Women's Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean in the United States: An Integrative Review

Conclusion drawing and verification were completed using data displays, data analysis, and comparison.ResultsSixteen resources met inclusion criteria. Factors identified by women with a history of cesarean that act as facilitators or barriers to achieving a vaginal birth after cesarean included (1) individual factors (knowledge, body, and psychological), (2) social factors (culture and social support), and (3) systemic factors (perinatal care provider, health system, and financial). Some factors related to barriers and facilitators reflected opposing aspects of the same phenomenon on a continuum.DiscussionEnhancing facilitators identified by women, while addressing perceived barriers, may increase access to labor after cesarean for women in the United States. Increasing access to labor after cesarean may subsequently improve women's experiences of care and decrease the US cesarean rate, positively affecting individual health outcomes and overall health of childbearing women in the United States.
Source: Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health - Category: Midwifery Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research