About this topic
Mothers often ask if vaginal birth is possible after having a cesarean section. Doctors often call vaginal birth after cesarean section a VBAC. You may be able to have a VBAC. The doctors base the decision on the reason for the first C-section. ‚
You are a good choice for a VBAC if: ‚
- Your cut was side to side
- Your pelvis is large enough to let your baby pass through safely
- Your womb never opened up (uterine rupture)
- You and your womb, cervix, and vagina are healthy
- Your baby is less than 8 pounds, 13 ounces
- You are less than 35 years old
- You have had a vaginal birth before
General
Some issues that can stop you from giving birth vaginally after a C-section are: ‚
- Your cut was up and down or T-shaped
- You have a heart problem
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Baby is large
- You are 35 years old or older
- You got pregnant less than 18 months after giving birth to your previous child
- You are carrying more than 1 baby
- You had a C-section and you have the same problems this time
- You had a C-section and your doctor thinks your previous scar might open during normal birth
With a VBAC, you may have less blood loss and a lower chance of injury to your belly and womb. You have a lower chance of getting an infection. You will likely be in the hospital a shorter time and your wounds will heal faster. ‚
What will the results be?
You will be able to give birth vaginally. Your healing time will be faster. ‚
What problems could happen?
- You may need to have a C-section after having many hours of labor
- Womb may rupture
- Infection
- Heavy blood loss
- Blood clots in your legs or lungs
- Injury to you or your baby
- Breathing troubles in your baby
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Too much vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal discharge that is yellowish, greenish, or foul smelling
- A bulge on your C-section scar
- Belly pain that will not go away
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/vbac.html ‚
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada ‚
http://sogc.org/publications/vaginal-birth-after-caesarean-section/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚