VBAC Rates Have Dropped
In an article published by Jennifer K. Woldt of The Northwestern it was noted that VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) rates have dropped from fifteen years ago when about 3 in 10 women who had a first C-section were able to deliver their next baby vaginally.
Today the VBAC rates have dropped to 1 in 10. This is partly due to the fact that about a third of the hospitals and half of the physicians ban women from attempting a VBAC.
Doctors and hospitals resisting VBAC’s has always been an issue but it seems to be even more of an issue today because of litigation concerns. However the National institute of health according to the article, stands by their conviction that a VBAC is still a safe alternative for the right candidate. It went on to say that more than 60% of women who attempt a VBAC do go on to deliver vaginally.
Even though VBAC’s may have dropped, doctors should discuss the VBAC options with women so they are able to make informed decisions of their own and that has always been my opinion.
As long as we live in a litigious society there will always be the fear of litigation among hospitals and doctors and there are always risks with having a VBAC, but having a c-section also comes with risks. According to the article, and I agree, doctors should thoroughly evaluate their patients making sure they are good candidates for having a VBAC.
Attempting a VBAC does not necessarily mean you won’t still have a c-section, however if a woman’s health is good and her doctor as well as the hospital agree, trying for a VBAC has more than half a chance of being successful.
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