Abstract
Objective To evaluate obstetric outcomes in women undergoing a trial of labor (TOL) after a
previous cesarean for dystocia in second stage of labor.
Methods A retrospective cohort study of women with one previous low transverse cesarean undergoing
a first TOL was performed. Women with previous cesarean for dystocia in first stage
and those with previous dystocia in second stage were compared with those with previous
cesarean for nonrecurrent reasons (controls). Multivariable regressions analyses were
performed.
Results Of 1655 women, those with previous dystocia in second stage of labor (n = 204) had greater risks than controls (n = 880) to have an operative delivery [odds ratio (OR): 1.5; 95% confidence intervals
(CI) 1.1 to 2.2], shoulder dystocia (OR: 2.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 8.0), and uterine rupture
in the second stage of labor (OR: 4.9; 95% CI 1.1 to 23), and especially in case of
fetal macrosomia (OR: 29.6; 95% CI 4.4 to 202). The median second stage of labor duration
before uterine rupture was 2.5 hours (interquartile range: 1.5 to 3.2 hours) in these
women.
Conclusion Previous cesarean for dystocia in the second stage of labor is associated with second-stage
uterine rupture at next delivery, especially in cases of suspected fetal macrosomia
and prolonged second stage of labor.
Keywords
pregnancy - vaginal birth after cesarean - uterine rupture - labor dystocia