Trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery for multifetal gestation

Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Oct;110(4):814-9. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000280586.05350.9e.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate success rates and risks with a trial of labor after one previous cesarean delivery for multifetal gestation compared with one previous cesarean delivery for a singleton pregnancy.

Methods: Patients from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry with one previous cesarean delivery and a current term singleton pregnancy were identified. Cases had one previous cesarean delivery for a multifetal pregnancy. Controls had one previous cesarean delivery for a singleton pregnancy.

Results: Of cases, 556 of 944 (58.9%) attempted a trial of labor. Of controls, 13,923 of 29,329 (47.5%) attempted a trial of labor. The trial of labor success rate was 85.6% among cases and 73.1% among controls (odds ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.72-2.78). Compared with trial of labor controls, cases had no statistically increased risk of transfusion, endometritis, intensive care unit admissions, uterine rupture, or perinatal complications. Cases in this analysis with a successful trial of labor were more likely to have previously had a successful vaginal birth after cesarean (37.1% compared with 14.1%, P<.001).

Conclusion: Women with one previous cesarean delivery for a multifetal gestation have high trial of labor success rates and low complication rates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy, Multiple*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Trial of Labor*
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / statistics & numerical data*