March 8–10, 2010
Natcher Conference Center | NIH Campus| Bethesda, Maryland
For most of the 20th century, clinicians believed that once a woman had undergone a cesarean, all of her future pregnancies required delivery by that procedure as well. In the 1980s, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) also began to be considered a viable option for these women. Since 1996, however, VBAC rates in the United States have consistently declined, while cesarean delivery rates have been steadily rising.
What accounts for these changing practice patterns? Frequently cited concerns about VBAC include the possibility of uterine rupture during labor, infection, and other complications. However, repeat cesarean delivery carries risks for both mother and baby, and may impact future pregnancies.
An improved understanding of the clinical risks and benefits of both procedures, and how these risks interact with legal, ethical, and economic forces to shape provider and patient choices about VBAC, may have important implications for health services planning.
Be part of a pivotal discussion that will explore these issues. On March 8–10, 2010, in Bethesda, Maryland, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Office of Medical Applications of Research of the National Institutes of Health will convene a Consensus Development Conference on Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.
After weighing the scientific evidence from a systematic literature review, expert presentations, and audience input, an unbiased, independent panel will prepare and present a consensus statement of its collective assessment addressing six key conference questions.
The conference is free and open to the public. Your input is valuable. Please join us!
Information and Registration
consensus.nih.gov | 1-888-644-2667 | consensus@mail.nih.gov
Can’t attend?
Webcast registration consensus.nih.gov/vbacvideocast.htm
Pre-order statement consensus.nih.gov/vbacstmt.htm
Continuing Education for this activity is pending. Please see the final announcement for details.