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VBAC
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Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section

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Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section

Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) means giving birth naturally through the vagina after previously given birth through a C-section (caesarean section). A C-section procedure involves making a surgical incision through the woman’s belly and then through the uterus. There are advantages to having a VBAC compared to another C-section. 

Some of the advantages are:

 

  • A faster recovery time
  • Decreased blood loss
  • No abdominal surgery
  • Vaginal birth helps in clearing your infant’s lungs as your infant passes through the birth canal. This further helps your baby prepare to breathe oxygen after birth.
  • The baby’s immune system will also boost from the good bacteria they pick up while travelling through the birth canal.
  • Avoid most risk factors associated with a C-section delivery

Risks of VBAC:

Any medical procedure is accompanied with some risks. In VBAC, there is a risk of the scar in your uterus and abdomen tearing open during labour, due to the extreme pressure being applied. There is a likelihood you will need an immediate C-section during labour if this happens. In extremely rare cases where there is severe bleeding, a hysterectomy procedure (removal of the uterus) may be necessary. VBAC has higher risks of bleeding and infection compared to a planned C-section. However, there are risks involved in a C-section too, such as blood loss, risk from anaesthesia, and infection..

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Risks of repeat C section vs VBAC

Many studies suggest that VBAC after a low transverse C-section is associated with lesser risk of maternal death; further, it has fewer complications for mother and baby. Repeated C-section increases the risk of:

 

  • Placenta previa: where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix.
  • Placenta Accreta: where the placenta attaches to the uterine wall firmly.
  • Bowel and bladder injury
  • Hysterectomy
  • Maternal death

Who can have a VBAC?

Talk with our expert gynaecologist about your health history and current pregnancy, and discuss the reason for your previous C-section delivery. This will help them determine if you can safely have a VBAC. There is an increased chance you can safely opt for a VBAC if you:

 

  • Have had no more than two prior C-section deliveries with low transverse incisions.
  • The type of uterine incision used in the previous C-section.
  • Have previous successful vaginal deliveries.
  • Last delivery should not have been less than 18 months ago.
  • Have no other abnormalities or uterine scars.
  • Have no prior uterine ruptures.
  • Have not had any other surgeries that will increase the risk of uterine rupture and decrease the chances of a VBAC.
  • Have any health concerns that may affect a vaginal delivery.
  • Plan to have the baby in a fully equipped facility for an emergency C-section.

 

Are planning for induction of labour, which decreases the chances of a successful VBAC..

How to Prepare for a VBAC?

If you choose to have a VBAC, discuss with our gynaecologist about your concerns and expectations. Understand from them the risks and benefits in your specific case. Plan the delivery procedure at Ankura Hospital as it has all facilities equipped to handle an emergency C-section. In addition, continuously and closely monitor for any signs of complications during your pregnancy.

FAQs About VBAC

If you choose to have a VBAC, discuss with our gynaecologist about your concerns and expectations. Understand from them the risks and benefits in your specific case. Plan the delivery procedure at Ankura Hospital as it has all facilities equipped to handle an emergency C-section. In addition, continuously and closely monitor for any signs of complications during your pregnancy.

When compared to having another C-section, a vaginal delivery possesses fewer risks and involves no surgery, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery. It also helps you avoid risks involved in C-sections like excessive loss of blood, risks related to receiving anaesthesia, and infections.

The risk associated with VBAC includes uterine rupture, blood loss, infection, and other complications. Even though uterine rupture is rare, it is a serious complication and should be discussed in detail with our gynaecologist before deciding to undergo a VBAC.

The VBAC process will be similar to any vaginal delivery. It will go about as any normal delivery would. However, your gynaecologist will continuously monitor the baby’s heartbeat and be alert and ready to do a C-section if required. Also, an operation theatre will be kept ready and prepared in case an emergency C-section needs to be performed.

 

The goal of this initiative is to take into account the delivery experience of the would-be mothers. Moreover, we aim to create a birthing experience that best mimics a homely feeling rather than that of a hospital.

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