraperitoneal bleeding was considered.Because the patient was stable and ultrasound imaging was the only method available to assess the possibility of rupture,we recommended laparoscopy to clarify the diagnosis and for prompt laparoscopic uterine repair or exploratory laparotomy if necessary.Operative findings included transverse uterine scar rupture at the lower uterine segment of approximately 5.0 cm in length and 800 mL of intraoperative pelvic haemoperitoneum.Finally,she successfully underwent laparoscopic repair of uterine rupture and recovered very well according to three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging at 42 d postpartum.CONCLUSION Routine postpartum intrauterine exploration is not beneficial to the mother and may even increase the risk of rupture.This case highlights a laparoscopic approach for repairing uterine rupture in the immediate postpartum period.

Pre-Induction Cervical Ripening Using a Transcervical Foley Catheter Combined with ISMN Vaginal Tablets for Vaginal Birth after Previous Caesarean Section (VBAC)—A Comparative Study

Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety and client acceptability of concurrent application of transcervical Foley catheter with vaginal ISMN-sustained release (SR) 60 mg tablet versus transcervical Foley catheter alone for pre-induction cervical ripening in women who are undergoing Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). Method: A prospective single blind randomized control study was carried out including 110 pregnant women who had unfavorable cervix (MBS less than 6) at 40 weeks and 3 days of gestation. The two groups received either the trans-cervical foley catheter with a vaginal ISMN 60 mg sustained release (SR) tablet on 40 weeks and 3 days (Treatment arm 1, n = 57), or trans-cervical Foley alone on 40 weeks and 3 days (Treatment arm 2, n = 53). Results: At 40 weeks + 3 days gestation, the mean age, mean parity and the mean modified Bishop Score (MBS) were comparable among the two treatment groups. Majority (n = 98, 89.1%) remained without spontaneously establishing labour at 24 hours of intervention. The difference in mean MBS at 40 weeks + 4 days (24-hours following the intervention) in the two groups was statistically not significant (P > 0.05). The group who received concurrent ISMN vaginal tablets achieved a higher number of successful VBACs (n = 33, 62.3%) over the group who received the Foley catheter only method (n = 29, 50.9%), however, not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The concurrent use of vaginal ISMN tablets (60 mg SR) with a transcervical Foley catheter failed to show higher effectiveness compared to a transcervical Foley catheter alone as an induction method.

Vaginal Birth after One Caesarean Section—Ten Years Experience in a South Eastern Nigerian Hospital

Background: The rising caesarean section rate worldwide is an increasing source of concern to all. A significant contributor to this is a previous caesarean delivery. One strategy in the armamentarium of obstetricians for reducing this is vaginal birth after one caesarean section (VBAC). The safety, outcome and complications of this procedure in our Center which is in a developing country had never been studied hence the need for this work. Aim: To find out the outcome and complications of vaginal births after one caesarean delivery in our Center. Method: A retrospective study involving a ten-year review of all cases of trials of labour after one caesarean delivery in our Center was done. Result: Of the 305 trials of labour after one caesarean delivery, 221 women had vaginal birth giving a vaginal birth after one caesarean section rate of 72.5%. Majority of the babies 303 (99.2%) were alive and had good Apgar scores while 2 (0.7%) died giving a perinatal mortality rate of 7 per 1000 babies. There were complications in 21 (6.7%) of the women with retained placenta, in 7 (2.3%) of the women as the commonest, followed by postpartum haemorrhage in 6 (1.96%). Five (1.62%) women had scar dehiscence while 3 (0.98%) had uterine rupture. Conclusion: Vaginal birth after one caesarean section is safe in well selected cases even in our resource poor settings. It offers our women a culturally-acceptable option of fulfilling long-held dreams of vaginal delivery even after one caesarean section and should be offered to our women whenever possible.

Comparative Study of Early Neonatal Complications between the First and Second Twin during Twin Vaginal Deliveries at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: Twin birth is the expulsion of two fetuses and their appendages out of the woman’s reproductive tract. It’s a high-risk delivery because of the high frequency of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Few studies exist on the comparative prognoses of twins. Our objective was to compare early neonatal complications in first and second twins. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study from January 2 to April 30, 2020 (4 months) at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done in frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations. Paired-sample student's t-test were used to compare means. McNemar’s Chi-square and Ficher’s exact tests were used to compare proportions. Statistical significance was set at p-values less than 0.05. Results: Of a total of 2183 deliveries during the study period, 43 (1.96%) were twin vaginal deliveries. Among the 43 women, 41 consented to have their newborns participate in the study. Overall, APGAR scores were better for the first twins at the first (p = 0.004) and fifth (p = 0.031) minutes than for the second twins. Although both twins had complications and that there were 4 neonatal deads of the second twin, there was no relationship between studied complications and the rank of the twin (p = 0.310). Conclusion: As the APGAR score seemed to be better for first twins, clinicians should pay more attention during twin births, in order to improve the prognosis of the second twin.

Labor Onset, Oxytocin Use, and Epidural Anesthesia for Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section and Associated Effects on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in a Tertiary Hospital in China： A Retrospective Study

Background：In the mainland of China, the trial of labor after cesarean section is still a relatively new technique. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of labor onset, oxytocin use, and epidural anesthesia on maternal and neonatal outcomes for vaginal birth after cesarean section （VBAC） in a tertiary hospital in China.Methods：This was a retrospective study carried out on 212 VBAC cases between January 2015 and June 2017 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Relevant data were acquired on a form, including maternal age, gravidity and parity, body mass index before pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, type of labor onset, gestational age, the use of oxytocin and epidural anesthesia, birth mode, the duration of labor, and neonatal weight. The factors affecting maternal and neonatal outcomes for cases involving VBAC, especially with regards to postpartum hemorrhage （PPH） and fetal distress, were evaluated by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression.Results：Data showed that 36 women （17.0%） had postpartum hemorrhage （PPH） and 51 cases （24.1%） featured fetal distress. Normal delivery took place for 163 infants （76.9%） while 49 infants （23.1%） underwent operative vaginal deliveries with forceps. There were 178 cases （84.0%） of spontaneous labor and 34 cases （16.0%） required induction. Oxytocin was used in 54 cases （25.5%） to strengthen uterine contraction, and 65 cases （30.7%） received epidural anesthesia. The rate of normal delivery in cases involving PPH was significantly lower than those without PPH （61.1% vs. 80.1%; χ2 = 6.07, P = 0.01）. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the intrapartum administration of oxytocin （odds ratio [OR] = 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07–5.74; P = 0.04） and birth mode （OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18–0.87; P = 0.02） was significantly associated with PPH in VBAC cases. Operative vaginal delivery occurred more frequently in the group with fetal distress than the group without （49.0% vs. 14.9%, χ2 = 25.36, P = 0.00）. Multivariate logistic analysis also revealed that the duration of total labor （OR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.03; P = 0.04） and the gestational week of delivery （OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.05–1.11; P = 0.00） were significantly associated with fetal distress in VBAC.Conclusions：The administration of oxytocin during labor and birth was identified as a protective factor for PPH in VBAC while birth mode was identified as a risk factor. Finally, the duration of total labor and the gestational week of delivery were identified as risk factors for fetal distress in cases of VBAC. This information might help obstetricians provide appropriate interventions during labor and birth for VBAC.

Profile of Pregnant Women and Success of the Uterine Test on a Uni or Bi-Scar Uterus at the Maternity Ward of Panzi Hospital, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Trial of labor after a previous cesarean section (TOLAC) is a method that requires strict monitoring to decrease the cesarean section (CS) rate and improve the maternal and neonatal prognosis. The objective is to determine the profile and outcome of patients with one and two previous CSs who performed TOLAC at Panzi General Referral Hospital. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a prospective collection of data of 111 patients with one and two previous CSs at Panzi Hospital from January 2021 to August 2022. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS version 23 software was used to analyze the collected data. The percentages of categorical variables were summarized in a frequency table. The mean or median with standard deviation was used to summarize quantitative variables. Results: The overall success rate of the TOLAC was 64%, with 63.8% following one previous CS and 64.3% following two CSs. The mean age of the patients was 27.09 years, with an age range of 25 - 34 years. They were mostly pauciparous (52.2%), married (88.3%), with a high school education (60.4%). The inter-delivery interval > 18 months was noted (64.1%) and overweight in 63.9%. More than three antenatal consultations were performed (58.6%). We found a mean gestational age of 38 (34 - 41) weeks. The perinatal mortality rate was 0.9%. However, we did not record any cases of maternal mortality during the study period. Conclusion: TOLAC after one and two previous CS is implemented in the maternity Unit of Panzi Hospital for well-selected patients. In addition, the success rate is similar after TOLAC with an acceptable maternal-neonatal prognosis.

Disparities in caesarean section prevalence and determinants across sub-Saharan Africa countries

Background:Access to safe Cesarean section(C-section)in resource-constrained settings such as sub-Sahara Africa(SSA)region is a foremost approach to reduce maternal mortality.C-section is an obstetric operative procedure used appropriately to improve delivery outcomes.However,errors in the procedure have enormous potential harm that may outweigh the benefits.This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of C-section in several SSA countries.This study examined the prevalence and determinants associated with cesarean delivery in SSA countries.Methods:Secondary data of women of reproductive age(15-49 years)from the current Demographic and Health Survey(DHS)in 34 SSA countries was utilized in this study.The mode of delivery among women was the primary outcome variable.Percentage and descriptive statistics were used to conduct univariate analyses.Furthermore,multivariable multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate correlates of C-section among SSA women.Results:Results showed disparities in the percentage of C-section among women from 34 SSA countries.C-section at public healthcare settings ranged from 3%in Burkina Faso to 15.6%in Ghana.However,in private healthcare settings,C-section ranged from 0%in Sao Tome and Principe to 64.2%in Rwanda.Overall,C-section was 7.9%from public healthcare and 12.3%from private healthcare facilities respectively.In the adjusted regression model;women aged 35-49 had increase in the odds of C-section,while a unit increase in the number of children ever born had 17 and 20%significant reduction in the odds of C-section in public and private healthcare respectively.Assessing public healthcare settings;women from richer/richest households,male and large size children at birth had increase in the odds of C-section,while those from rich neighbourhood had reduction in the odds of C-section.In private healthcare settings,women with high decision making power and multiple births had increase in the odds of C-section,while those who attended ANC visits had significant reduction in the odds of C-section.Conclusion:The findings from this study would help formulate health policies and implement actions that would improve the outcome of C-section care.Monitoring of emergency obstetric care services is necessary to address issues connected to poor C-section outcomes in resource-constrained settings.Also training of medical personnel including midwives and nurses in emergency obstetric care,ensuring accessibility to life-saving drugs and supplies should be encouraged in health care system.