To Try or Not to Try: A Questionnaire Study among Women with Previous Lower Segment Cesarean Section

BACKGROUND: The recent increase in the cesarean section (CS) rate worldwide has led to global concerns and vaginal birth after CS (VBAC) as an effective way to reduce the CS rate. In this study, our main aim was to know about various factors that help women make their preferred mode of delivery following a previous CS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a questionnaire-based study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur, among 200 women with previous one lower segment CS (LSCS). RESULTS: Elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD) was found to be more among uneducated women and those who had complications in their previous babies. The most common reason for opting for ERCD was fear of labor pains. Women who were counseled by senior doctors were more likely to opt for a trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). CONCLUSION: Improving the education levels of mothers, counseling about advantages associated with vaginal birth, counseling by senior obstetrician, and information regarding labor analgesia can decrease CS rates.