Do you know it’s possible to deliver your baby vaginally (VBAC) after you have had a C-section? The chances of having a successful VBAC depend on the type of C-section and the reasons you needed a C-section last time.😎
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
🤰What is VBAC?
A VBAC is a vaginal birth after a cesarean.🤰The term TOLAC can also be used interchangeably, which also means attempting a VBAC. If you have delivered a baby by C-section and you’re pregnant again, you can choose vaginal birth this time and avoid multiple C-sections.😃
🤰Who is a good candidate for VBAC?
If your previous cesarean delivery was a low-transverse uterine incision and you have never had other serious uterine surgery, you might opt for VBAC after checking carefully with your doctor.👩⚕️You shouldn’t have a uterine rupture or any medical conditions such as placenta previa or a large fibroid that would cause danger to you when you have a vaginal birth. An uncomplicated vaginal birth or a successful VBAC in the past also increases the chances of VBAC.😃
🤰Who is not a good candidate for VBAC?
VBAC is unsafe for you if you have a vertical C-section incision or T-shaped incision as the risk of uterine rupture increases. If you already have an uterine rupture in a previous pregnancy or a serious uterine surgery, you are less likely to be able to have a VBAC this time.🙁
Depending on the reasons why you needed a C-section last time, the doctor might decide if you can have a VBAC.👩⚕️ One of the most dangerous factors for having an unsuccessful VBAC is that you have had a prior C-section due to stalled labor.😢
If the gap between pregnancies is not long enough for your body to recover and you need medical interventions such as cervical ripening methods to induce labor, you’re not safe having a VBAC.☹️ Advanced maternal age, obesity in both moms and babies also increase the rate of a failed TOLAC, indicating you’re not a good fit for VBAC. Any complications such as preeclampsia should be taken into consideration before you decide to attempt a VBAC.
VBAC benefits
🤰Impact on future pregnancies
If you’re planning to have more children👶, it may be worth it to try for a VBAC. VBAC helps you avoid the risks of multiple cesarean deliveries such as placenta previa (in which the placenta is blocking the cervical opening) and placenta accreta (in which the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and cannot separate properly).😃
🤰Lower risk of surgical complications
Successful VBAC helps you avoid major abdominal surgery, excessive loss of blood🩸, infection, and thrombosis. VBAC also decreases the risk of surgical removal of the uterus and injury to abdominal organs.
🤰Shorter recovery time
Your body heals faster when you have a vaginal birth.😚 After a VBAC, you will experience less inconveniences including a longer hospital stay and a slower and more uncomfortable recovery. You will resume your daily activities and go back to your life sooner.😃
🤰Opportunity for experiences
Depending on the personal interpretations of birth experiences among moms👩, having a vaginal birth probably means a big deal to you. It signifies braveness, the nature of a transition to motherhood, and the healthy conditions of your baby.🤗
Vaginal birth might be a meaningful and important milestone to you. Having risk factors mentioned doesn’t mean you can’t have a VBAC. You should consult with the doctor👩⚕️ about your chance of success and carefully weigh the pros and cons.
VBAC risks
Although VBAC carries less hazards than consecutive cesarean deliveries, a failed trial of labor after cesarean is associated with more complications. An unplanned C-section leads to excessive bleeding🩸 that could require blood transfusion, infections of the uterus, or uterine rupture. Even if you’re a good candidate for VBAC, the slightest possibility of uterine rupture can cause a catastrophe of severe bleeding and oxygen deprivation for your baby.👶