The Rate of Successful Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section (VBAC) Among Women at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan

Abstract Background: Caesarean section rate has been on the increase in the past few years. Previous caesarean sections are a major indication for caesarean sections. The risks associated with repeat caesarean sections have brought about the need to adopt vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) as the preferred mode of delivery in a previously scarred uterus. Aims and Objectives: To determine rate of successful VBAC, the pregnancy outcome and complications of vaginal birth after caesarean section at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of 121 women with one previous caesarean section who presented at the labour ward of Omdurman Maternity Hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015. Data was obtained from the case notes, ward, and theatre registers, encoded into a spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The results are presented as means, rates and proportions. Associations between variables were assessed using students t-test and Pearson’s correlation. Statistical significance was considered at P 7 in the first minute, while 10 (8.55%) were admitted in the Special Care Baby Unit. Maternal age, socioeconomic status, gestational age at delivery and birth weight were not significantly associated with the outcome of VBAC. Conclusion: Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section is safe and should be recommended in carefully selected women with previous caesarean section, to reduce the morbidities associated with repeat caesarean sections. Keywords: VBAC, complication, Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Sudan.