A. V., a Greek woman, aged 27, a multipara, seen in the outpatient department of the University of California Obstetrical Service in the seventh month of her second pregnancy, had been delivered of her first child seventeen months previously by cervical section, by an experienced obstetrician, after some hours of labor. A cephalopelvic disproportion was the reason for section. Her convalescence was uneventful, and she was discharged after thirteen days.
The pelvic measurements, physical examination and pregnancy were normal, but the patient was advised to report to the hospital with the onset of labor pains. In general, it has been the policy of the department not to permit a patient to attempt natural labor after a previous cesarean section.
Labor began late at night, just at term, but the patient did not enter the hospital until four hours had elapsed, at which time the pains were coming every three minutes