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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Chigbu
C O
CO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. chchigbu@yahoo.com
Enwereji
J O
JO
Ikeme
A C
AC
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D014219:Trial of Labor; D016064:Vaginal Birth after Cesarean / Q000523:psychology