VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN (VBAC): SAFETY AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES
Keywords:
VBAC, cesarean section, uterine ruptureAbstract
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is defined as a trial of labor in women with a previous cesarean section (CS) aiming to achieve vaginal delivery. Over the past decades, the global rise in cesarean delivery rates has increased interest in VBAC as a strategy to reduce repeat cesarean sections and their associated complications. Although VBAC offers several maternal benefits, including reduced surgical risks and shorter recovery time, concerns remain regarding uterine rupture and neonatal morbidity. This article reviews current evidence regarding the safety, eligibility criteria, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and long-term implications of VBAC. Available data indicate that, in appropriately selected patients, VBAC is a safe and effective alternative to elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD). Careful patient selection, institutional readiness, and continuous monitoring are essential to optimize outcomes.
References
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery.
2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Birth After Previous Caesarean Birth.
3. World Health Organization. WHO Statement on Cesarean Section Rates.
4. Guise JM et al. Vaginal birth after cesarean: new insights. Obstet Gynecol.
5. Landon MB et al. Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with TOLAC. N Engl J Med.
6. Marshall NE et al. The impact of repeat cesarean deliveries. Am J Obstet Gynecol.
7. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. VBAC outcomes.
