A critical review of vaginal birth rates after a primary Caesarean in Queensland hospitals

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Toohill, Jocelyn
Gamble, Jenny
Creedy, Debra K
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2013
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Abstract Introduction. For women with a lower uterine incision without indication for repeat Caesarean section (CS), vaginal birth for their next pregnancy is a safe option. Although these women should be encouraged to consider vaginal birth after a Caesarean section (VBAC) it is not consistently supported in practice. There is relatively little information on the extent to which maternal preference, birthing decisions and outcomes match best available evidence. Aim. To describe currentVBACrates for women in Queensland, Australia and compare this to safe, achievableVBAC rates reported in national and international studies. Method. Perinatal data from 2004 to 2011 were reviewed to determine current VBAC rates following a primary CS for women birthing in Queensland. These were compared with VBAC rates reported in the literature. Results. Queensland has a high overall CS rate and high repeat CS rate compared with the national average. In 2010, Queensland VBAC rates for next birth following primary CS were 14% (range 13-21% public sector, 7-11% private hospitals). This is substantially lower than achievable Australian rates of 24% and international rates. Conclusion. Low VBAC rates reflect low numbers of women commencing labour in a pregnancy subsequent to a primary CS. There is unexplained variation inVBACrates between maternity facilities. Clinical reviews to support evidencebased practice are warranted.

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Australian Health Review

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37

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5

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© 2013 AHHA. This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.

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Health services and systems

Nursing

Public health

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