VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN Q & A
WHAT IS A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN?
Vaginal birth after cesarean (also referred to as VBAC), is the vaginal delivery of your baby after having had a cesarean delivery. Attempting this kind of delivery requires a “trial of labor after cesarean,” or TOLAC. Undergoing this trial means you have the goal of delivering vaginally. There are definitely pros and cons that should be considered when attempting a TOLAC and some women may still need a C-section after undergoing a trial of labor.
However, we believe the option, choice, and attempt is a decision that should be available to patients. Here at Nurture Women’s Health, we are available to discuss if TOLAC is a safe choice for you.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A VBAC?
Many women wish to undergo a VBAC as opposed to another C-section in hopes of several benefits:
- Avoiding another scar on your uterus
- Less pain after delivery
- Fewer days in the hospital and a shorter recovery at home
- A lower risk of infection
- A more active role for you and your birthing partner during the delivery
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF UNDERGOING A VBAC?
While beneficial in many ways, a VBAC harbors several risks that depend on the condition of each woman. The most severe but rare case is a C-section scar that comes open during labor. Naturally, the more C-sections you’ve had and subsequent cesarean scars you have, the higher the risk is that a scar will tear open.
Undergoing TOLAC also puts you at a slightly increased risk for infection if you end up needing a C-section than if you didn’t go through the trial of labor. However if successful, a VBAC delivery is safer than a planned c-section.
WHAT MIGHT INCREASE MY CHANCES OF A SUCCESSFUL VBAC?
The pregnancy, labor, and delivery experience is different for every woman, as is the likelihood of a VBAC. A trial of labor may be most telling of how successful a VBAC might go. Generally speaking, your best chances for a successful VBAC include:
- Your previous cesarean wasn’t done for stalled labor
- You don’t have the same condition that led to a previous C-section
- You’ve had a vaginal delivery or a successful VBAC in the past
- Your labor starts on its own, and your cervix dilates well
- You’re younger than 35 years old
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF HAVING A SUCCESSFUL VBAC?
Your chances of a successful VBAC decrease when:
- Your past C-section was due to difficult labor
- You are obese
- You’re older than 35 years old
- Your fetus is very large
- You’re beyond 40 weeks of pregnancy
- Your last pregnancy was within the past 18 months
Schedule a consultation online with your OB/GYN at Nurture Women’s Health to discuss your options and chances for success.