Vaginal Birth After Cesarean—Update

Expected Release Date: early 2010

Key Questions

1. What are the rates and patterns of utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean, vaginal birth after cesarean, and repeat cesarean delivery in the United States?
2. What are the nonmedical factors that influence the patterns and utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean?
3. Among women who attempt a trial of labor after prior cesarean, what is the vaginal delivery rate and the factors that influence it?
4. What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the mother of attempting trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?
5. What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the baby of maternal attempt at trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?
6. What are the critical gaps in the evidence for decisionmaking, and what are the priority investigations needed to address these gaps?

Current as of September 2008

Internet Citation:

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean—Update, Clinical Focus. September 2008. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/vbacuptp.htm