Trends in birth choices after caesarean section in Japan: A national survey examining information and access to vaginal birth after caesarean.

•This study explored characteristics of institutions accepting planned VBAC and identified the information given to women about birth options by health professionals in Japan.•Women had limited and varied opportunities to plan VBAC or make informed choices about birth after CS.•Nurse managers had difficulty supporting women with previous CS when institutional policy conflicted with women's wishes.•New strategies are needed to support women who are making birth choices after CS, and to promote shared decision-making in Japanese culture.