Vaginal Birth After Cesarean(VBAC) : Is it Possible?

It is a common misconception that vaginal birth is impossible after a c-section. Even though doctors do suggest going ahead and doing the c-section as it is a much safer option. But if the mother wants to have a vaginal birth, then doctors may evaluate the pros and cons of it and suggest the best thing for both the mother and child.

Once a woman conceives, she will get a detailed discussion on the birth plan. This is an important part, especially when the woman has already given birth, and that was by cesarean. Most mothers want a vaginal birth, and this is one of the questions that arises if their previous pregnancy was a c-section.

Here in this blog, we are discussing whether it is possible to have vaginal birth after a c-section.

What is a vaginal birth after Cesarean, or VBAC?

Vaginal birth after a c-section is as common as a normal vaginal birth. The difference comes when it needs extra care from the doctor and the nurses during the birth. It will also require the doctors to take charge and make sure that both the mother’s and the child’s health are monitored effectively.

It is possible to have a vaginal birth after a c-section. The chances of vaginal delivery are much higher if the woman hasn’t had a c-section in the past 18 months. The woman should have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If the woman plans to have a baby via vaginal delivery, then she needs to talk to the gynaecologist before planning for conception and make sure that her health is in its finest form for a vaginal delivery. The doctors will give you effective suggestions on how to thread the line for a successful vaginal delivery. 

How do you know that you are fit for vaginal delivery?

The first and best step to making sure that you are fit for vaginal birth after a cesarean is to speak to your gynaecologist. The doctor will help evaluate the risks associated with you taking up vaginal delivery after the c-section. 

Some of the relevant pointers that need to be considered to make sure that you are ready to approach vaginal delivery after a c-section are as follows:

• If you have given birth vaginally before.
• The previous c-section was one with a low transverse incision. A transverse incision means that the c-section was a horizontal cut, from side to side. It is on the lower part of the uterus. It makes a stronger scar on the uterus but causes only very little bleeding when compared to other incisions.
• Both the mother and baby are perfectly healthy during the entire pregnancy period.
• The labour happens at the right time or on the calculated due date.

Now, VBAC is not recommended for women with the following conditions:

• Vaginal birth is not possible if the mother or the child are facing the same situation as her previous pregnancy, for which a c-section was recommended last time. 
• If the current labour is induced or has passed the due date.
• If the mother is obese during her pregnancy, then the doctor might not suggest vaginal birth. Being obese means the mother has excessive fat in her body, and her BMI is higher than 30.
• The time between the two pregnancies or the last c-section is less than 18 months.
• If the mother is facing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition in which the mother’s other organs, particularly the liver and kidney, fail to function properly on or after the 20th week of pregnancy. Changes in vision, severe headaches, and a high concentration of protein in the urine.
• The baby is in a higher weight range.
• If the mother is over the age of 35.
• if the mother is pregnant with multiple babies.
• If the incision is vertical and not a horizontal incision, then VBAC is not suggested by the medical practitioner. The pressure of pushing during a vaginal delivery can tear the uterine muscle.
• The pregnancy is filled with complications like placenta previa, diabetes, herpes, and even heart disease.

What are the risks associated with a vaginal birth after c – section?

Vaginal birth after a cesarean is a good idea but has a fair share of risks associated with it. Most women—that is, one out of four—have c-sections these days. 

The reason why vaginal birth is not suggested to women who have had a c-section before is because of the risk of the stitches or the uterine tear rupturing. It can cause serious complications for the baby and can also lead to infections. 

A good discussion of the same with the best gynaecologist in Trivandrum or anywhere in Kerala will help you decide and make sure you are up for it.

What are the benefits of a vaginal birth after cesarean section?

• Vaginal delivery is better for the body because the mother does not have to undergo surgery.
• Once the baby is delivered, speedy recovery is possible after a vaginal birth but not that easy after c-section.
• The chances of heavy blood loss are less.
• The chances of infections and other pregnancy complications are comparatively fewer.
• If you are someone who is planning to have a lot of children, it becomes easier for the rest of the deliveries.

How can you ensure a successful vaginal birth following a C-section?

Giving birth after a c-section can be quite scary, but with careful planning and preparation, the entire process can go smoothly:

• Making sure that your gynaecologist is on board with your decision to have a vaginal delivery is a must, and it will help avoid any sort of confusion or discrepancy during the days leading up to the due date. Most doctors are not very complacent when it comes to doing a vaginal delivery after a c-section. So, express your desire to the doctor and see if they are willing to perform VBAC. So, choose your doctor accordingly. 
• Prepare your body to face vaginal delivery and do relevant exercises like Kegel exercises that will help strengthen the muscles of the pelvis to be equipped for a vaginal delivery. 
• Eat more liquid foods in the days leading up to delivery. Solid snacks can initiate vomiting and nausea during the delivery and make the entire birthing process easier. 

VBACs are a safe and empowering option for women who have had a previous cesarean. VBACs are successful 60-80% of the time, and the risk of uterine rupture is low, but it should be closely monitored during labour. Women considering VBAC should talk to their doctor about their options, review their previous cesarean records, and understand the risks and benefits. VBACs can offer benefits such as a lower risk of maternal mortality, a shorter hospital stay, etc. 

Why KJK hospital? 

KJK hospitals have been providing fertility services for the past two decades and are one of the best maternity hospitals in Trivandrum. Even when there are many best gynaecology hospitals in Kerala out there, we stand out in our services as we provide the finest treatment to the patients with the support of our expert doctors and nurses. Our entire range of services is devised to meet the needs of our clients. Our hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows every couple who walks through our doors to realise their dream of becoming parents.

Feel free to contact us for appointments and queries.

Phone Numbers: 0471-2544080, 2544706

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