Vaginal Birth after Cesarean
Mothers who have had an earlier C-section can opt for normal delivery, in their subsequent labor – this is known as vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). However, not all women are eligible to undergo this procedure. The reasons for a previous C-section play a vital role in determining the current possibility of vaginal birth.
The first pointer would be if the previous C-section was a low-transverse uterine incision. If this criterion is met, then there is a good chance a second pregnancy can be culminated in a natural birth. Also, important is that one shouldn’t have had any other or major uterine surgery or suffered a uterine rupture.
- Age: younger mothers are more likely to have a successful VBAC
- Pregnancy Term: longer terms can disqualify the possibility of a VBAC
- Gap between pregnancies: less than 18 months makes it difficult to have a VBAC
A vaginal birth or VBAC helps you avoid an abdominal incision/surgery and mitigates the risks that are consequent to such surgery. Some of the common risks involved in a C-section would be – excessive bleeding, complications associated with a C-section, possible infections are all avoid if a vaginal birth is possible.
However, despite these positive factors, there are certain challenges that do remain pertinent and pose tangible impediments. A uterus rupture can lead to severe blood loss for the mother and oxygen deprivation for the child.
There is so a real risk of serious complications for the child leading to long-term neurological damage or even fatality. All these risks are further escalated if there has been a case of an unsuccessful VBAC in the past.
- Mother & doctor have regular communication
- Regular electronic fetal monitoring
- Be open to the possibilities
- Accept the risks
