Table 2 Number of websites addressing delivery mode advantages and risks mentioned in RCOG patient information document ‘Birth after previous caesarean: Information for you’
Mode of delivery supported | Individual points available for advantages or risks | Number of websites addressing criterion (n = 48) | |
|---|---|---|---|
In support of VBAC (14 criteria) | VBAC advantages (7 criteria) | Experiencing a vaginal birth | 15 |
Greater chance of uncomplicated birth in future | 25 | ||
Shorter recovery | 28 | ||
Shorter hospital stay | 28 | ||
Less abdominal pain | 14 | ||
Not having surgery | 23 | ||
Reduced risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity | 12 | ||
ERCS risks (7 criteria) | Longer operation | 4 | |
Difficult operation | 7 | ||
Risk of thrombosis | 26 | ||
Longer recovery | 22 | ||
Neonatal breathing problems | 30 | ||
Need for ERCS in future | 14 | ||
Increased complications with each ERCS | 16 | ||
In support of ERCS (10 criteria) | VBAC risks (6 criteria) | Emergency c-section | 27 |
Blood transfusion | 14 | ||
Endometritis | 24 | ||
Uterine scar rupture | 45 | ||
Perinatal death | 30 | ||
Neonatal brain damage | 22 | ||
ERCS advantages (4 criteria) | Less risk of uterine rupture | 21 | |
Less risk of stillbirth | 10 | ||
Less risk neonatal brain damage | 12 | ||
Known delivery date | 10 | ||