Virginia C-section Rates by OB
Virginia no longer collects data on cesarean rates by provider. Here are some tips from ICAN members and attendees on how to obtain this information.
- Ask your provider for their cesarean and VBAC rates. Some providers already have this information available on their website or Facebook page. You have the right to directly ask this question.
- If the provider does not know their current rates, you can ask "in the past 10 births, how many have been cesareans? VBACS?"
- Research the hospital cesarean rate. Leapfrog reports the cesarean rates and is a free resource you can access. While this is not a provider rate, it does give an indictation of the hospital culture the provider works at.
NIH VBAC panel finds VBAC safe
Today, a statement was released from the NIH VBAC consensus stating that evidence shows VBACs are a safe alternative to a repeat c-section. According to their statement: "Given the available evidence, TOL is a reasonable option for many pregnant women with a prior low transverse uterine incision." Additionally, "We are concerned that medico-legal considerations add to, as well as exacerbate, these barriers. Policymakers, providers, and other stakeholders must collaborate in the development and implementation of appropriate strategies to mitigate the chilling effect of the medico-legal environment on access to care"
The complete statement released by the panel can be found here: NIH VBAC Consensus statement
The post conference press release can be found here: NIH VBAC post conference press release
ACOG modifies VBAC guidelines
ACOG has modified their VBAC guidelines! Their guidelines state that twin pregnancies, VBA2C (Vaginal birth after two cesareans), large babies, post-dates, and unknown surgical incision should not be reasons to disallow a VBAC. Additionally, the new bulletin (#115) also states that the choice should be made up to the woman regarding the decision to attempt a VBAC or have a repeat cesarean.
To see the press release from ACOG, view this link: Ob-GYNs Issue Less Restrictive VBAC guidelines