The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology (RCOG) patient information resource on ‘Birth options after a previous birth’ has been updated to align with the latest NICE guidance on caesarean birth.
The resource is designed to be used by pregnant women and people, and maternity teams, to support informed discussions and decisions around birth options. A vaginal birth, caesarean, or vaginal birth after a previous caesarean all carry different benefits and risks, and because every woman is different, these will vary for each individual.
Dr Jenny Barber, Vice President for Clinical Quality at the RCOG, said:
“Every woman and baby deserves safe, compassionate care. Women and birthing people must be supported with balanced, accurate information so they can make informed decisions about their pregnancy and birth. The RCOG does not promote one type of birth over another. This resource is designed to support conversations about birth choices, including the benefits and risks of each option, personalised to the individual.
"Supportive conversations are essential to helping women and birthing people feel listened to and confident in their pregnancy care. I encourage maternity teams to use this resource as part of their discussions with those who have previously had a caesarean, helping them understand their options and make informed decisions about their next birth.”
The College's clinical guidelines, consent advice, patient information, training and education programmes are all designed to support maternity teams to provide the best possible care for patients and are developed through a robust process involving both clinical and public input.
The RCOG is committed to supporting improvements in maternity services through our role as an educator: developing the curriculum, raising standards of care through the development of clinical guidance, supporting the career development of clinicians through exams, professional development courses and events, and support services for our members. The College also delivers research and quality improvement programmes that contribute to improvements in maternity safety and as part of its influencing and advocacy activity.
- Read the RCOG patient information on ‘Birth choices after previous caesarean birth’, here.
- NICE Caesarean birth guideline (NG192), available here
- RCOG Supporting Safer Maternity Care programme, available here
- Read the RCOG maternity safety policy position