VBAC Success Predictor Tool: Helpful or Junk

There is a tool on this website for the purpose of prediciting your potential percentage of success for VBAC. While many would consider such a tool suspect, it can be useful as just another reminder that VBAC is possible a lot more than the standard 4%-10% that we find in most areas.

But with such factors as "BMI" and race as the only determining factors, one can wonder if perhaps they are missing the point. For many women who prepare for VBAC there are several things (emotional and mental support, supportive practitioner and increased healthy lifestyle to name a few) that help them acheive success. And for others still the same set of criteria do not ensure success.

It is hard to imagine that you could plug in a set of numbers and yes/no answers and come up with a set way to determine who will be successful. But it is just another tool, even if it isn't the most useful.

ACOG Articles Highlighting a Potential Change in Perspective

In this recent post on Our Bodies Our Blog, two recent articles regarding the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and their take on the recent forums and studies on VBAC and the rising cesarean rate.

The first is an article from Obstetrics and Gynecology. It highlights the fact that the current VBAC policy of ACOG limits, if not outright denies, the option of vaginal birth after cesarean for most women. It also touches on the subject of informed consent.

The second article is a synopsis from an address given to the ACOG annual meeting. The physician giving the commentary discusses the need to tone down and reassess the current use of induction and cesarean surgery. His tone is encouraging to those who hope to see current trends in maternal care reversed and women given the opportunity to have a say in their own care.