# Introduction here is a constant increase in caesarean section rate for varied indications. Though the safety of caesarean section has improved till date the morbidity rates are still high in comparison to the vaginal delivery. Associated morbidities like abnormal placentation, post operative pain, infection, long hospital stay are still rampant even after advancements in operative techniques and broad spectrum antibiotics. On the other hand a patient undergoing vaginal delivery after previous caesarean section has the risk of uterine rupture and fetal death. Cases of failed VBAC were associated with higher uterine rupture. [1] Even in the presence of electronic fetal monitoring and facilities for emergency caesarean available there was uterine rupture in 1 out of 25. [2] The rates of hysterectomy and thromboembolic complications are less in VBAC patients than those undergoing caesarean section. [3] Another study in Indian set up favored VBAC in patients for non recurrent indications. [4] The debate is still going on, and so is the research. There is a definite need to bring down the caesarean section rate either by judiciously selecting the patients for primary caesarean section or by attemptingvaginal delivery following previous caesarean section. Similarly patient is to be assessed prior to VBAC so as to increase the probability of success of vaginal delivery. A successful VBAC has distinct advantage over repeat caesarean section by decreasing the operative mortality and morbidty as well as bringing down the length of stay and the expenses [5]. Extensive research is done to identify the factors influencing the success of VBAC, its morbidities and risks of uterine rupture. Of these factors strongly influencing are prior VBAC, prior caesarean section for non recurrent indication, Bishop score of more than 4 and spontaneous onset of labour. [6] While factors against the success are induction/augmentation, previous caesarean for recurrent cause (CPD, dystocia), non reassuring fetal heart at the time of admission. A similar observation that Bishop score and number of previous caesarean section influenced the success of VBAC. [7] Maternal age <30yrs, fetal weight between 2.5kg to 4kg and term gestation were associated with successful VBAC. [8] It is also observed that the risk of uterine rupture increases with poor Bishop score and induction with Prostaglandins and a combination of both.(9) while spontaneous onset of labour is associated with successful VBAC. Z. Ghaffari [10] et al observed that the rate of vaginal delivery was higher in patients with previous caesarean section was than in patients with prior vaginal delivery. They strongly suggest that patients with previous caesarean section should be allowed for VBAC. # II. # Methods A retrospective analysis of number of cases delivered vaginally after previous ceserean delivery at our hospital was done from January 2012 to December 2012. The analysis was done regarding the parameters affecting the success of VBAC. Factors like age of mother, gestational period, and indication for previous caesarean section, mode of delivery, birth weight of the baby and maternal complications encountered were analysed. # III. # Results A total of twenty patients delivered vaginally after previous caesarean section. Thirteen 14 babies weighed more than 2.5 kg at birth. Large sized babies do not affect the vaginal delivery after caesarean section. Out of 20 patients only one patient who delivered spontaneously had scar rupture and the baby had mild asphyxia. Scar rupture was diagnosed after the delivery of the baby as abdominal distension and ultrasound showed free fluid in the abdomen which was managed conservatively as patient was haemodynamically stable. Baby was resuscitated immediately. Both mother and baby were discharged in healthy condition. # IV. # Discussion In this era of high caesarean section rate which is associated with relatively higher morbidity and mortality it is challenging to the obstetrician to cut down this rate Mc Mahon and Luther et al [1] concluded that the risks of repeat caesarean section are higher (abnormal placentation, hysterrectomy, maternal mortality). While Flamm and Goings et al [5] found that repeat caesarean section and trial of labour are associated with equal risks while the cost of trial of labour is less if the probability of successful trial of labour is more than 0.7. Conducting VBAC in carefully selected patients comes as a rescue in bringing down the number of caesarean sections. This retrospective analysis asserts the same where a careful selection and careful monitoring of the patient with previous caesarean section can result in a successful vaginal delivery. All the patients analyzed had spontaneous onset of labour. Induction of labour is associated with higher rates of uterine rupture when compared to spontaneous onset of labour. [9] Farmer et al [11] and wing et al, [12] in two different studies found a higher incidence of uterine rupture in cases induction with misoprostol. It is observed that woman with age of 21-30 years are likely to deliver vaginally [8] which is consistent with the observation made by Cameron et al. While selecting the patients it is important to consider maternal age. It is also observed that gestational age at the time of delivery in most of the cases was full term. [8] Quinones and stamilio et al [13] observed that VBAC was successful in preterm cases. Majority of indications for previous caesarean section were non recurrent (fetal distress, PROM). It is consistent with the findings of Wing and Paul et al, [12].This emphasizes that for a successful VBAC the previous indication for caesarean section should be carefully evaluated and patients with non recurrent indications should be recruited for vaginal delivery. Fetal weight upto 3.5kg is not a hurdle for successful VBAC as it is observed that babies with birth weight 3.5kg delivered vaginally. [8] ACOG guidelines [14] states that the risk ofuterine rupture is increased when the fetal weigh is more than 4kg. Hence with a proper pelvic assessment and monitoring of progress of labor, good sized babies can also be delivered vaginally. Out of all the 20 patients scar dehiscence was encountered in one patient who was managed conservatively (11). This reflects that the incidence of complications is less in carefully selected and monitored patients and severity of complications also are less which can be managed conservatively. V. # Conclusion VBAC definitely reduces the caesarean section rate and thus its associated morbidity and mortality. Careful selection of patients is the corner stone of successful VBAC with special consideration of maternal age and gestational period. A nonrecurring indication for previous caesarean section and spontaneous onset of labour are key factors for the success of VBAC. Fetal weight up to 3.5kg is not risk factor if there is no cephalopelvic disproportion. The incidence of complications and their severity are reduced with proper selection. Nacharaju Madhavi ? ,Vellanki Venkata Sujatha Ms Micog? , Singh Sapna ? , Verapeneni Lavanya ?&Mandava SushmaTout of twenty¥ 1 2 3Age of the mother(in years)Number21-251326-30731-35->36- * Comparison of a trial of labor with an elective second cesarean section MJMcmahon ERLuther WABowes AFOlshan N Engl J Med * Mathai is vaginal birth after cesarean delivery a safe option in India? AGeorge KVArasi M International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 85 2004. 1996 * Bandhu HC Vaginal birth after caesarean delivery VardhanShakti RCBehera GSSandhu AnitaSingh J Obstet Gynecol India 56 4 2006 * Elective repeat cesarean delivery versus trial of labor: a prospective multicenter study BLFlamm JRGoings YLiu GWolde-Tsadik Obstet Gynecol 83 6 1994 * Anthony Shanks Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Outcomes Associated With Increasing Number of Prior VBACs. Women's Health MDavid Stamilio 2008 4 * Gama Andréa de Sousa et al . 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