Women who’ve had caesarean births are usually physically able to try vaginal birth next time around. This is commonly called vaginal birth after caesarean or “VBAC”.
Up to 1 in 4 women in Australia has delivered a baby via caesarean section. In the past it was generally assumed that once a women had a caesarean section birth then all future babies would be delivered via the same mode caesarean section.
Thanks to medical advances in obstetrics many women have safely delivered their subsequent babies vaginally or by ‘VBAC’.
It is important to remember that every individuals’ preferences and risk factors will be different.
What is most important is the safety and wellbeing of both you and your baby.
In planning this together we can ensure that your experience is a positive one.
If you are considering a VBAC for your next pregnancy it is a great idea to discuss this with your treating doctor/ medical staff.
For my patients we can discuss this at our first visit and revisit this throughout the pregnancy and discuss the suitability.
The reason we do this as there are a few factors to consider about VBAC delivery;
In some instances a VBAC is note a suitable mode of delivery and a repeat caesarean delivery will be the safest choice for both you and your baby.
These reasons include:
There are a number of factors which suggest a successful VBAC, these include;
There are also a few factors that ‘lessen’ the success of a vaginal birth, these include;
If you don’t go into labour and are planning a VBAC for my patients we will discuss the options should this scenario arise on and individual basis. Whilst this still remains an option this may reduce the success rate of achieving a VBAC. Induced labour is less likely than spontaneous labour to result on VBAC due to unfavorable cervix and failure to progress or fetal distress ultimately resulting in caesarean section.
Whilst uncommon nothing is without its risks and it is important to be fully informed of all possible outcomes associated with having a VBAC.
Continuous monitoring of your baby’s heart rate is recommended once you are in established labour. This may help to detect any changes in the baby’s heart rate, which may be related to problems with the scar on your uterus (womb).
Sometimes you may need to have an intravenous cannula inserted so that blood can be taken and cross-matched in case an emergency. The progress of your labour will be closely monitored, and you are not making good progress a repeat caesarean will be advised. You will be involved throughout your labour with the planning of you care.
When contemplating future pregnancy & birthing choices it is important to be fully informed and weigh up the pro and cons of all of your options and discuss this with you doctor.
It is also important to ensure that if you are contemplating VBAC that you have access to a hospital facility that is well equipped for emergency caesarean section.
Despite the mode of delivery whether it be vaginally or via caesarean section the most important factor is the safety of both you and your baby, and that you birthing experience is both rewarding and satisfying