NIH Consensus Development Conference to Address VBAC Issues
Cesarean Delivery Rates Steadily Increasing
By News Staff
A consensus development conference scheduled for March 8-10 at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Md., will draw together a diverse group of experts to address key issues related to vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC.
Physicians and other maternity care health professionals who are unable to attend in person can register to view a live webcast of the conference.
VBAC rates have been declining in the United States since 1996, while cesarean delivery rates have been increasing. According to the CDC, 30 percent of all U.S. births resulted from cesarean deliveries in 2005.
The NIH conference will address the following questions:
VBAC rates have been declining in the United States since 1996, while cesarean delivery rates have been increasing. According to the CDC, 30 percent of all U.S. births resulted from cesarean deliveries in 2005.
The NIH conference will address the following questions:
- What are the rates and patterns of utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean, vaginal birth after cesarean, and repeat cesarean delivery?
- Among women who attempt a trial of labor after prior cesarean, what is the vaginal delivery rate and the factors that influence it?
- What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the mother of attempting trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?
- What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the infant of maternal attempt at trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?
- What are the nonmedical factors that influence the patterns and utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean?
- What are the critical gaps in the evidence for decision-making, and what are the priority investigations needed to address these gaps?
After weighing the scientific evidence, an unbiased, independent panel will prepare and present a consensus statement addressing these questions, NIH said.
Physicians who attend the conference are eligible to earn CME credit. CME is not available for viewing the webcast, which will be archived and available on the NIH Consensus Development Program Web site about one week after the conclusion of the conference.
Physicians who attend the conference are eligible to earn CME credit. CME is not available for viewing the webcast, which will be archived and available on the NIH Consensus Development Program Web site about one week after the conclusion of the conference.
