Is vaginal birth after cesarean delivery a safe option in India

Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) has been promoted as a method to reduce overall cesarean delivery rates. The benefits of successful VBAC in North American centers reportedly outweigh risks in most women with a prior low transverse cesarean delivery. Many women come to our center specifically to attempt VBAC since we offer this option for delivery following one lower segment cesarean section. Emergency cesarean delivery is possible within 15 min of decision making. We monitor all women attempting VBAC with continuous electronic monitoring and if required use oxytocin for labor induction and augmentation. We do not routinely explore the uterus after delivery. During the study period prostaglandin E2 gel (0.5 mg) was used for cervical ripening when required. (excerpt)