Vaginal delivery following cesarean section in a rural teaching hospital

Abstract

Cesarean section rates at present am very high worldwide WHO States that no region in the world is justified in having the cesarean rate greater than 10 to 15%. The most important complication in women trying vaginal delivery following cesarean section is rupture uterus, vaginal trial should be an option for all fit candidates. Objective: To know the prevalence of vaginal delivery following cesarean section To know the success and safety of vaginal delivery following cesarean section Study design: Retrospective study Duration of study: From 1st Jan 2011 - 31st Dec 2011 Place of study: R L Jalappa Hospital and Research Center, Kolar Materials and Methods: During the above study period there were 2308 deliveries. Cesarean sections were 1021(44.23%), out of which 352(34.5%) were repeat cesarean sections. There were 45 (12. 9%) women who delivered vaginally following previous cesarean section. Among 45 vaginal deliveries 34(76.6%) were graysda2. Majority (73.3%) of the women were between 38-42 weeks gestation. Labor was induced in 2 women both following Premature rupture of membranes one at 37 weeks and another at 32 weeks gestation. Labor was augmented in 10(22%) patients. Anemia was present in 6 women. There were 4 women with premature rupture of membranes. Outlet forceps was used in 3 deliveries. Majority (51%) of babies weighed between 2.5 to 2.99 kgs. Conclusion: Rates of Vaginal birth following previous section are very low (12 9%) Allowing women for vaginal trial following previous cesarean section in selected patients can reduce elective repeat cesarean rates.