Factors Influencing Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section Among Women Undergoing Trial of Labour in Public Hospitals of East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Introduction For pregnant women who have already had a caesarean section, vaginal birth is the best alternative option. However, fewer women are birthing naturally these days following caesarean sections, which has led to a rise in the need for elective repeat caesarean procedures and the complications that come with it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors that influence vaginal birth following caesarean section among women undergoing labour trials in public hospitals of East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Methods An unmatched case‐control study was conducted on a total of 268 samples (89 cases and 179 controls). Pregnant women who had undergone one prior caesarean section and opted to try labour and deliver naturally for their current pregnancy were considered cases, whereas those who ended up having an emergency repeat caesarean section were considered controls. Cases were chosen in a sequential manner, and two controls were chosen at random after the cases. Data were collected using a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were fitted. An adjusted odds ratio along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to identify significant association. Results Urban residency (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.54, 4.99), multiparity (AOR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.47, 8.73), four or more prenatal visits (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.53), a birth interval of less than 24 months (AOR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.95, 7.24), a history of spontaneous vaginal birth (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.28, 4.15), a history of vaginal birth following a caesarean section (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.45, 4.61), and a cervical dilation of at least 5 cm at admission (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.44) were found to be independent determinants of successful vaginal birth after a prior caesarean section. Conclusion Obstetric care providers should strongly consider mothers who have a history of vaginal delivery, have a cervical dilation of at least 5 cm at admission, have a birth interval of at least 24 months, are multiparous, and are young during counselling for the best selection of candidate women to avert the rising rate of CS and its associated morbidity. This study also advises women with a history of CS to have more frequent prenatal visits. During prenatal visits, counselling should be strengthened, and women should have full participation in the choice of delivery mode.