Vaginal delivery after one previous cesarean section : a six-year study at Queen Alia Military Hospital

Abstract EN

Objective : To determine the efficacy and safety of labor in women attempting vaginal birth after one previous cesarean section.

Methods : We performed a retrospective study of 358 women who underwent one cesarean section and who delivered between August Is' 1991 and July 31s' 1997 at Queen Alia Military Hospital-Jordan.

Results: Of the 358 patients, who had one cesarean section, 317 were eligible for a trial of labor, out of whom 229 achieved vaginal delivery.

Forty-one women underwent repeat cesarean delivery without a trial of labor.

Twenty six patients with a past diagnosis of cephalopelvic disproportion also delivered vaginally.

There was no increase in maternal or perinatal mortality or morbidity.

Conclusion : Trial of labor in women with one previous cesarean delivery is a safe and effective alternative to routine repeat cesarean delivery and should be encouraged, provided that no absolute contraindication to vaginal delivery exists.