Accuracy of sonographic lower segment thickness and prediction of vaginal birth after caesarean in a resourced-limited setting; Prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound measurement of the lower uterine segment (LUS) thickness against findings at laparotomy, and to investigate its correlation with the success rate of vaginal birth after one previous caesarean delivery (CD) in a resource-limited setting. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. POPULATION: Women with one previous CD undergoing either a trial of labour (TOLAC) or elective CD. METHODS: Myometrial lower uterine segment thickness (mLUS) and full lower uterine segment thickness (fLUS) were measured with transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). The women were managed according to local protocols with the clinicians blinded to the ultrasound measurements. The LUS was measured intraoperatively for comparison with ultrasound measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lower uterine segment findings at laparotomy, successful vaginal birth. RESULTS: A total of 311 pregnant women with one previous CD were enrolled; 147 women underwent elective CD and 164 women underwent a TOLAC. Of the women that underwent TOLAC, 96 (58.5%) women had a successful vaginal birth. The mLUS was comparable to the intraoperative measurement in the elective CD group with LUS thickness <5 mm (bias of 0.01, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.12 mm) whereas fLUS overestimated LUS <5 mm (bias of 0.93, 95% CI 0.80-1.06 mm). Successful vaginal birth rate correlated with increasing mLUS values (odds ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.64). Twelve cases of uterine defect were recorded. LUS measurement ≤2.0 mm was associated with an increased risk of uterine defects with a sensitivity of 91.7% (95% CI 61.5-99.8%) and specificity of 81.8% (95% CI 75.8-86.8%). CONCLUSION: Accurate TVUS measurement of the LUS is technically feasible in a resource-limited setting. This approach could help in making safer decisions on mode of birth in limited-resource settings.

Continuity obstetric care demonstrates greater vaginal birth after caesarean success.

BACKGROUND: Australia's caesarean rate is higher than Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, and is rising. Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is safe for selected women. Midwifery continuity of care (CoC) is associated with higher rates of vaginal birth compared to other models; however, impacts on VBAC attempts and success are unknown. AIMS: The primary aim was to determine if there is a difference in achieving VBAC between CoC and non-CoC (NCoC) models. The secondary aim was to determine if there is a difference in the proportion of women attempting VBAC between these models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of antenatal records and birthing data of all women who birthed in 2021 with one or more previous caesareans. Women were included if they had two or fewer caesareans. Women were excluded if contraindications to VBAC existed. RESULTS: There were 142/1109 (12.8%) women who had previous caesareans and were eligible to attempt VBAC. There were 47/109 (43.1%) women who attempted vaginal birth after one caesarean with 78.7% success. After one caesarean, women in CoC were more likely to achieve VBAC than NCoC (45.2% vs 26.1%; relative risk (RR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-3.00), although when stratified by private and midwifery CoC models, women in midwifery CoC models were more likely to be successful (private RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.23-2.07 vs midwifery RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.50-4.11). Women in CoC were more likely to attempt VBAC (54.7% vs 34.8%; RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.41), and receive counselling about VBAC (92.5% vs 62%; RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.41-3.11). CONCLUSION: CoC improves the rate of attempted and successful VBAC through several factors, including increased counselling and greater provision of birth choices.

Validation of updated antenatal vaginal birth after caesarean section prediction model without race and ethnicity in Australia.

BACKGROUND: The Grobman antenatal nomogram to predict likelihood of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) has been validated in multiple institutions. However, due to concerns regarding inclusion of ethnicity, a new nomogram has been developed. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity in a regional hospital in Australia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women electing to have a VBAC at a regional hospital over a nine-year period. Maternal demographics and obstetric outcomes were collected. Women were assigned a predicted likelihood of successful VBAC using the updated Grobman nomogram, with variables such as age, pre-pregnancy weight, height and arrest disorder as indications for previous caesarean birth, previous vaginal birth, previous VBAC and treated chronic hypertension. The predicted likelihood of successful VBAC was compared with actual successful VBAC rates. RESULTS: A total of 541 women attempted VBAC with a VBAC success rate of 74.3% (402/541). The nomogram demonstrated good fit, with a receiver operating curve area under the curve of 0.707 (95% confidence interval 0.659-0.755). Using a cut-off value of 0.5, the success rate of classification with this model was 74.3%. On comparing each predicted decile, the nomogram performed poorly in those predicted to have a <40% chance of successful VBAC. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the use of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity, alongside usual counselling, to provide individualised advice for informed decision-making. However, clinicians should be mindful of the limitation of poor accuracy in women with a low predicted probability of VBAC.

Risk factors for severe perineal lacerations during childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and quantify the best available evidence regarding risk factors for severe perineal lacerations. BACKGROUND: Many studies have evaluated the risk factors for severe perineal lacerations. However, the results of those studies are inconsistent, and meta-analysis which thoroughly evaluates the risk factors for severe perineal lacerations is still lacking. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies based on the PRISMA guideline. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and SinoMed were systematically searched for cohort studies reporting at least one risk factor for severe perineal lacerations from 1 January 2000 to 2 June 2021. Two reviewers independently conducted quality appraisal by NOS scale and extracted data. Data synthesis was conducted via RevMan 5.3 using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies with 7,043,218 women were included. The results showed that prior caesarean delivery (OR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.12-1.92) and pre-pregnant underweight (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.22-1.41) significantly increased the risk of severe perineal lacerations. The results also demonstrated that episiotomy was protective against severe perineal lacerations in forceps delivery (OR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.74), but not spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR: 1.30, 95% CI 0.81-2.07) or vacuum delivery (OR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.45-1.28). Nulliparity, foetus in occipitoposterior or occipitotransverse position, and midline episiotomy were also independent risk factors for severe perineal lacerations. CONCLUSIONS: Severe perineal lacerations are associated with many factors, and evidence-based risk assessment tools are needed to guide the midwives and obstetricians to estimate women's risk of severe perineal lacerations. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified some important risk factors for severe perineal lacerations, which provides comprehensive insights to guide the midwives to assess women's risk for severe perineal lacerations and take appropriate preventive measures to decrease the risk.

Women's experiences of birth and birth options counselling after laparoscopic or open myomectomy.

There is emerging evidence that vaginal birth after open and laparoscopic myomectomy may be safe in many pregnancies, however, there are no studies examining the perspectives of women who have given birth post myomectomy and their preferences regarding mode of birth. We performed a retrospective questionnaire survey of women who had an open or laparoscopic myomectomy followed by a pregnancy within 3 maternity units in a single NHS trust in the UK over a 5-year period. Our results revealed only 53% felt actively involved in the decision making for their birth plan and 90% had not been offered a specific birth options counselling clinic. Of those who had either a successful trial of labour after myomectomy (TOLAM) or elective caesarean section (ELCS) in the index pregnancy, 95% indicated satisfaction with their mode of birth however, 80% would prefer vaginal birth in a future pregnancy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this study is the first to explore the subjective experiences of women who had given birth post laparoscopic or open myomectomy and has highlighted the inadequate involvement of these women in the decision-making process.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Fibroids are the commonest female solid tumours in women of childbearing age with surgical management including open and laparoscopic excision techniques. However, the management of a subsequent pregnancy and birth remains controversial with no robust guidance on which women may be suitable for vaginal birth.What do the results of this study add? We present the first study to our knowledge which explores women's experiences of birth and birth options counselling after open and laparoscopic myomectomy.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We provide a rationale for using birth options clinics to facilitate an informed decision-making process and highlight the current inadequate guidance for clinicians on how to advise women having a pregnancy following a myomectomy. Whilst long term prospective data is required to fully establish the safety of vaginal birth after laparoscopic and open myomectomy, this needs to be carried out in a way which promotes the preferences of the women affected by this research.

Vaginal birth after cesarean or recurrent elective cesarean section: What are the decision making processes of pregnant women in Turkey? A phenomenological study.

What is known about deciding the mode of delivery after cesarean section (CS) is limited. Our aim was explore women's decision-making process since pregnancy. Constant comparative analysis was used in the analysis. COREQ checklist was used in reporting. The main theme was inability of having control. Four categories emerged; reasons for wanting VBAC, VBAC experiences, reasons for RCS, and RCS experiences. Women did not have an absolute say in their decisions. RCS experiences were defined as traumatic and VBAC experiences were defined as achievement that provided strength and pride. Findings contribute to the literature on increasing the success of VBAC the importance and encouraging healthcare professionals.

How does uterine contractile activity affect the success of trial of labour after caesarean section, and the risk of uterine rupture? An exploratory, blinded analysis of a cohort from a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of uterine contractile activity on the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC). DESIGN: Secondary, blinded analyses of a prospective TOLAC cohort. SETTING: Two labour wards, one in a university tertiary hospital and the other in a central hospital. POPULATION: A total of 194 TOLAC parturients with intrauterine tocodynamometry during labour. METHODS: Analysis of intrauterine pressure, frequency of contractions and baseline tonus of uterine muscle in 30-minute periods for 4 hours before birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: uterine contractile activity during TOLAC. Secondary aims: contributors associated with failed TOLAC and uterine rupture. RESULTS: TOLAC succeeded in 74% of cases. Uterine contractile activity, expressed as intrauterine pressure, was significantly higher in successful TOLAC compared with failed TOLAC (210 versus 170 Montevideo units). The statistically significant risk factors of failed TOLAC, after multivariate regression analysis, were prolonged gestational age, reduced cervical dilatation at admission and lower mean intrauterine pressure. In cases of uterine rupture, contractile activity did not differ from that in failed TOLAC. Cervical ripening with a Foley catheter appeared to be a risk factor for uterine rupture, as well as cervical dilatation <3 cm at admission. The incidence of total uterine rupture was 2.6% (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Women with successful vaginal birth had higher uterine contractile activity than those experiencing failed TOLAC or uterine rupture despite similar use of oxytocin. Induction of labour with a Foley catheter turned out to be a risk factor for uterine rupture during TOLAC among parturients with no previous vaginal delivery. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: During VBAC the response to oxytocin, assessed as intrauterine pressure, is greater and adequate, in contrast to failed TOLAC.

From coercion to respectful care: women's interactions with health care providers when planning a VBAC.

BACKGROUND: In many countries caesarean section rates are increasing and this impacts on choices made around mode of birth in subsequent pregnancies. Having a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) can be a safe and empowering experience for women, yet most women have repeat caesareans. High caesarean section rates increase maternal and neonatal morbidity, health costs and burden on hospitals. Women can experience varied support from health care providers when planning a VBAC. The aim of this paper is to explore the nature and impact of the interactions between women planning a VBAC and health care providers from the women's perspective. METHODS: A national Australian VBAC survey was undertaken in 2019. In total 559 women participated and provided 721 open-ended responses to six questions. Content analysis was used to categorise respondents' answers to the open-ended questions. RESULTS: Two main categories were found capturing the positive and negative interactions women had with health care providers. The first main category, 'Someone in my corner', included the sub-categories 'belief in women birthing', 'supported my decisions' and 'respectful maternity care'. The negative main category 'Fighting for my birthing rights' included the sub-categories 'the odds were against me', 'lack of belief in women giving birth' and 'coercion'. Negative interactions included the use of coercive comments such as threats and demeaning language. Positive interactions included showing support for VBAC and demonstrating respectful maternity care. CONCLUSIONS: In this study women who planned a VBAC experienced a variety of positive and negative interactions. Individualised care and continuity of care are strategies that support the provision of positive respectful maternity care.

A predictive tool for vaginal birth after caesarean success in an Australian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Women who have previously had a caesarean section often face the choice between planning for a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or an elective repeat caesarean section (CS) for future pregnancies. Informing a woman of her individualised chance of a successful VBAC can aid her decision making. AIMS: The aim is to create two VBAC prediction models using an Australian cohort - one for use in labour when labour variables are known, and one for use antenatally when labour characteristics are unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of perinatal data in Victoria, Australia, over a 10-year period. During this time, 22 062 women were recorded as attempting a VBAC with a term singleton live birth. The data were separated into three parts. A 'training set' was used to build the complete VBAC prediction model and the antenatal VBAC prediction model using multivariate logistic regression. The models were then adjusted to only include the variables that contributed to model performance. The models were validated by testing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve within the 'validation set'. Then the models were tested for accuracy within the 'test set'. RESULTS: Using a 'test set' of data, the models demonstrated an area under the ROC curve of 0.7887 and 0.7384 for the complete and antenatal models respectively, showing adequate performance of both models. CONCLUSIONS: With these models, Australian women can be counselled about their predicted chance of VBAC success.

Predicting vaginal birth after caesarean section: Validation of the Grobman model in a New Zealand population.

BACKGROUND: The decision regarding mode of birth following a primary caesarean section is important. Women may choose an elective repeat caesarean section or a trial of labour in an attempt to achieve a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). The highest morbidity and mortality is associated with those who have an emergency caesarean section following a trial of labour. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict successful VBAC is important in antenatal counselling. AIMS: To test the validity of the Grobman prediction nomogram in a New Zealand (NZ) population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of women carrying a singleton, cephalic pregnancy at term and who had one previous lower segment caesarean section in Northland, NZ. The probabilities of successful VBAC were calculated using the variables in the Grobman model and compared with observed VBAC rates using a calibration curve. The predictive ability of the model was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Of the 421 eligible women, 354 elected to undergo a trial of labour, of whom 69.5% had a successful VBAC. The AUC for the Grobman model was 0.72 (95% CI 0.67-0.78) with predicted and actual outcomes being similar when predicted success was over 50%. The predictive ability of the model appeared more accurate for Maori and Pacifika women compared to the NZ European population. CONCLUSIONS: The Grobman model predicts successful VBAC reasonably well in a NZ population and can be used as an antenatal counselling aid.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in the following delivery after previous preterm caesarean breech birth: a national cohort study.

The objective of this retrospective, nationwide Finnish population-based cohort study was to determine whether there is an association between preterm caesarean breech delivery in the first pregnancy and maternal and neonatal morbidity in the subsequent pregnancy and delivery. We identified all singleton preterm breech birth in Finland from 2000 to 2017 (n = 1259) and constructed a data set of the first two deliveries for these women. We compared outcomes of the following pregnancy and delivery among women with a previous preterm caesarean breech section with the outcomes of women with one previous vaginal preterm breech birth. p Value, odds ratio, and adjusted odds ratio were calculated. Neonates of women with a previous caesarean preterm breech delivery had an increased risk for arterial umbilical cord pH below seven (1.2% versus 0%; p value .024) and a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission [22.9% versus 15% adjusted OR 1.57 (1.13-2.18); p value <.001]. The women with a previous caesarean section had a higher rate of uterine rupture (2.3% versus 0%; p value .001). They were also more likely in the subsequent pregnancy to have a planned caesarean section [19.9% versus 4% adjusted OR 8.55 (4.58-15.95), an emergency caesarean section [21.5% versus 9.7% adjusted OR 2.16 (1.28-2.18)], or an instrumental vaginal delivery [9.3% versus 3.8% adjusted OR 2.38 (1.08-5.23)].IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Vaginal birth after caesarean section is generally known to be associated with a higher risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity.What do the results of this study add? The following birth after previous caesarean preterm breech section is associated with a higher rate of uterine rupture and with a higher rate neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and more often an arterial umbilical cord pH below seven regardless of the mode of the following delivery, compared to women with a subsequent delivery after a previous vaginal preterm breech birth.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results must be considered when counselling patients regarding their first preterm breech delivery, as the selected method of delivery also affects the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies and deliveries.

Caesarean section rates: applying the modified ten-group Robson classification in an Australian tertiary hospital.

The aim of this study was to determine the main contributors to caesarean section (CS) rates at an Australian tertiary hospital. We conducted a retrospective review of women who delivered in an Australian tertiary hospital between 2014 and 2017. Women were allocated according to a modified Robson Ten-Group Classification System and CS indications were collected in nulliparous women and women with previous CS. The largest contributor to the 35.7% overall CS rate was women with a term cephalic infant and a previous CS (31.5% relative CS rate) and the most common indication was repeat CS. The group CS rate in nulliparous women with a cephalic term infant was higher when labour was induced compared to occurring spontaneously (36.6% and 18.1% respectively). The primary CS indication for these women was labour dystocia and maternal request was the most common CS indication for nulliparous women with a pre-labour CS.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Significantly increasing caesarean section (CS) rates continue to prompt concern due to the associated neonatal and maternal risks. The World Health Organisation have endorsed the Robson Ten-Group Classification System to identify and analyse CS rate contributors.What do the results of this study add? We have used the modified Robson Ten-Group Classification System to identify that women with cephalic term infants who are nulliparous or who have had a previous CS are the largest contributors to overall CS rates. CS rates were higher in these nulliparous women if labour was induced compared to occurring spontaneously and the primary CS indication was labour dystocia. In nulliparous women with a CS prior to labour the most common CS indication was maternal request. Majority of women with a previous CS elected for a repeat CS.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? Future efforts should focus on minimising repeat CS in multiparous women and primary CS in nulliparous women. This may be achieved by redefining the definition of labour dystocia, exploring maternal request CS reasoning and critically evaluating induction timing and indication. Appropriately promoting a trial of labour in women with a previous CS in suitable candidates may reduce repeat CS incidence.

Opinions of pregnant women about vaginal birth after caesarean section.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is regarded as an effective option to reduce rapidly increasing C-section rates. The aim of the descriptive and cross-sectional study was to reveal opinions of women with experiences of prior C-section about VBAC and the factors affecting their opinions. The study included 283 pregnant women whit a history of previous C-section and followed up in a research and training hospital in Istanbul. Study data were collected by face-to-face interview method through The Personal Information Form and The Opinions about VBAC Form. Obtained data were analyzed with Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 and evaluated with percentages, mean, standard deviation and Chi-square test. The statistical significance was set at p<0,05. According to the study results, 74.6% of the participants wanted to have a vaginal birth (VB) in their first pregnancy, whereas 56.9% were satisfied with the result of their first pregnancy with a C-section. The rate of those who are satisfied with the current pregnancy being planned as a repeat C-section is 66.8%. Also of all the women, 66.4% found VBAC acceptable, 44.5% wanted to give birth through VBAC, and 73.1% believed it should be promoted in the country. Women thoughts about VBAC were not affected by sociodemographic and obstetric features (p>0.05). On the other hand dissatisfaction with previous C-section had positive effects on finding VBAC acceptable (p=0.000), willingness to have VBAC (p=0.000), and wanting its promotion in the country (p=0.007). Also dissatisfaction with repeated C-sections plans had positive effects on finding VBAC acceptable (p=0.000) and willingness to have VBAC (p=0.000). Similarly, an increased frequency of antenatal visits was found to increase the thoughts about the promotion of VBAC in the country (p=0.015), and asking to have C-section in the first pregnancy was found to decrease the willingness to have VBAC in the current pregnancy (p=0.000). The study results showed that although the pregnant women participating in this study had positive perceptions about VBAC, they abstained from preferring this method. Also opinions of pregnant women about VBAC were shaped by women's birth experiences and the care services they received.

Women's experiences of VBAC in Cyprus: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In 21st century, there has been an increasing interest in vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus, a country with a very high operative birth rate. Research-based evidence of women's VBAC experiences in Cyprus is non-existent, despite its significance for the well-being of mothers and families. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the women's lived experience of VBAC in Cyprus. In this study women's experiences of VBAC are explored for the first time in Cyprus. METHOD: The study is qualitative and exploratory in nature. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 women, who experienced vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section (VBAC) in Cyprus. A descriptive phenomenological approach was employed for the analysis of data. RESULTS: Analysis of data yielded four major themes: (a) medicalization of childbirth, (b) preparing for a VBAC, (c) birth environment, and (d) healing through VBAC. On the whole, the women interviewed described their previous experience of CS as traumatic, in contrast to vaginal childbirth. VBAC was considered an utterly positive experience that made the women feel empowered and proud of themselves. CONCLUSION: This study offers valuable insight into a newly researched subject in Cyprus, which is necessary for advancing perinatal care in Cyprus. The findings indicate that women need evidence-based information, guidelines on birthing options, good preparation with tailored information and personalized care for a successful vaginal birth after a previous caesarean section. Proper, non-biased, consultations are a main factor that affects women's choice of mode of birth. The introduction of new, women-friendly perinatal strategies that respect and promote childbirth rights is imperative in the case of Cyprus. All women have the right to exercise informed choice and the choice to alternative birthing options.

External validation of a prediction model on vaginal birth after caesarean in a The Netherlands: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Discussing the individual probability of a successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) can support decision making. The aim of this study is to externally validate a prediction model for the probability of a VBAC in a Dutch population. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study in 12 Dutch hospitals, 586 women intending VBAC were included. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies with a cephalic foetal presentation, delivery after 37 weeks and one previous caesarean section (CS) and preference for intending VBAC. The studied prediction model included six predictors: pre-pregnancy body mass index, previous vaginal delivery, previous CS because of non-progressive labour, Caucasian ethnicity, induction of current labour, and estimated foetal weight ≥90th percentile. The discriminative and predictive performance of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and calibration plots. RESULTS: The area under the curve was 0.73 (CI 0.69-0.78). The average predicted probability of a VBAC according to the prediction model was 70.3% (range 33-92%). The actual VBAC rate was 71.7%. The calibration plot shows some overestimation for low probabilities of VBAC and an underestimation of high probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The prediction model showed good performance and was externally validated in a Dutch population. Hence it can be implemented as part of counselling for mode of delivery in women choosing between intended VBAC or planned CS after previous CS.

Online survey on uterotomy closure techniques in caesarean section.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine closure technique in caesarean section (CS) influences the rate of late complications in subsequent pregnancies. As no common recommendation on suture techniques exists, we developed a questionnaire to determine the techniques currently used and the frequencies of late complications. METHODS: The online questionnaire consisted of 13 questions and was sent to 648 obstetric hospitals (level I-IV) in Germany. Number of CS, rate of vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), the type of uterus suturing technique and the frequency of uterine dehiscences, ruptures and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) were queried. The answers were anonymous, and results were evaluated descriptively. RESULTS: The response rate was 24.7%. The mean CS rate was 27.3% (±6.2), the repeat CS rate 33.2% (±18.1). After CS, 46.2% (±20.2) women delivered vaginally. To close the uterotomy, 74.4% of hospitals used single layer continuous sutures, 16.3% single layer locked sutures, 3.8% interrupted sutures, 3.1% double layer continuous sutures and 2.5% used other suture techniques. The percentages of observed uterine dehiscences did not differ significantly between the different levels of care nor did the uterotomy suture techniques. CONCLUSIONS: There is no uniform suturing technique in Germany. A detailed description of suture technique in surgery reports is required to evaluate complications in subsequent pregnancies. National online surveys on obstetric topics are feasible and facilitate the discussion on the need to define a standardized uterine closure technique for CS.

Ten years of uterine rupture in an Australian tertiary hospital.

AIMS: Complete uterine rupture is a rare and serious complication of pregnancy. Although most commonly associated with attempted vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC), rupture also occurs in atypical/non-VBAC cases. This retrospective, single-tertiary-institution observational study aimed to assess the prevalence and morbidity of complete uterine rupture during 2010-2020. METHODS: Hospital discharge codes and local maternity databases identified uterine rupture cases, with medical record reviews confirming the diagnosis, distinguishing complete rupture from dehiscence, and extracting additional data. VBAC attempt was defined as planned labour trial after one prior caesarean. RESULTS: Over the decade, 27 complete ruptures occurred among 58 614 women, a rate of 4.6 per 10 000 births. One woman with three successive fundal ruptures had only the first included in further analysis, leaving 25 discrete women; 19 ruptures occurred in term planned VBAC attempts and six in preterm atypical/non-VBAC cases (two nulliparas and four women with multiple prior caesareans). The VBAC-attempt rupture rate was 0.74%, similar to published reports. All five perinatal deaths occurred in preterm atypical/non-VBAC cases. In the term VBAC-attempt group, rupture-related perinatal morbidity included four cases (21%) of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, with two cases (11%) of cerebral palsy at follow-up. Overall, perinatal morbidity was highest with total fetal extrusion. Maternal blood loss ≥1500 mL or transfusion was almost threefold higher, and postnatal length-of-stay was three days longer, after vaginal than caesarean birth, with delay in rupture recognition being a factor. CONCLUSION: A high suspicion index for uterine rupture is imperative during any labour, particularly in the scarred uterus, with vigilance continuing after successful vaginal birth.

Safety and efficacy of external cephalic version after a previous caesarean delivery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: External cephalic version (ECV) is a common procedure and has been shown to be safe and effective in turning a baby from a breech to cephalic presentation. However, whether ECV is safe and effective in women with a scarred uterus from a previous caesarean section remains contentious. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of external cephalic version in women with a singleton breech pregnancy and at least one previous caesarean delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS up to June 2020. The search strategy included the following keywords: ('external cephalic version OR ECV') AND ('previous OR prior OR past' AND 'caesarean OR caesarean OR uterine scar'). Studies were included if they evaluated the efficacy and/or safety of external cephalic version in women after 36 weeks' gestation with a singleton breech pregnancy and at least one previous caesarean delivery. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the review. ECV success rates and subsequent vaginal delivery rates ranged from 50 to 100% and from 50 to 74.9%, respectively. ECV complications reported included abnormal fetal heart rate, abnormal cardiotocography and transient vaginal bleeding. No studies reported cases of uterine rupture. CONCLUSIONS: ECV in women with a previous caesarean delivery is a relatively successful and low-risk procedure compared to women without a previous caesarean delivery. The results from this systematic review provide useful information for professional bodies in updating clinical guidelines such that ECV may be offered to women with one previous caesarean delivery.

Intrauterine versus external tocodynamometry in monitoring labour: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the use of intrauterine tocodynamometry versus external tocodynamometry (IT versus ET) during labour reduces operative deliveries and improves newborn outcome. As IT provides more accurate information on labour contractions, the hypothesis was that it may more appropriately guide oxytocin use than ET. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Two labour wards, in a university tertiary hospital and a central hospital. POPULATION: A total of 1504 parturients with singleton pregnancies, gestational age ≥37 weeks and fetus in cephalic position: 269 women with uterine scars, 889 nulliparas and 346 parous women with oxytocin augmentation. METHODS: Participants underwent IT (n = 736) or ET (n = 768) during the active first stage of labour. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome: rate of operative deliveries. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: duration of labour, amount of oxytocin given, adverse neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Operative delivery rates were 26.9% (IT) and 25.9% (ET) (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.84-1.32, P = 0.663). The ET to IT conversion rate was 31%. We found no differences in secondary outcomes (IT versus ET). IT reduced oxytocin use during labours with signs of fetal distress, and trial of labour after caesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: IT did not reduce the rate of operative deliveries, use of oxytocin, or adverse neonatal outcomes, and it did not shorten labour duration. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: IT (versus ET) reduced oxytocin use in high-risk labours but did not influence operative delivery rate or adverse neonatal outcomes.

Women's experiences of planning a vaginal birth after caesarean in different models of maternity care in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is a safe mode of birth for most women but internationally VBAC rates remain low. In Australia women planning a VBAC may experience different models of care including continuity of care (CoC). There are a limited number of studies exploring the impact and influence of CoC on women's experiences of planning a VBAC. Continuity of care (CoC) with a midwife has been found to increase spontaneous vaginal birth and decrease some interventions. Women planning a VBAC prefer and benefit from CoC with a known care provider. This study aimed to explore the influence, and impact, of continuity of care on women's experiences when planning a VBAC in Australia. METHODS: The Australian VBAC survey was designed and distributed via social media. Outcomes and experiences of women who had planned a VBAC in the past 5 years were compared by model of care. Standard fragmented maternity care was compared to continuity of care with a midwife or doctor. RESULTS: In total, 490 women completed the survey and respondents came from every State and Territory in Australia. Women who had CoC with a midwife were more likely to feel in control of their decision making and feel their health care provider positively supported their decision to have a VBAC. Women who had CoC with a midwife were more likely to have been active in labour, experience water immersion and have an upright birthing position. Women who received fragmented care experienced lower autonomy and lower respect compared to CoC. CONCLUSION: This study recruited a non-probability based, self-selected, sample of women using social media. Women found having a VBAC less traumatic than their previous caesarean and women planning a VBAC benefited from CoC models, particularly midwifery continuity of care. Women seeking VBAC are often excluded from these models as they are considered to have risk factors. There needs to be a focus on increasing shared belief and confidence in VBAC across professions and an expansion of midwifery led continuity of care models for women seeking a VBAC.