Uterine rupture during VBAC trial of labor: risk factors and fetal response

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2003 Jul-Aug;48(4):249-57. doi: 10.1016/s1526-9523(03)00088-6.

Abstract

For the woman with a prior uterine scar, neither repeat elective cesarean birth nor vaginal birth after cesarean birth (VBAC) trial of labor (TOL) is risk-free. When VBAC-TOL is successful, it is associated with less morbidity than repeat cesarean birth. However, when VBAC-TOL fails due to uterine rupture, severe consequences often ensue. The challenge for clinicians today is to provide women who desire TOL after cesarean birth, a more individualized risk assessment of uterine rupture, thereby enhancing success and optimizing outcome. This article examines major risk factors for uterine rupture during VBAC-TOL. In addition, fetal response to uterine rupture and neonatal outcomes are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Heart Rate, Fetal
  • Humans
  • Labor, Induced / adverse effects
  • Labor, Induced / methods*
  • Labor, Induced / nursing
  • Midwifery / methods*
  • Oxytocics / administration & dosage
  • Oxytocics / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Risk Factors
  • Trial of Labor*
  • United States
  • Uterine Rupture* / chemically induced
  • Uterine Rupture* / nursing
  • Uterine Rupture* / prevention & control
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean* / adverse effects
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean* / methods
  • Vaginal Birth after Cesarean* / nursing

Substances

  • Oxytocics