Vaginal birth after two previous cesareans before and after new training and protocols

Trial of Labor After Two CS Before and After Training a Protocol Introduction

Observational G. d'Annunzio University · NCT07258459

See if introducing new staff training and counseling protocols increased acceptance of trial of labor and the rate of vaginal birth among pregnant women with two prior cesarean deliveries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2016 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorG. d'Annunzio University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Pescara, PE and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07258459 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational comparison collected women with two prior cesarean sections who delivered at Santo Spirito Hospital in Pescara before (2016–2020) and after (2021–2025) implementation of obstetric emergency training and a specific counseling protocol. Investigators recorded acceptance of trial of labor, vaginal birth rates, and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, hysterectomy, fetal death, NICU admission, and low 5-minute Apgar. Eligible participants were ≥34 weeks' gestation with cephalic presentation and at least 18 months since the last cesarean, including singleton or diamniotic twin pregnancies, while cases with other indications for cesarean, breech, triplets, or gestation <34 weeks were excluded. The analysis compares acceptance and safety outcomes before and after the training and protocol change to see if counseling and staff preparation altered clinical practice and results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Pregnant women with two prior cesarean sections, at least 18 months since the last cesarean, gestational age ≥34 weeks, cephalic presentation, and no other indication for cesarean (including singleton or diamniotic twins).

Not a fit: Women with clinical indications for cesarean such as placenta previa, less than 18 months since the last cesarean, breech or triplet presentations, or other contraindications are unlikely to benefit from trial of labor approaches studied here.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the protocols could increase safe vaginal births and reduce repeat cesarean deliveries for women with two prior cesareans.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) can be safe for selected patients, but evidence specifically addressing women with two prior cesareans is limited and has mixed results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* pregnant women
* pregnancy above 34 weeks' gestation
* cephalic presentation of the fetus
* singleton and twins
* diamniotic twins
* 2 previous CS
* more than 18 months from last CS
* no other indication to CS

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy below 34 weeks' gestation
* breech baby
* triplets or high order multiple pregnancies
* more than 2 previous CS
* less than 18 months from last CS
* precence of other indications to CS (i.e. maternal diseases, placenta previa, etc.)

Where this trial is running

Pescara, PE and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cesarean Delivery Affecting Fetus or NewbornLabor--ComplicationsHemorrhagic Complicationsprevious CStrial of labormaternal outcomesfetal outcomesneonatal outcomes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.