Vaginal birth after cesarean: what's new in the new millennium?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This brief review will focus exclusively on very recent developments and controversial aspects of vaginal birth after cesarean. Only papers published in 2001 or 2002 are included.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have addressed the intrapartum management of vaginal birth after cesarean patients and the safety of trial of labor compared with elective repeat cesarean.

SUMMARY: The recent trend has been towards a more cautious approach to vaginal birth after cesarean. Some are concerned that this trend may limit childbirth options for those women who wish to avoid repeat cesarean operations.