ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE

To descriptively analyze Brazilian parturient women who underwent previous cesarean section and point out the factors associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in Brazil.

METHODS

The study used data from women with one, two, or three or more cesarean sections from the survey Nascer no Brasil (Birth in Brazil). Differences between categories were assessed through the chi-square test (χ²). Variables with significant differences (p < 0.05) were incorporated into logistic regression.

FINDINGS

Out of the total of 23,894 women, 20.9% had undergone a previous cesarean section. The majority (85.1%) underwent another cesarean section, with 75.5% occurring before the onset of labor. The rate of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) was 14.9%, with a success rate of 60.8%. Women who underwent three or more cesarean sections displayed greater social vulnerability. The chances of VBAC were higher among those who opted for a vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, had a prior vaginal birth, underwent labor induction, were admitted with over 4 centimeters of dilation, and without partner. Receiving care from the private health care system, having two or more prior cesarean sections, obstetric complications, and deciding on cesarean delivery late in gestation reduced the chances of VBAC. Age group, educational background, prenatal care adequacy, and the reason for the previous cesarean section did not result in significant differences.

CONCLUSION

The majority of women who underwent a previous cesarean section in Brazil are directed towards another surgery, and a higher number of cesarean sections is linked to greater social inequality. Factors associated with VBAC included choosing vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, having had a previous vaginal birth, higher cervical dilation upon admission, induction, assistance from the public health care system, absence of obstetric complications, and without a partner. Efforts to promote VBAC are necessary to reduce overall cesarean rates and their repercussions on maternal and child health.

Delivery, Obstetric; Vaginal Birth After Cesarean; Natural Childbirth; Cesarean Section; Maternal Health

INTRODUCTION

In Brazil, since 2009¹1. Datasus. Nascidos vivos – Brasil. Period: 1994-2019. [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: http://tabnet.datasus.gov.br/cgi/tabcgi.exe?sinasc/cnv/nvuf.def
http://tabnet.datasus.gov.br/cgi/tabcgi.... , most births have occurred via cesarean section. Despite all the public policies implemented in the country in recent years²2. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Assistência integral à saúde da mulher: bases de ação programática. Brasília, DF: Centro de Documentação;1985 [cited 2021 Dec 17]. Available from: https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/assistencia_integral_saude_mulher.pdf
https://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicaco... , data from the Ministry of Health indicate that the national rate was 57.2%⁶6. Organização Mundial da Saúde. Declaração da OMS sobre Taxas de Cesáreas. Genebra: Organização Mundial da Saúde; 2015 [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/161442/WHO_RHR_15.02_por.pdf;jsessionid=4EDA51B15741AFCB90F44F658EC519C4?sequence=3
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/hand... in 2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cesarean rates higher than 10% to 15% are not associated with a reduction in maternal and neonatal mortality, and there is no evidence of the benefits of surgery for women without clinical recommendations. Furthermore, surgical procedures entail more immediate and long-term risks for the health of women and their children, including possible future pregnancies⁷7. D’Orsi E, Chor D, Giffin K, Barbosa GP, Angulo-Tuesta AJ, Gama AS, et al. Factors associated with vaginal birth after cesarean in a maternity hospital of Rio de Janeiro. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2001 Aug;97(2):152-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-2115 (00)00523-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-2115 (00)0... .

For women experiencing their first pregnancy in Brazil, the likelihood of a vaginal birth is already relatively low, and for those who have undergone prior cesarean sections, these chances are even more unlikely⁸8. D’Orsi E. Fatores associados à realização de cesáreas e qualidade da atenção ao parto no Município do Rio de Janeiro [tese]. Rio de Janeiro: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca; 2003.. The notion of “once a cesarean, always a cesarean,” originating as far back as 1916¹¹11. Landon MB, Hauth JC Leveno KJ, Spong CY, Leindecker S, Varner MW, et al. Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with a trial of labour after prior cesareal delivery. Engl J Med. 2004;351(25):2581-9. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa040405
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa040405... , is still dominant within the obstetric culture of the country, despite the plethora of scientific evidence highlighting the safety of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). The choice regarding the type of delivery in subsequent pregnancies following a cesarean section becomes a significant concern, given the potential risks linked to repetitive surgeries within the same region, encompassing an increased chance of adhesions, hemorrhages, and atypical placental positioning (placenta previa and accreta)¹²12. Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, Leveno KJ, Spong CY, Thom EA, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jun;107(6):1226-32. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000219750.79480.84
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.000021975... , which can result in severe maternal complications, including death.

In Brazil, accessible data concerning maternal and perinatal health after cesarean sections is scarce, highlighting the need for additional research to achieve a comprehensive grasp of the subject. The objective of this study is to conduct a descriptive analysis of Brazilian parturients who have undergone a previous cesarean section and are experiencing a subsequent pregnancy, as well as to identify factors associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in Brazil.

METHODS

This study uses data from Nascer no Brasil (Birth in Brazil), a national survey on childbirth and delivery, comprising postpartum women and their newborns. The survey was conducted from February 2011 to October 2012, with a representative sample from all five macroregions of the country, including residents from both capital and non-capital areas, across private, public, and mixed health care services. Data collection involved interviews during hospitalization, data extraction from medical records, prenatal care cards (when available), and two phone calls after hospital discharge. The data were collected through a complex sampling approach encompassing 266 hospitals¹⁵15. Vasconcellos MT, Silva PL, Pereira AP, Schilithz AO, Souza Junior PR, Szwarcwald CL. Desenho da amostra Nascer no Brasil. Pesquisa Nacional sobre Parto e Nascimento. Cad Saude Publica. 2014;30 Suppl:49-58. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00176013
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X0017601... ,¹⁶16. Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa. Critério Classificação Econômica Brasil. São Paulo: Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa; 2008 [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: http://www.aba.com.br/wp-content/uploads/content/7727632a373615b34f2a5726fcc5c9e2.pdf
http://www.aba.com.br/wp-content/uploads... .

This study centers on a cohort of 4,987 women who had experienced a previous cesarean section. This group excludes nulliparous and multiparous women who have solely undergone vaginal deliveries (Figure 1). Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics were evaluated, stratified by the number of cesarean surgeries (one, two, three, or more) and the type of delivery in the current pregnancy, whether vaginal (VBAC) or repeat cesarean section.

Selected sociodemographic variables included: region of occurrence (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South); city location (capital, non-capital); funding for delivery (Unified Health System [SUS], private); age group (12-19, 20-34 years, > 35); race/ethnicity according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística [IBGE]) (White, Black, Mixed, Yellow, Indigenous); educational background in years (≤ 7, 8-10, ≥ 11); marital status (with or without a partner); and grouped social class (A/B, C, or D/E) according to the Brazilian Association of Research Companies (Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa [ABIPEME])¹⁷17. Domingues RM, Viellas EF, Dias MA, Torres JA, Theme-Filha MM, Gama SG, et al. Adequação da assistência pré-natal segundo as características maternas no Brasil. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 2015 Mar;37(3):140–7. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2012000300003
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X201200... .

Selected obstetric factors included: type of delivery in the current pregnancy (vaginal, cesarean); cesarean section based on labor (cesarean before labor, intrapartum cesarean); previous vaginal birth; consistent prenatal and delivery care provider (yes, no); gestational age (premature – up to 36 weeks, term – 37 to 41 weeks, post-term – ≥ 42 weeks); labor induction (induced, spontaneous); preferred mode of delivery at the start of pregnancy and the end of pregnancy (vaginal, cesarean, no preference).

Prenatal care adequacy (no prenatal care, inadequate, adequate) was based on the study by Domingues et al¹⁸18. Dias MA, Domingues RM, Schilithz AO, et al. Factors associated with cesarean delivery during labor in primiparous women assisted in the Brazilian Public Health System: data from a National SurveyReproductive Health. 2016;13(Suppl 3):114. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2012000300003
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X201200... . Prenatal care was considered adequate when initiated within the first 12 weeks of gestation, with a minimum of six consultations, documentation of at least one result for each routine prenatal test in the pregnancy record, and guidance provided to the reference maternity facility.

Regarding cervical dilation at the time of hospitalization (£ 3 centimeters, 4-5 centimeters, ≥ 6 centimeters), it was noted that 95% of women lacked this information in their medical records underwent a cesarean section before the onset of labor. These cases were thus categorized under “cervical dilation under 3 centimeters.” The remaining 5% were evenly distributed among the other categories. In terms of the labor success rate, the calculation was based on the percentage of vaginal deliveries among women who experienced labor.

Emergencies or obstetric complications encompassed conditions like hypertensive syndromes, diabetes, or any clinical and obstetric situation that could potentially lead to obstetric emergencies before delivery, including instances such as premature placental detachment, placenta previa, HIV infection, and other relevant factors¹⁰10. Cragin E. Conservatism in obstetrica. New York Med J. 1916;104(1):1-26. [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: https://archive.org/details/newyorkmedicaljo1041unse/page/n7
https://archive.org/details/newyorkmedic... ,¹⁹19. Nascer no Brasil. Inquérito nacional sobre parto e nascimento: sumário executivo temático da pesquisa . 2014 [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: https://nascernobrasil.ensp.fiocruz.br/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/sumario_executivo_nascer_no_brasil.pdf
https://nascernobrasil.ensp.fiocruz.br/w... . Data were obtained from medical records, except for those related to race/ethnicity, education, marital status, social class, and reasons for the most recent cesarean section. Prenatal care adequacy was evaluated based on prenatal care cards. The current indication for cesarean sections comprised up to three potential options for each patient, as determined by the attending obstetrician.

Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out to present both absolute and relative frequencies of sociodemographic and obstetric variables, categorized by the number of prior cesarean sections and the type of delivery of choice for the ongoing pregnancy. Disparities between categories were evaluated employing the chi-square test (χ²), with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Variables exhibiting statistically significant differences during the descriptive analyses were progressively integrated into a hierarchical generalized linear model, starting with sociodemographic attributes and subsequently incorporating further obstetric characteristics. The statistical adjustment could nullify the effect power of such variables. The R software, version 1.2.1335, was used for the analyses.

Ethical Aspects

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz [ENSP/Fiocruz]), under protocol CAAE 50697621.4.0000.5240, with approval number: 4.950.262.

RESULTS

Out of the overall cohort of 23,894 women enrolled in the Nascer no Brasil survey, a total of 4,987 individuals (20.9%) had undergone at least one prior cesarean section (Figure). Table 1 shows that the predominant proportion of women who received health care funded by the Unified Health System (SUS) (71.8%) were between 20-34 years old (76.8%), identified themselves as mixed (52.4%), had attained more than 11 years of education (51.6%), cohabited with a partner (86.6%), and were categorized within social class C (49.3%).

Certain categories demonstrated an escalation in proportions as the number of surgeries increased. For instance, Black women constituted 7.5% of those who had undergone one previous cesarean section, which reached 12% among those with three or more cesarean sections. Similarly, individuals falling within the lower educational status (with up to 7 years of education) rose from 22.2% to 50.8%. Funding through the Unified Health System (SUS) also increased from 68.9% to 88.2%. Furthermore, the percentages of women over 35 years old, without a partner, and belonging to social classes C, D, and E also had an increase.

Taking all women into account, the rate of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) stood at 14.9%. Notably, the SUS accounted for 96.1% of VBAC cases, and, among deliveries performed within the public system involving a history of previous cesarean sections, 24.6% resulted in vaginal births. In terms of region, city type (capital or non-capital), and race/ethnicity, no statistically significant differences were observed regarding the type of delivery. However, when scrutinized by category, higher proportions of VBAC were apparent among women from the North region (19.5%), residents of capital cities (16.9%), indigenous women (27.3%), those aged 12-19 years old (23.8%), individuals with under 7 years of education (22.6%), those in social classes C and D (22.2%), and those without a partner (22.4%).

Table 2 provides insight into the obstetric characteristics of women who underwent previous cesarean sections. The majority of these women had undergone a single cesarean section (76.5%). Among this group, 81.3% subsequently experienced another cesarean section, with 75.5% occurring before the onset of labor. The percentage of cesarean delivery in the ongoing pregnancy reached 97.0% among women who had undergone two or more previous cesarean surgeries.

The percentage of vaginal births among those who went into labor was 60.8%, and this was considered the VBAC success rate within the sample (Figure). Women admitted during active labor had a higher rate of VBAC, whether with cervical dilation of 4-5 centimeters (54%) or exceeding 6 centimeters (68%). Additionally, 55.5% of women who achieved VBAC had a history of a previous vaginal birth in addition to cesarean section.

A significant share of women expressed a preference for another cesarean section at the outset of pregnancy (57.5%), a proportion that increased further among women with two previous cesarean sections (67%). Across all groups, there was an upward trend in the inclination towards cesarean sections as pregnancy progressed, culminating in an overall rate of 64.9%. The category with the highest VBAC percentage was that of women who maintained a preference for vaginal birth throughout the course of prenatal care (61.6%).

The subset of women who underwent three or more previous cesarean sections showed a higher frequency of pregnancies either devoid of prenatal care (4.9%) or characterized by inadequate prenatal care (49.7%). They also experienced a higher incidence of emergencies or complications (32.3%). Furthermore, this group had a lower percentage of follow-up with the same health care professional for both prenatal care and delivery (20.1%), an elevated rate of repeat cesarean sections without labor (90%), consequently leading to admissions with less than 3 cm of cervical dilation (95%).

When inquired about the reasons for their previous cesarean section, “lack of dilation, baby too large, or baby not engaging/descending” emerged as the most prevalent justification (42.7%). This was followed by reasons such as high blood pressure (10.5%), breech presentation (8%), fear of labor pain (4.7%), and prolonged pregnancy (4.3%). The reasons for the current cesarean section, as indicated by data from the obstetrician in the medical records, are detailed in Table 3. The previous cesarean section was cited as the rationale for the current surgery in 44.1% of cases, reaching a notable 73.6% among women with three prior cesarean sections. Other noteworthy prevalent reasons included cephalopelvic disproportion (9.5%) and hypertensive syndromes (7.6%).

As observed in Table 4, the probability of VBAC decreased by 75% in the case of a second cesarean section (OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.14–0.44), and by 82% in the instance of a third cesarean section (OR = 0.18, 95%CI 0.07–0.49). Assistance from the private sector diminished the likelihood of VBAC by 56% (OR = 0.44, 95%CI 0.22–0.88), and experiencing obstetric complications led to a decrease of 38% in the chances of VBAC (OR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.43–0.89). The odds of experiencing VBAC were roughly 4.5 times higher (OR = 4.53, 95%CI 3.01–6.79) for women who were designated for a vaginal birth towards the end of pregnancy. Additionally, the odds were almost 3 times higher (OR = 2.80, 95%CI 1.47–3.13) for those with a history of a prior vaginal birth. Furthermore, women who had labor induced exhibited 5 times higher odds (OR = 5.36, 95%CI 2.74–10.50), whereas those admitted to the hospital with 4 to 5 centimeters of cervical dilation increased by 8 times the odds (OR = 8.10, 95%CI 5.01–13.12). For those admitted with more than 6 centimeters of dilation, the odds were elevated by 13.10 times (OR = 13.10, 95%CI 6.48–30.20). Interestingly, women without a partner displayed a 70% higher chance of experiencing a vaginal birth (OR = 1.70, 95%CI 1.04–2.79). Variables such as age group, educational background, adequacy of prenatal care, and reasons for the previous cesarean section did not exhibit statistically significant differences.

DISCUSSION

Out of the total of women included in the sample of the Birth in Brazil survey, 20.9% had undergone previous cesarean sections before entering the research, and 85.1% underwent the surgery again, with 75.5% occurring before going into labor. In contrast, the overall study sample showed a cesarean rate of 52%, with 34.1% occurring before labor began²⁰20. Organização Mundial da Saúde. Robson classification: implementation manual. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2017 [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/259512/9789241513197-eng.pdf?sequence=1
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/hand... . According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the group of women who underwent previous cesarean section accounts for 21.9% of births, and an acceptable rate for repeat surgery would fall between 50% and 60%²¹21. Matijasevich A, Victora CG, Silveira MF, Wehrmeister FC, Horta BL, Barros FC, et al. Maternal reproductive history: trends and inequalities in four population-based birth cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil, 1982-2015. Int J Epidemiol. 2019 Apr;48 Suppl 1:i16–25. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyy169
https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyy169... .

A second cesarean section reduces the likelihood of VBAC by 75%, and having three or more cesarean sections reduces that number by 82%. Data on the situation of the country indicate a strong trend towards repeat cesarean sections, contrary to studies indicating the safety of VBAC and the potential complications, which increase with the number of surgeries¹²12. Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, Leveno KJ, Spong CY, Thom EA, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jun;107(6):1226-32. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000219750.79480.84
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.000021975... . Hence, avoiding the first cesarean section is one of the recommended strategies to reduce cesarean rates and their effects on maternal and child health⁷7. D’Orsi E, Chor D, Giffin K, Barbosa GP, Angulo-Tuesta AJ, Gama AS, et al. Factors associated with vaginal birth after cesarean in a maternity hospital of Rio de Janeiro. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2001 Aug;97(2):152-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-2115 (00)00523-6
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0301-2115 (00)0... . The VBAC rate among women who went into labor was 60.8%, a value similar to those found in other studies ranging from 57.6% to 74%¹²12. Silver RM, Landon MB, Rouse DJ, Leveno KJ, Spong CY, Thom EA, et al. Maternal morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean deliveries. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jun;107(6):1226-32. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000219750.79480.84
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.000021975... .

The magnitude of previous cesarean sections revealed that a higher number of surgeries is related to higher parity. It is important to highlight that 22.3% of women who had undergone three or more cesarean sections also had a prior vaginal birth. This observation could potentially indicate insufficient access to family planning services, a variable that contributes to restricted access to healthcare services and other fundamental rights, often more prevalent among socioeconomically vulnerable groups.

A Brazilian study that compared four cohorts from Pelotas, spanning from 1982 to 2015, revealed that despite a decline in parity across all social strata, black or mixed-race and economically disadvantaged women continue to experience higher parity and shorter intervals between pregnancies. The interaction between income and race in terms of interpregnancy intervals and at least one previous pregnancy demonstrated an increase in inequality over the studied period²²22. Leal MC, Gama SGN, Pereira APE et al. A cor da dor: iniquidades raciais na atenção pré-natal e ao parto no Brasil. Cad Saude Pública 2017;33(1):1-17. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00078816
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X0007881... . Data from the Birth in Brazil study indicated that black women are more susceptible to social inequality, marked by lower educational levels, concentration in lower social classes, and higher rates of inadequate prenatal care²³23. Ministério da Saúde (BR). Parto vaginal com cesariana prévia. In: Diretrizes de atenção à gestante: a operação cesariana. Brasília, DF: Conitec; 2015 [cited 2021 Oct 14]. p. 52-64. Available from: http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/Relatorios/2015/Relatorio_PCDTCesariana_CP.pdf
http://conitec.gov.br/images/Consultas/R... .

According to the Ministry of Health, the group who has undergone three or more cesarean sections is relatively smaller, as tubal ligation is frequently conducted after the third surgery. While a vaginal birth in such cases has a limited impact on overall cesarean rates, the heightened risk of uterine rupture in VBA3C (Vaginal Birth After Three or More Cesareans) must be weighed against the potential rise in complications such as hemorrhage, hysterectomy, and injury to the bladder or intestinal loops that could occur when opting for repeat cesarean after multiple surgeries²⁴24. Diniz SG, Chacham AS. “The cut above” and “the cut below”: the abuse of caesareans and episiotomy in São Paulo, Brazil. Reprod Health Matters. 2004 May;12(23):100-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080 (04)23112-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080 (04)2... .

The likelihood of VBAC was virtually non-existent within the private sector. In births involving previous cesarean sections that were funded by the public Unified Health System (SUS), one-quarter resulted in vaginal births, accounting for 96.1% of all VBAC cases. In contrast, within the private healthcare system, almost all women with previous cesarean sections underwent repeat cesarean surgeries. An analysis by Nakamura-Pereira et al. demonstrated that even among women who underwent previous cesarean sections who were eligible for a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), 79.4% underwent surgery, with 66.1% being elective. In the private healthcare system, this percentage escalated to 95.3%. This suggests that clinical conditions alone do not necessarily govern the decision to opt for a repeat cesarean section¹⁰10. Cragin E. Conservatism in obstetrica. New York Med J. 1916;104(1):1-26. [cited 2021 Oct 14]. Available from: https://archive.org/details/newyorkmedicaljo1041unse/page/n7
https://archive.org/details/newyorkmedic... .

The disparities in cesarean rates between public and private health care services are intricate, encompassing the financial and cultural dimensions. In the private sector, interventionist health care model that prioritizes diagnostic procedures and the utilization of advanced surgical skills often overshadows a woman-centered care, which is crucial for vaginal birth monitoring. Factors such as perceived control over the process, scheduling convenience, protection against potential genital harm, and the elevated socioeconomic status associated with these elements can contribute to the higher rates of cesarean sections observed within the private health care system²⁵25. Diniz SG. Humanizacão da assistência ao parto no Brasil: os muitos sentidos de um movimento. Cienc Saude Colet. 2005;10(3):627-37. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232005000300019
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-8123200500... .

In the public sector, while certain private unit practices may be mirrored, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has initiated actions to promote lower cesarean rates, with measures focused on decreasing primary cesarean surgeries²⁶26. Riscado LC. Os sentidos da cesariana entre usuárias do setor privado e público de saúde: convivência de estratégias biopolíticas no “fazer nascer” [thesis] – Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 2016..

The Ministry of Health recommends Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) for women who underwent 1 or 2 prior cesarean sections and do not have contraindications for vaginal birth²⁴24. Diniz SG, Chacham AS. “The cut above” and “the cut below”: the abuse of caesareans and episiotomy in São Paulo, Brazil. Reprod Health Matters. 2004 May;12(23):100-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080 (04)23112-3
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-8080 (04)2... . However, even within the public sector, 52.2% of births were elective cesareans, i.e., conducted before the onset of labor. When including cesarean sections performed with ongoing labor, the rate escalates to 70.6%.

The data highlight that the likelihood of VBAC was elevated for women who upheld their decision for vaginal birth until the culmination of pregnancy, had a history of previous vaginal birth, underwent labor induction, or were admitted to the hospital with cervical dilation ranging from 4 to 5 centimeters, with even greater odds for dilation exceeding 6 centimeters.

The findings are consistent with research conducted by D’Orsi et al.⁸8. D’Orsi E. Fatores associados à realização de cesáreas e qualidade da atenção ao parto no Município do Rio de Janeiro [tese]. Rio de Janeiro: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca; 2003.,⁹9. Nakamura-Pereira M, Esteves-Pereira AP, Gama SG, Leal M. Elective repeat cesarean delivery in women eligible for trial of labor in Brazil. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2018 Dec;143(3):351-9. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12660
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.12660... , which assessed factors associated with the probability of VBAC in Brazil based on medical record data from a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro. VBAC was also strongly linked with women who underwent only one prior cesarean, cervical dilation upon admission exceeding 3 cm, a record of at least one prior vaginal birth, and lower levels of education—paralleling the outcomes identified in the present analysis. The authors of the current study also discovered that there was a smaller likelihood of VBAC for women with high blood pressure and gestational age under 37 weeks, even though these factors were not typically included in the standard risk assessment.

Greater dilation and more favorable cervical conditions were also relevant factors in studies by Maroyi et al.²⁹29. Fitzpatrick K, Kurinczuk J, Quigley M. Planned mode of birth after previous caesarean section and special educational needs in childhood: a population‐based record linkage cohort study. BJOG. dezembro de 2021;128(13):2158-68. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16828
https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16828... in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Fitzpatrick et al.³⁰30. Mi Y, Qu P, Guo N, Bai R, Gao J, Ma Z, et al. Evaluation of factors that predict the success rate of trial of labor after the cesarean section. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. dezembro de 2021;21(1):527. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04004-z
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04004... , in Scotland; and Mi et al.³¹31. Domingues RM, Dias MA, Nakamura-Pereira M, Torres JÁ, d’Orsi E, Pereira APE, et al. Processo de decisão pelo tipo de parto no Brasil: da preferência inicial das mulheres à via de parto final. Cad Saude Publica. 2014;30(Suppl 1):S101-16. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X00105113
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311X0010511... , in China. These studies included women from various nationalities, featuring diverse physical and social backgrounds, along with distinct obstetric cultures. The majority of these studies pointed to the impact of socioeconomic status, non-dominant ethnicity, previous vaginal birth, having undergone only one prior cesarean, and favorable cervical dilation conditions that should ideally align with labor onset before hospital admission.

Women who arrived at the end of their pregnancy with a pre-established inclination towards cesarean delivery exhibited lower odds of VBAC. We must recognize that the choice regarding the type of delivery at the end of pregnancy is heavily influenced by the prenatal care received. According to findings from Nascer no Brasil, only 27.6% of Brazilian women reported commencing prenatal care with a preference for surgery. Within the public sector, this inclination was even lower—at 15%—and remained consistent throughout. In contrast, within the private sector, 36.1% initially leaned towards surgery, and by the conclusion of pregnancy, 67.6% had already chosen cesarean delivery. The most notable proportion of women harboring a preference for cesarean at the outset of pregnancy can be found among multiparous within the private system who had previously undergone the procedure, accounting for a significant 73.2% of this subset³²32. Landon MB, Leindecker S, Spong CY, Hauth JC, Bloom S, Varner MW, et al.; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The MFMU Cesarean Registry: factors affecting the success of trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Sep;193(3 Pt 2):1016–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2005.05.066
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2005.05.0... .

Reasons for the previous cesarean were provided by the women themselves, with the options “Large baby/no passage or dilation/baby did not descend or engage” emerging as the most prevalent rationale during interviews. Although the reason for the prior cesarean did not appear as a significant factor for VBAC in this study, researchers have found that indications of labor dystocia for the previous cesarean might be correlated with diminished chances of VBAC during labor³³33. Leal MD, Bittencourt SA, Esteves-Pereira AP, Ayres BV, Silva LB, Thomaz EB, et al. Avanços na assistência ao parto no Brasil: resultados preliminares de dois estudos avaliativos. Cad Saude Publica. 2019 Jul;35(7):e00223018. https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x00223018
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-311x0022301... .

Notably, the data for this study were collected between the years 2011 and 2012, nearly a decade prior to the analysis. However, cesarean rates in Brazil remained relatively stable during that period, and substantial shifts in the care provided to this demographic of women are not believed to have taken place. Leal et al.³⁴34. Batista Filho M, Rissin A. . A OMS e a epidemia de cesarianas. Rev Bras Saúde Mater Infant. 2018;18(1):3–4. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-93042018000100001
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-93042018000... compared the findings from the Nascer no Brasil survey within the public health care system with the evaluation studies of Rede Cegonha, a program initiated by the Ministry of Health. The findings revealed that the cesarean rate remained relatively unchanged, with a shift from pre-labor cesareans to intrapartum cesareans. When comparing the private health care system with the Parto Adequado program, a reduction in cesarean rates was observed, albeit still elevated.

The elevated cesarean rates transition from being a protective measure to a potential risk factor, which signifies an iatrogenic epidemic—where medical intervention inadvertently causes harm³⁵35. Nakamura-Pereira M, do Carmo Leal M, Esteves-Pereira AP, Domingues RM, Torres JA, Dias MA, et al. Use of Robson classification to assess cesarean section rate in Brazil: the role of source of payment for childbirth. Reprod Health. 2016 Oct;13(S3 Suppl 3):128. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-016-0228-7
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-016-0228-... . As such, these high cesarean rates become a pressing public health concern. It is crucial to recognize that, beyond the prevention of unnecessary cesarean sections in nulliparous women, the group of women with previous cesareans significantly contributes to the overall rates of cesarean occurrences in Brazil³⁶36. Knobel R, Lopes TJ, Menezes MO, Andreucci CB, Gieburowski JT, Takemoto ML. Cesarean-section Rates in Brazil from 2014 to 2016: Cross-sectional analysis using the Robson classification. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020 Sep;42(9):522-8. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1712134
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1712134... ,37_. To counteract this recurring effect, policies promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) must be implemented to prevent women from undergoing multiple cesareans, as they are more susceptible to complications.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the profile of women who underwent previous cesareans in Brazil changed according to the number of cesarean surgeries performed. The escalation in the number of cesareans might be linked to greater parity and increased social inequality. Despite scientific studies indicating the safety of vaginal births after cesareans, the majority of women are directed to another surgery, a significant portion of which happens before the beginning of labor, in public and private health care sectors. This topic requires greater visibility and attention from policymakers to reduce unnecessary cesarean rates in nulliparous women and encourage VBAC to decrease overall cesarean rates and their consequences for maternal and child health.

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