Race Differences in VBAC Risk

Fascinating research shows that there is a racial disparity in the risk of uterine rupture with mothers who are attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC.)

In the latest issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a study conducted at Washington University in St Louis, MS has indicated that there is a lower risk of uterine rupture in mothers of African-American descent who have experienced a previous cesarean than mothers of other racial groups.

The retrospective study on over 25,00 mothers also looked at the possible differences in choice to have a VBAC, success of VBAC as well as the risk from various other complications.

It is interesting to note that black mothers were more likely to make the choice for a trial of labor, but less likely to have a successful VBAC. But the most fascinating part of this study was that, even after adjusting for other variables, African-American mothers were 40% less likely to have a uterine rupture than other racial groups (.6% compared to 1.1%)

This is a dramatic difference and would serve to motivate any mother of African-American descent who is concerned about the safety of VBAC that the odds are clearly in her favor!

Brenda