Efforts to improve vaginal birth after caesarean in Indonesia: Literature review
Keywords:
health education, health services, healthcare system, VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)Abstract
Objective: to find out the evidence based onefforts to increase VBAC in Indonesia. Methods: This study used a five-step framework adapted from Arksey and O'Malley. The review focused on searching for articles with databases (PubMed and Science Direct), to find relevant articles published in 2015-2025 with the keywords used VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). There were 225 articles found and sorted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, so that 13 articles were used in this study which would then be extracted data, as well as compiled, summarized and reported the results. Results: The study showed that comprehensive education and counseling regarding the benefits and risks of VBAC, VBAC success factors and providing psychological support, careful assessment of VBAC candidates, labor strategies and monitoring of complications, increasing human resource capacity and readiness of health facilities and clear information systems and policies can increase VBAC. Conclusion:By implementing integrated efforts, it is hoped that the VBAC success rate can increase, thus providing a safer and more beneficial birth option for mothers and babies.
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References
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Chen, S. W., Shorten, A., Yeh, C. C., Kao, C. H., Lu, Y. Y., & Hu, H. W. (2023). An innovative web-based decision-aid about birth after cesarean for shared decision making in Taiwan: Study protocol for a randomized control trial. Trials, 24(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07103-8
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Clarke, M., Devane, D., Gross, M. M., Morano, S., Lundgren, I., Sinclair, M., Putman, K., Beech, B., Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K., Nieuwenhuijze, M., Wiseman, H., Smith, V., Daly, D., Savage, G., Newell, J., Simpkin, A., Grylka-Baeschlin, S., Healy, P., Nicoletti, J., … Begley, C. (2020). OptiBIRTH: A cluster randomised trial of a complex intervention to increase vaginal birth after caesarean section. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-2829-y
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Firoozi, M., Tara, F., Ahanchian, M. R., & Roudsari, R. L. (2020). Clinician’s and women’s perceptions of individual barriers to vaginal birth after cesarean in Iran: A qualitative inquiry. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, 11(3), 259–266. https://doi.org/10.22088/cjim.11.3.259
Fobelets, M., Beeckman, K., Faron, G., Daly, D., Begley, C., & Putman, K. (2018). Vaginal birth after caesarean versus elective repeat caesarean delivery after one previous caesarean section: A cost-effectiveness analysis in four European countries. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1720-6
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Koppes, D. M., Van Hees, M. S. F., Koenders, V. M., Oudijk, M. A., Bekker, M. N., Franssen, M. T. M., Smits, L. J., Hermens, R., Van Kuijk, S. M. J., & Scheepers, H. C. (2021). Nationwide implementation of a decision aid on vaginal birth after cesarean: A before and after cohort study. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 49(7), 783–790. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0007
Lakra, P., Patil, B., Siwach, S., Upadhyay, M., Shivani, S., Sangwan, V., & Mahendru, R. (2020). A prospective study of a new prediction model of vaginal birth after cesarean section at a tertiary care centre. Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 17(4), 278–284. https://doi.org/10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.82205
Li, Y. X., Bai, Z., Long, D. J., Wang, H. B., Wu, Y. F., Reilly, K. H., Huang, S. R., & Ji, Y. J. (2019). Predicting the success of vaginal birth after caesarean delivery: A retrospective cohort study in China. BMJ Open, 9(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027807
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Mesay, F., Melese, E., Wudie, G., Feleke, S. F., & Dessie, A. M. (2023). A Prognostic Study for the Development of Risk Prediction Model for the Success of Vaginal Birth Following a Cesarean Surgery at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 16(January), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S395388
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Muthoharoh, B. L., Yuriah, S., Gustiani, R., Agustina, Y. R., Indrawati, I., & Mufdlilah, M. (2022). Efficacy of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB) for preventing hypothermia in newborns. Journal of Health Technology Assessment in Midwifery, 5(2), 82–95. https://doi.org/10.31101/jhtam.2211
Sepriani, P., Yuriah, S., & Juniarti, S. (2024). Empowerment of women of fertilizing age regarding health education for early detection of neccical cancer using method visual inspection of acetic acid (Iva Test). 18(1).
Sungkar, A., & Basrowi, R. W. (2020). Rising trends and indication of Caesarean section in Indonesia. World Nutrition Journal, 4(S2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.25220/wnj.v04.s2.0001
Yuriah, S. (2024). Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan Ibu Hamil Tentang Hiv/Aids Dengan Sikap Terhadap Provider Initiated Test And Counselling (PITC). 13(1).
Yuriah, S., Ananti, Y., & Nurjayanti, D. (2024). Dynamics of the experience of sexual violence and its impact on girls in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. International Journal of Health Sciences, 8(S1), 579–592. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v8ns1.14860
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Yuriah, S., & Zahra, T. (2024). Asuhan Kebidanan Komunitas pada Ny. E G4P3A0 Usia Kehamilan 37 Minggu 3 Hari dengan Anemia Ringan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sekar Jaya. 1(2), 43–50.
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Chen, S. W., Shorten, A., Yeh, C. C., Kao, C. H., Lu, Y. Y., & Hu, H. W. (2023). An innovative web-based decision-aid about birth after cesarean for shared decision making in Taiwan: Study protocol for a randomized control trial. Trials, 24(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07103-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07103-8
Chinkam, S., Pierre, K. A., Mezwa, K., Steer-Massaro, C., & Shorten, A. (2022). Promoting Shared Decision Making About Birth After Cesarean in Haitian Women. Journal of Perinatal Education, 31(4), 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1891/JPE-2021-0016
Clarke, M., Devane, D., Gross, M. M., Morano, S., Lundgren, I., Sinclair, M., Putman, K., Beech, B., Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K., Nieuwenhuijze, M., Wiseman, H., Smith, V., Daly, D., Savage, G., Newell, J., Simpkin, A., Grylka-Baeschlin, S., Healy, P., Nicoletti, J., … Begley, C. (2020). OptiBIRTH: A cluster randomised trial of a complex intervention to increase vaginal birth after caesarean section. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-2829-y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-2829-y
Firoozi, M., Tara, F., Ahanchian, M., & Latifnejad Roudsari, R. (2020). Health care system barriers to vaginal birth after cesarean section: A qualitative study. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 25(3), 202–211. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_150_19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.IJNMR_150_19
Firoozi, M., Tara, F., Ahanchian, M. R., & Roudsari, R. L. (2020). Clinician’s and women’s perceptions of individual barriers to vaginal birth after cesarean in Iran: A qualitative inquiry. Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, 11(3), 259–266. https://doi.org/10.22088/cjim.11.3.259
Fobelets, M., Beeckman, K., Faron, G., Daly, D., Begley, C., & Putman, K. (2018). Vaginal birth after caesarean versus elective repeat caesarean delivery after one previous caesarean section: A cost-effectiveness analysis in four European countries. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1720-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1720-6
Hadjigeorgiou, E., Katsie, C., Papadopoulou, M., Christofi, M. D., & Christoforou, A. (2021). Women’s experiences of VBAC in Cyprus: A qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 21(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04193-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-04193-7
Hairon, A., Halim, A., Abdullah, A. S. M., Atina, S. A. K., & Kana, T. (2024). “I can’t make it safe, so I don’t do it”: Exploring obstetricians’ views on barriers and enablers to promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section in Bangladesh. PLOS Global Public Health, 4(12), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003963 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0003963
Haryanti, I., & Yuriah, S. (2025). Socio-Economic Analysis of Parents on the Practice of Providing Early Complementary Feeding to Infants Aged 6-12 Months in Tanjung Baru Village: A Cross-sectional Study Analisis Sosial Ekonomi Orang Tua Terhadap Praktik Pemberian Makanan Pendamping ASI Dini pada Bayi Usia 6-12 Bulan di Desa Tanjung Baru: Studi Cross Sectional. 6(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.52235/lp.v6i2.497
Juniarti, S., Yuriah, S., & Sepriani, P. (2024). Women’s empowerment model in treatment of pregnant women at risk of anemia in Indonesia: Literature review. International Journal of Health Sciences, 8(S1), 1680–1689. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v8ns1.15357 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v8nS1.15357
Koppes, D. M., Van Hees, M. S. F., Koenders, V. M., Oudijk, M. A., Bekker, M. N., Franssen, M. T. M., Smits, L. J., Hermens, R., Van Kuijk, S. M. J., & Scheepers, H. C. (2021). Nationwide implementation of a decision aid on vaginal birth after cesarean: A before and after cohort study. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 49(7), 783–790. https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0007
Lakra, P., Patil, B., Siwach, S., Upadhyay, M., Shivani, S., Sangwan, V., & Mahendru, R. (2020). A prospective study of a new prediction model of vaginal birth after cesarean section at a tertiary care centre. Turkish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 17(4), 278–284. https://doi.org/10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.82205 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4274/tjod.galenos.2020.82205
Li, Y. X., Bai, Z., Long, D. J., Wang, H. B., Wu, Y. F., Reilly, K. H., Huang, S. R., & Ji, Y. J. (2019). Predicting the success of vaginal birth after caesarean delivery: A retrospective cohort study in China. BMJ Open, 9(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027807 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027807
Lipschuetz, M., Guedalia, J., Rottenstreich, A., Novoselsky Persky, M., Cohen, S. M., Kabiri, D., Levin, G., Yagel, S., Unger, R., & Sompolinsky, Y. (2020). Prediction of vaginal birth after cesarean deliveries using machine learning. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 222(6), 613.e1-613.e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.12.267 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2019.12.267
Lundgren, I., Healy, P., Carroll, M., Begley, C., Matterne, A., Gross, M. M., Grylka-Baeschlin, S., Nicoletti, J., Morano, S., Nilsson, C., & Lalor, J. (2016). Clinicians’ views of factors of importance for improving the rate of VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean section): A study from countries with low VBAC rates. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 16(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1144-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-1144-0
Mekonnin, F. T., & Bulto, G. A. (2021). Determinants of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section at public hospitals in ambo town, oromia region, central ethiopia: A case-control study. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 14(June), 4083–4091. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S322380 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S322380
Mesay, F., Melese, E., Wudie, G., Feleke, S. F., & Dessie, A. M. (2023). A Prognostic Study for the Development of Risk Prediction Model for the Success of Vaginal Birth Following a Cesarean Surgery at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 16(January), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S395388 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S395388
Misgan, E., Gedefaw, A., Negash, S., & Asefa, A. (2020). Validation of a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery Prediction Model in Teaching Hospitals of Addis Ababa University: A Cross-Sectional Study. BioMed Research International, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1540460 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1540460
Muthoharoh, B. L., Yuriah, S., Gustiani, R., Agustina, Y. R., Indrawati, I., & Mufdlilah, M. (2022). Efficacy of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIB) for preventing hypothermia in newborns. Journal of Health Technology Assessment in Midwifery, 5(2), 82–95. https://doi.org/10.31101/jhtam.2211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31101/jhtam.2211
Sepriani, P., Yuriah, S., & Juniarti, S. (2024). Empowerment of women of fertilizing age regarding health education for early detection of neccical cancer using method visual inspection of acetic acid (Iva Test). 18(1).
Sungkar, A., & Basrowi, R. W. (2020). Rising trends and indication of Caesarean section in Indonesia. World Nutrition Journal, 4(S2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.25220/wnj.v04.s2.0001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.25220/WNJ.V04.S2.0001
Yuriah, S. (2024). Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan Ibu Hamil Tentang Hiv/Aids Dengan Sikap Terhadap Provider Initiated Test And Counselling (PITC). 13(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.55045/jkab.v13i1.188
Yuriah, S., Ananti, Y., & Nurjayanti, D. (2024). Dynamics of the experience of sexual violence and its impact on girls in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. International Journal of Health Sciences, 8(S1), 579–592. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v8ns1.14860 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v8nS1.14860
Yuriah, S., & Kartini, F. (2022). Factors Affecting With The Prevalence Of Hypertension In Pregnancy: Scoping Review. PLACENTUM: Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan Dan Aplikasinya, 10(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.20961/placentum.v10i1.54822 DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/placentum.v10i1.54822
Yuriah, S., Kartini, F., & Isnaeni, Y. (2022). Experiences of women with preeclampsia. International Journal of Health & Medical Sciences, 5(3), 201–210. https://doi.org/10.21744/ijhms.v5n3.1901 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21744/ijhms.v5n3.1901
Yuriah, S., & Zahra, T. (2024). Asuhan Kebidanan Komunitas pada Ny. E G4P3A0 Usia Kehamilan 37 Minggu 3 Hari dengan Anemia Ringan di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Sekar Jaya. 1(2), 43–50.
Zhang, H., Yu, L., Wei, S., & Li, G. (2025). Analysis of influencing factors and establishment of prediction model for successful vaginal delivery after cesarean section. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, 6(February), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1447569 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fgwh.2025.1447569
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