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VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER CESAREAN SECTION
“VBAC”
The benefits of vaginal
births are as follows:
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Lower risk than Cesarean
Section—In general, a vaginal delivery is associated with fewer risks
to the mother than a Cesarean Section. A C-section is major surgery,
and has a greater risk of infection and bleeding, as well as the
complications associated with anesthesia. These risks, though still
present with a vaginal birth, occur much less frequently.
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Faster Recovery—hospital
stay with VBAC is the same as for any normal vaginal delivery (24-48
hours), whereas with C-section, the hospital stay will be an average
of 3 days. Recovery at home, and return to normal activities is also
faster with VBAC.
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More Sense of Control
for the Mother—a VBAC takes place in a family-oriented birthing room
instead of an operating room. This usually means fewer hospital staff
need to be present at the delivery, which makes for a more intimate
experience for the family. More family members are able to be present
if the mother chooses. There are also more choices for anesthesia with
VBAC than with a C-section. A mother and her family are generally much
better able to hold and care for their newborn immediately after a
vaginal birth.
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Less Costly than
C-Section—charges for a vaginal birth are less than with surgery, as
there are less hospital personnel and equipment that need to be
present.
As with all medical
procedures, there are risks associated with VBAC that you need to be
aware of. The primary risks are:
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Separation or rupture of
the scar on the uterus from your previous C-section—the incision that
was made into the uterus at the time of your C-section was done in an
area that does not contract during labor. Because of the low
transverse uterine incision, studies have shown that the risk to you
of the uterus rupturing during labor is very small (less than 3%). If
uterine rupture were to occur, you would require a C-section delivery,
and there is a risk of fetal distress and maternal internal bleeding.
In approximately one in ten of the women who have had a uterine scar
separation some significant fetal or maternal complication will occur.
Because of this risk, you and your baby will be continually monitored
during labor.
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Unsuccessful trial of
labor and need for a repeat C-section—closer to your due date, your
doctor will make a careful determination of the probability he or she
believes you have of successfully having a vaginal delivery. These
factors include the size of your baby at term in relation to the size
of your bony pelvis, the presentation of the baby (must be
head-first), and other medical problems, which may be a factor in how
you should most safely deliver. If complications occur, including just
a failure to progress in labor and have a vaginal delivery, then costs
could exceed those of a planned Cesarean section.
It is important to stress
that up to 75% of women who attempt a vaginal birth after Cesarean
Section are successful. Of the women for whom VBAC was unsuccessful, a
repeat C-Section was done. We encourage you to ask any questions you may
have about this, and any other issues that concern you about having your
baby.
Would you like to know
your odds of having a cesarean section?
Click here for more.
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