The caesarean section rate is greatly influenced by the amount of elective repeat caesarean sections. By promoting successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC), the caesarean section rate could be reduced. Clinicians supporting VBAC labour are concerned about the risk of uterine scar rupture; therefore, continuous fetal monitoring is recommended (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), 2007). As a result, these women are not recommended to use water for pain relief in labour. Yet, with the support of confident midwives some women have had successful VBACs while labouring in water. The evidence suggests that both labouring in water and undergoing VBAC are both beneficial to women. With a competent confident midwife, the use of water in labour could promote VBAC success rates and reduce intervention. This could improve the experience for both women and midwives, and improve future health for women and babies. In conclusion, the use of water in labour could be a safe choice for women who wish to undergo VBAC., Database: CINAHL Complete
Subjects: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean; Water Birth; Midwifery; Female