Comparison of maternal satisfaction following vaginal delivery after caesarean section and caesarean section after previous vaginal delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To compare (i) satisfaction levels among women who delivered vaginally after one previous caesarean (VBAC) with women delivered by caesarean after previous vaginal delivery (CSAVD) and (ii) to assess reasons why women may request caesarean delivery on subsequent pregnancies.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective questionnaire-based study of maternal satisfaction following both modes of delivery during an 8-month period.


RESULTS
One hundred and forty women completed an early postnatal questionnaire, 70 each in VBAC and CSAVD cohorts. The vast majority in both groups were satisfied with their respective mode of delivery, but would opt for vaginal delivery in their next pregnancy (89% in VBAC versus 94% in CSAVD). The VBAC group experienced minimal pain after delivery and had felt better prepared for delivery (74% versus 41% in the CSAVD group). Reasons for dissatisfaction in the VBAC group included the physical stress of labour and inadequacy of analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Maternal satisfaction with vaginal delivery is high. Those who have experienced both modes of delivery would prefer vaginal birth on future pregnancies. These findings are reassuring to women contemplating vaginal delivery.
Dunn
Elizabeth A
EA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Dublin, National Maternity Hospital, Ireland.
O'Herlihy
Colm
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017604:Cesarean Section, Repeat / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008423:Maternal Age; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology