Owning the birth experience: what factors influence women's vaginal birth after caesarean decision?

Our quantitative analysis examined what factors influence pregnant women to choose a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC).

There is growing concern over the high rates of caesarean section; much of the high rate is driven by repeat caesareans. A trial of labour after a previous caesarean is an option for many women increasingly supported by medical literature.

Survey data from 173 pregnant women who had had only one birth by caesarean were analysed using a hierarchical binary logistic regression model.

Desire for the experience of a vaginal birth strongly predicted choice of VBAC; however, this relationship was dampened among women with a high (versus low) powerful others (e.g. doctors and nurses) locus of control. Prior reason for a caesarean section and practical factors also play a role.

Women may be more likely to choose VBAC if they are encouraged to believe that they can help control the outcome, especially if their desire for a vaginal birth experience is high.