OBJECTIVE: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) revised its practice bulletin on vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) in October 1998 and July 1999 to require the presence of a surgeon, anesthesiologist and operating personnel throughout the trial of labor for patients with prior Cesarean. This study measures the change in VBAC rates from 1998 to 2001 and examines possible reasons for this change. STUDY DESIGN: We examined birth certificate and hospital data in the State of Maine from 1998 to 2001. Hospital-specific rates for primary Cesareans, total Cesareans, repeat Cesareans and vaginal deliveries after previous Cesarean were obtained. Additionally, we surveyed current obstetric-care providers in Maine regarding reasons for change in VBAC rates at their institutions. RESULTS: VBAC rates declined by over 50% from 30.1 to 13.1%. The total Cesarean rate climbed from 19.4 to 24.0%. The most commonly reported reason for decrease in VBAC varied depending on whether a practitioner's hospital met ACOG guidelines. CONCLUSION: A marked decline in VBAC occurred after the change in ACOG vaginal birth after Cesarean policy. Multiple factors have contributed to this decline, including patients refusing VBAC after counseling and inability of institutions to meet ACOG guidelines.
OBJECTIVE: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) revised its practice bulletin on vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) in October 1998 and July 1999 to require the presence of a surgeon, anesthesiologist and operating personnel throughout the trial of labor for patients with prior Cesarean. This study measures the change in VBAC rates from 1998 to 2001 and examines possible reasons for this change. STUDY DESIGN: We examined birth certificate and hospital data in the State of Maine from 1998 to 2001. Hospital-specific rates for primary Cesareans, total Cesareans, repeat Cesareans and vaginal deliveries after previous Cesarean were obtained. Additionally, we surveyed current obstetric-care providers in Maine regarding reasons for change in VBAC rates at their institutions. RESULTS: VBAC rates declined by over 50% from 30.1 to 13.1%. The total Cesarean rate climbed from 19.4 to 24.0%. The most commonly reported reason for decrease in VBAC varied depending on whether a practitioner's hospital met ACOG guidelines. CONCLUSION: A marked decline in VBAC occurred after the change in ACOG vaginal birth after Cesarean policy. Multiple factors have contributed to this decline, including patients refusing VBAC after counseling and inability of institutions to meet ACOG guidelines.
Authors: John Zweifler; Alvaro Garza; Susan Hughes; Matthew A Stanich; Anne Hierholzer; Monica Lau Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2006 May-Jun Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Aireen Wingert; Cydney Johnson; Robin Featherstone; Meghan Sebastianski; Lisa Hartling; R Douglas Wilson Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2018-11-21 Impact factor: 3.007