Most women who have had more than one cesarean are told that a repeat cesarean is the safest choice for their births. Many are not even offered the option by their doctors or hospitals.
Not so, according to recent research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (BJOG). A systematic review and meta analysis of the medical research on vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C) found that there is no statistically significant difference in key maternal and infant outcomes between VBA2C and repeat cesarean (RCS).
According to the study’s authors Samina Tahseen and Malcolm Griffiths, “Comparing VBAC-2 versus RCS, the hysterectomy rates were 0.40% versus 0.63% (P = 0.63), transfusion 1.68% versus 1.67% (P = 0.86) and febrile morbidity 6.03% versus 6.39%, respectively (P = 0.27). Maternal morbidity of VBAC-2 was comparable to RCS. Neonatal morbidity data were too limited to draw valid conclusions, however, no significant differences were indicated in VBAC-2, VBAC-1 and RCS groups in NNU admission rates and asphyxial injury/neonatal death rates (Mantel–Haenszel).”
Such findings should be encouraging to women who want to attempt VBA2C. For more evidence-based information on VBAC after multiple cesareans, click here.