Labour after caesarean section--the problem of scar dehiscence.

Conventional criteria for the prediction and diagnosis of dehiscence of a caesarean section scar during labour were prospectively evaluated. Of 70 patients selected to undergo trial of labour, scar dehiscence occurred in 2 of 35 mothers delivered vaginally and in 4 delivered by caesarean section. Conventional predictive and diagnostic criteria correlated poorly with the occurrence of scar dehiscence. These limitations should be recognised and, during trial of labour after caesarean section, emphasis should be placed on careful monitoring of maternal and fetal condition.