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We conducted a prospective, blind observational study to investigate the prevalence and prediction of difficult intubation in Chinese women. Two groups of Chinese women were studied (151 pregnant and 260 non-pregnant). The prevalence of difficult intubation was 1.99% in the pregnant and 1.54% in the non-pregnant group. The difference was not statistically significant. Predictive variables for difficult intubation, including modified Mallampati class, thyromental distance and atlanto-occipital extension, had high sensitivity but low positive predictive value when used alone. A shorter thyromental distance had to be used as the criterion for prediction in Chinese women. Combination of predictive variables could improve the positive predictive value.

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Patients' acceptance towards vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) was studied in 99 women with previous Caesarean section. Their attitude was strongly related to the chance of success of VBAC. Only 53.3% of patients would accept VBAC if they were told that the chance of success was 70%. A history of vaginal delivery and a negative feeling towards previous operation were positively associated with acceptance of VBAC (p < 0.01), while convenience of elective Caesarean section and fear of vaginal delivery (even although most of them had had no vaginal delivery before) were the commonest reasons for refusal. The major caused of a negative feeling towards the previous Caesarean section were postoperative pain and a long recovery period. There was no significant negative effect on acceptance of VBAC if the previous Caesarean section was performed as an emergency operation for slow progress of labour or cephalopelvic disproportion.

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