Vaginal birth after cesarean and trial of labor after cesarean: What should we be recommending relative to maternal risk:benefit?

Shannon M. Clark, Alissa R. Carver, Gary D.V. Hankins

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) delivery is currently a hot obstetrical topic owing to the acute rise in the rate of cesarean deliveries, both primary and repeat. When the physician and patient are considering TOLAC, several factors should be considered: risk of uterine rupture, contraindications, minimizing risk and morbidity, choosing the appropriate candidate and whether or not to induce. Each patient has her own set of individual risk factors that may decrease her chance of successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery or increase her risks with TOLAC. Once all things are considered, the risk:benefit of TOLAC should be weighed up before a decision is reached. Each of these factors is discussed in respect to maternal risk:benefit, with the focus on evidence presented in the current literature.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)371-383
Number of pages13
JournalWomen's Health
Volume8
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • cesarean delivery
  • contraindications
  • induction of labor
  • maternal morbidity
  • trial of labor after cesarean delivery
  • uterine rupture
  • vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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