Have you had a C-section previously and now you are willing to opt for vaginal delivery? If so, then it might be your personal preference; however, deciding the right delivery method thoroughly depends on specific factors. Opting for vaginal delivery after having a C-section in the past is associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, which has approximately 60% to 80% success rates. Whether you are an appropriate VBAC after C-section candidate or not depends on the specific deciding factors mentioned below:-
- The incision is vertical or horizontal during your previous C-section.
- The number of C-section deliveries you have undergone in the past.
- The exact position of the fetus during your current pregnancy.
- Any previous health issue specifically related to your uterine health.
- The specific reason behind your first C-section.
Although the success rate of VBAC after a C-section is approximately 75%, it gets reduced by 50% if you have undergone two C-sections in the past. There’s a term called TOLAC, trial of labor after cesarean, which is thoroughly associated with the attempt period to analyse the specific results. If the results are negative, then a C-section would be the suitable option.
Welcome to this blog post where you’ll be introduced to the reasons why women opt for VBAC and a thorough VBAC after C-section candidate guide!
Why do women usually prefer VBAC rather than one more C-section?
The reason behind the strong preference for VBAC over C-section is generally due to the benefits associated with vaginal deliveries, which are mentioned in the following points:-
- VBAC is quite a natural process of child delivery, eliminating the risk of incision and surgical complications, which can further result in organ injury and heavy bleeding.
- The time period for hospital stay is reduced, allowing the mothers to go back to their homes and care for their newborns.
- Women can usually get back to their daily life like before, making it a suitable option for them.
- Reducing the number of C-section deliveries prevents women from long-term risks such as abnormal placental attachment.
Who can be a suitable candidate for VBAC after a C-section?
- Horizontal or vertical incisions
If during your previous C-section, the incisions in your abdomen are horizontal, then this reflects your eligibility for VBAC; however, if the incisions are vertical, then it might pose certain risks, such as uterine rupture.
- Number of C-sections
Before considering VBAC, the exact number of your C-sections matters a lot; if it's more than one, then you are more at risk of having uterine rupture. However, if you had your C-section only one time, then the risks are still there but comparatively low.
- Reason for previous C-section
If the reason for your previous C-section is absent currently, then you are much more likely to opt for VBAC. For example, if the reason for your previous C-section was a breech baby or unfavorable cervical conditions, and now during your current pregnancy, there’s no such condition, then VBAC can be a safe option for you.
- No uterus rupture before
If your uterus has ruptured in the past, then it significantly maximises the risk of rupturing again, which can pose certain risks such as improper breathing for babies, and you might struggle with heavy bleeding. Don’t worry; if you have a history of uterine rupture, then one more C-section would be a suitable option for you.
- No prior uterine surgery
If you have undergone uterine surgery before, then VBAC might not be a safe option for you, as it eventually increases the risk of uterine rupture, which can bring major consequences to your and your baby’s well-being.
Get along with the common myths about VBAC!
If you had a C-section before and are now pregnant again and willing to opt for vaginal delivery, then it is a must for you to know that it can be a safe option only if you make the right decision as guided by your healthcare expert.
Myth 1: The risk of uterine rupture increases due to VBAC!
Fact: This is partially true; the risk of uterine rupture during VBAC is there; however, as per experts, it's about 0.5% to 1% only. Also, if you even opt for vaginal delivery for the first time, then the risk remains the same regarding uterine rupture. However, discuss your uterine health before going for VBAC.
Myth 2: You cannot have VBAC after C-section if you are now pregnant with twins!
Fact: There are no apparent claims stating that VBAC cannot be a safe option for you if you are pregnant with twins. So far as you are engaged with the intellectual health care providers, you’ll be guided appropriately regarding VBAC with twins.
Myth 3: You need cesarean surgery only if all your deliveries have been cesarean!
Fact: False! You can opt for vaginal deliveries if your last delivery was done through C-section. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has even studied that VBAC is quite a safe option for women with prior C-sections, if done accurately.
Risks associated with VBAC!
There are specific risks associated with VBAC, and uterine rupture is one of them, which can have life-threatening consequences. The risk associated with VBAC mainly occurs when you have not considered the specific deciding factors.
- Infection
- Going for an emergency C-section, which carries more risk than a planned one.
- Infection
The Final Thoughts!
Summing up the above-mentioned points, you might have understood the deciding factors associated with VBAC after a C-section, its benefits and specific risks if not followed precisely. Most importantly, the above-mentioned points thoroughly reflect the right candidate for this delivery method, and if you are concerned about VBAC after a C-section questions, then clearing them with your healthcare provider is a must.
We, Clinic by Choice, thoroughly help you by connecting you with expert gynaecologists, proficient in guiding you about the specific delivery method that would be the suitable choice for you. We have access to experienced gynaecologists and obstetricians providing appropriate guidance regarding VBAC after C-section candidates in Visakhapatnam, letting you make the right choice and decision.
FAQs
- What are the factors increasing the chances of successful results of VBAC?
The chances of successful results of VBAC depend on the specific type of incisions you have on your belly, along with the history of vaginal delivery and non-recurring reasons for prior C-section.
- Do you also help in engaging with cancer doctors?
Yes, we have expert cancer doctors listed in our services as well, letting you engage with an experienced cancer doctor.
- Does weight affect the VBAC results?
Yes, the success rates do vary according to the specific weight, including lower success rates among women with high BMI.
- Do you provide help during emergency hours as well?
Yes, you can explore the options during emergency hours to get immediate medical services.
- How can I book an appointment with you?
You can simply go to our official website, where you can book an appointment with us or visit us directly to get better results.
