Ch. 38 Labor and Birth After Previous Cesarean Section

The full text of A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth (Oxford University Press, 2000) is freely available on this website courtesy of the authors: Murray Enkin, Marc J.N.C. Keirse, James Neilson, Caroline Crowther, Lelia Duley, Ellen Hodnett and Justus Hofmeyr. (A separate page provides information about this Guide.)

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Chapter 38. Labor and birth after previous cesarean section

Introduction

Results of a planned vaginal birth after cesarean

Risks of cesarean section

3.1		Risks to the mother
3.2		Risks to the baby

Factors to consider in the decision about a planned
vaginal birth after cesarean

4.1		More than one previous cesarean section
4.2		Reason for the primary cesarean section
4.3		Previous vaginal birth
4.4		Type of previous incision in the uterus
4.5		Gestational age at previous cesarean section

Care during a planned vaginal birth after cesarean

5.1		Use of oxytocics
5.2		Regional analgesia and anesthesia
5.3		Manual exploration of the uterus

Rupture of the scarred uterus in pregnancy and labor

Gap between evidence and practice

Conclusions

Most recent page update: 3/8/2006

News and Features

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Evidence-Based Maternity Care Report Released
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