title: Prior cesarean: a contraindication to labor induction?
abstract: In 2004, cesarean rates were the highest ever in the United States. Simultaneously, the vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) rate fell, largely a result of reports of uterine rupture associated with VBAC attempts. This chapter reviews the efficacy and safety of VBAC associated with labor induction. Mechanical and pharmacologic methods of labor induction (notably misoprostol) are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity compared with spontaneous VBAC attempts. However, the absolute risks remain low. Labor induction is not contraindicated in women with a prior cesarean but sound judgment, clinical precautions and specific consent are required.
authors.affiliation: Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. mauldinj@musc.edu
authors.forename: Jill G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Mauldin
authors.forename: Roger B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D010120:Oxytocics