Women's experiences following failed vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

Objective: To assess the experience of women in whom a trial of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) has failed. Methods: Pretested self-administered questionnaires containing both open- and closed-ended questions were given to the participants while they were waiting for an antenatal check-up. The responses to the closed-ended questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used for the responses to the open-ended questions. Results: The women with a history of a successful vaginal delivery reported a positive experience whereas those with no history of vaginal delivery reported a negative experience. The women found the limited options available to them the most dissatisfying aspect of attempting a VBAC. Conclusion: An unsuccessful trial of VBAC could have significant adverse effects on women, especially on those who have never given birth vaginally. Adequate antenatal education for women planning a trial of VBAC, postdelivery support following an unsuccessful trial of VBAC, and research aimed at expanding the options available to women as they are attempting VBAC are recommended. (c) 2007 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.