If you have delivered a baby through C-section and you are pregnant again. Then your gynaecologist will have you choose between scheduling another C section or a vaginal delivery. Depending on your circumstances and condition. And if you opt for vaginal birth then it will be called VBAC.
A study revealed that the success rate is 70% for women who attempt for vbac.
Who is not a suitable candidate for vbac?
Safety should be your first and foremost consideration when you’re opting for vbac because it can be dangerous for you and your baby. Make sure that you discuss all the risk factors with your doctor before making the decision.
Best Gynecologist in Islamabad suggests that vbac may be too risky for patients who have following conditions:
- they are older than 35
- they are obese
- their fetus is very large
- their previous c-section was done in the last 20 months
- they have preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
- they have a history of two c-sections
- their pregnancy continues past 40 weeks
Does previous c-section scar have an impact on vbac?
An extremely crucial detail that a patient must discuss with their gynaecologist is the type of C-section scar they have on their uterus.
Doctors usually make incisions in two different directions to perform a C section; one is a vertical cut that goes from top to bottom while the other one is a transverse cut that goes from side to side.
If your C-section scar is a vertical one, you won’t be able to attempt for vbac because there is a very high chance that your scar could burst open or rupture. This could cause great harm to your baby and you.
Whereas if your C-section scar is transverse and low your gynaecologist will allow you to try if you don’t have any other risk factors.
Why don’t some hospitals allow VBAC?
If you are planning to give VBAC a shot then make sure that you discuss with your doctor and find out if your hospital allows its patients to attempt for VBAC or not.
Some hospitals don’t allow VBAC because if your old scar ruptures while you attempt for VBAC then this will become a medical emergency to attend to, and some hospitals aren’t fully equipped and prepared to tackle it.
What are the pros of vbac?
If you don’t have any risk factors and your doctor is permitting you to try for VBAC then there are many positive reasons you might want to give it a shot. There’s a very high chance that you may succeed because 70% of women who try for vaginal birth after a C section are successful, while for the other 30% a C section is needed due to the complications that arise as a result of the attempt.
If VBAC is successful it has following benefits:
- your chances to get infection are reduced
- you lose less blood
- you recover quickly
- your chances of having problems with future childbirth reduces
- there won’t be any injuries to your bladder or bowel
How to prepare for a successful VBAC?
Here are some successful tips to have a VBAC:
- Do your homework, learn everything you can about the VBAC. The more educated you are in this matter the higher your chances are of having a successful experience. The Internet is your best friend here, but choose your sources wisely.
- Find a gynaecologist and a hospital that supports VBAC and have a successful record in this matter. Also make sure that you check your doctor’s Cesarean rate.
- Almost all women have birth trauma and fears. To release them, try going through your previous birth story and process it by telling yourself that you are in a new pregnancy and this is going to be a different experience. When you start letting go of your fear you will feel liberated, calm and ready to try VBAC.
- Even though induction is possible with VBAC, most doctors believe that spontaneous labour has better chances for a successful VBAC. So try avoiding induction until you reach a mark of 42 weeks at least.
- Women usually find it hard to continue when they reach the end of their pregnancy but patience is the key here. Try doing things that help you stay calm and patient. Have faith in your body and your baby that your labour will only begin when your baby will be ready to arrive.
- Create a birth plan for your VBAC in accordance with the guidance of the Best Gynecologist in Lahore. Don’t hesitate to have a plan A, B and C as well and share your preferences with your doctor.
- Stay healthy and fit, Staying healthy doesn’t really mean to eat for two which is a common misbelief. All you need to do is eat a well balanced diet. Sleep well and stay fit by doing light exercises or a daily run.
- Stay in the company of people who have faith in you and your decision of opting for VBAC. Being surrounding by like-minded people can positively uplift you and make your journey better.
- Get yourself prenatal massages or go for chiropractic care to get your body aligne and ready for birth. Pregnancy sure is a journey of discomfort and tension and prenatal massages will not only help you enjoy your pregnancy to fullest but they will also prepare you for an easier delivery.
- Don’t pressurise yourself and choose what’s best for you and your baby. Have a firm belief in the fact that whatever style of birth you choose you are strong and worthy of all the happiness in this world.