Can you Have a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean Section?

 If you've had a cesarean in the past and are hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) delivery your doctor will help advice you on your options.  Here is an article which talks about VBAC options.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) or Not?

A normal, vaginal birth usually allows a mother the chance to bond with their child immediately after the birth. However, not all women have that choice due to an emergency c-section.

It is reported that an overwhelming amount of women are given cesareans that really do not need them. Some of these women feel they want to try VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) with their future pregnancies.

If you have experienced a cesarean birth previously, and now wish to have a vaginal birth with this pregnancy, it is important to know both the pros and cons. It is possible in most cases if the conditions are right. If you have had only one previous cesarean, you will have a better chance of succeeding with a vaginal birth than if you’ve had multiple cesarean births.

You may be encouraged to choose a midwife-nurse to help you through your pregnancy. Please talk with her and be very honest about the fact that you would like to try a VBAC. Also ask how much success she has had with VBACs. She needs to be able to deliver all the important information to your medical doctor, so it is highly important that you be honest with her. She is your advocate.

Cesareans come with certain risks

Cesarean sections, or C-sections, as they are called, may seem like a fairly easy solution to childbirth, but in reality it does come with certain risks. Risks such as problems with infections, hemorrhaging, damaging internal organs, long lasting pain, and problems with the bladder.

The greatest risk during a VBAC is the possible rupturing of the uterus incision from the previous cesarean birth. Even though the risk is under 1%, the rupture can occur very suddenly and become life threatening.

Studies have shown that a vertical incision used during the cesarean will be more likely to rupture than a horizontal incision. The horizontal incision is cut at a lower part of the uterus, making it able to withstand more pressure.

Studies have also shown that if the labor is allowed to happen naturally, and without the use of drugs to induce labor, the process may go smoother, and there may be less likelihood of rupture.

Choose a mid-wife

As was mentioned earlier, if you have made the decision for a VBAC, then it may be worth your while to hire an experienced mid-wife. She will be there for any questions and concerns you may have. The mid-wife will be directed by an obstetrician and therefore, will be knowledgeable about how you need to prepare for your delivery.

One final note. It is in no way encouraged to deliver at home, by either your mid-wife or your doctor with a VBAC. You will need trained professionals on hand to watch over and monitor your progress during labor and delivery.

The decision for a VBAC is up to you. Talk with your doctor and research. Find other women who have done what you wish to, in your community or on online message boards for support. And, remember, it’s not important how you bring your baby into this world. The important thing is how you raise him once he’s here.