C-Section Recovery & Cesarean Birth Advice, Tips and Support

Your chances of having a safe VBAC  (vaginal birth after a C-Section) are pretty good, particularly if  you’ve  had only one previous c-section. 

The most notable risk of having a VBAC is uterine rupture which can mean damage to bladder, extensive blood loss, blood clots, infection and hysterectomy.  However for women who have had just one C-Section, the risk of uterine rupture is only 1% or about 1 in 500.

But there are still precautions that you should take if you’re considering a VBAC, particularly if you’ve had 2 or more c-sections, as the more c-sections you’ve had, the greater the risk for a VBAMC (vaginal birth after multiple C-Sections).

Most doctors are not fond of the idea of a VBAC.  Even though the risks are small, it’s still a risk that doctors nor hospitals want to take. Because of this risk, it’s sometimes difficult to find doctors that will perform a VBAC.

But finding a doctor willing to perform a VBAC is just half the battle, the hospital you will be giving birth at also needs to allow for performing a VBAC,  and not all hospitals allow them.   For this reason many women will choose to  have a VBAC performed at home or in a birthing facility with a Doula.

This is perfectly acceptable but I do caution you that even though uterine rupture has only about a 1% risk,  the risk is still there, and if you are not prepared to have an emergency c-section, you could lose your baby or suffer serious health consequences.

When a VBAC Is not Advised

• If you have high blood pressure
• If you are a diabetic
• If you are having a multiple birth
• If the placenta is lying over a previous uterine scar
• If you have had more than one previous C-Section with no previous successful VBAC  (a successful VBAC increases the chances of additional future successful VBACs)
• Previous classical incisions, as opposed to transverse lower-uterine incision
• If you were induced using Oxytocin

In closing..

Two questions to ask yourself when determining whether to have a VBAC or repeat C-Section:

• Which represents a greater risk to my health and the health of my baby?  A VBAC or a repeat c-section?
• Which presents the greatest benefit?

If having a safe VBAC is important to you, find a doctor that will support you and that you are comfortable with.  Also be sure s(he) is willing to work with you to for making your VBAC as successful as possible. The more comfortable you feel with your doctor the more relaxed you will be and that’s important for both you and your baby.

You May Also Find These Interesting...

1. VBAC – What is It?
2. VBAC Support – Guidelines are Loosening
3. Uterine Rupture During VBAC
4. VBAC Rates Have Dropped
5. VBAMC – Vaginal Birth After Multiple C-Sections