Trial of Labour

The declining rate of vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) means that repeat cesareans are increasingly important contributors to rising cesarean rates. A trial of labour refers to planned labour versus scheduled cesarean. In BC, over half of the women eligible* for a VBAC are not being offered a trial of labour.

*Most women are eligible for planning a VBAC if they have not had previous uterine surgery  (other than their cesarean section). Women should discuss their eligibility with their healthcare provider.

The following graph illustrates planned VBACs in BC in 2015/2016:

Planned Vaginal Birth (Trial of Labour)
Click on graph to enlarge

Reference
Perinatal Services BC: Facility-Level Indicator Data, Fiscal Year: 2015/2016

Optimal Birth Evidence Review: Vaginal Birth after Cesarean

Practice Patterns in BC