Exploring birth options after three or four cesarean sections in Poland: maternal and neonatal outcomes following vaginal vs repeat surgical deliveries.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyze maternal and neonatal outcomes of women with a history of three or four caesarean sections (CS) and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of vaginal birth after multiple caesarean sections (VBAC ≥ 3) in Polish clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of 186 women with three or four prior CS who delivered at St. Sophia Specialist Hospital in Warsaw between 2017 and 2024. Data on delivery mode, obstetric management, complications, and neonatal outcomes were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with successful VBAC. RESULTS: Of the study group, 62 women attempted trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC), resulting in 32 successful vaginal births (success rate 53.2%). 124 women chose Elective CS. Logistic regression showed that prior vaginal birth (OR = 20.34; p = 0.008) and the use of epidural anaesthesia (OR = 22.88; p = 0.006) significantly increased the likelihood of successful VBAC. Spontaneous onset of labour showed a positive but non-significant trend (OR = 2.52; p = 0.230). The model demonstrated a classification accuracy of 77.4% and a good overall fit (Nagelkerke R² = 0.456). Uterine rupture occurred in three cases (4.8%), while no maternal or neonatal deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal birth after three or more CS may be a viable option for carefully selected women, provided it is offered in tertiary centers with immediate surgical readiness. Key predictors of success include prior vaginal birth and epidural anaesthesia. Further large-scale studies are needed to refine guidelines and inform clinical practice in this high-risk group.