{"id":2206,"date":"2023-01-28T21:45:37","date_gmt":"2023-01-28T21:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/beaches-obgyn\/?p=2206"},"modified":"2023-02-01T19:02:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T19:02:40","slug":"who-is-a-good-candidate-for-a-vbac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/beaches-obgyn\/who-is-a-good-candidate-for-a-vbac\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Is a Good Candidate for a VBAC?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every pregnancy comes with a slew of choices \u2014 baby names, nursery decor, and preferences regarding labor and delivery are aplenty. But what if this is your second or third pregnancy, and you’ve already<\/em> had a cesarean section<\/a>? Contrary to popular belief, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you must have a C-section \u2014 which accounts for nearly one-third of all deliveries \u2014 the next time around. Many women opt to try vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC), and the choice is a very personal one. If thinking about having a VBAC, here are a few important factors to consider.<\/p>\n

Why Consider VBAC?<\/h4>\n

Studies have shown a 60 to 80 percent success rate for those who do attempt VBAC. When compared with having another cesarean, a vaginal delivery doesn’t involve the risk or complications of major abdominal surgery such as infection or blood loss, results in a shorter hospital stay, and leads to a swifter recovery and return to the usual daily activities. VBAC may also be appealing to those who have never experienced vaginal childbirth.<\/p>\n

Also, for those who wish to have a larger family, VBAC can aid in reducing the risk of complications that can arise from multiple C-sections. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your previous C-section, VBAC might be an option for you.<\/p>\n

What Are the Risks of VBAC?<\/h4>\n

When considering VBAC, you and your doctor should thoroughly go over your medical history, especially surrounding previous pregnancies. The biggest risk for women who undergo vaginal delivery after a cesarean is a uterine rupture, which is when a tear in the wall of the uterus occurs, often at the site of a previous C-section incision. Although rare \u2014 happening in less than 1 percent of women who attempt a trial of labor after cesarean \u2014 uterine rupture can be life-threatening for Mama and baby. If it does occur, an emergency C-section will be needed, potentially resulting in a blood transfusion and\/or the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).<\/p>\n

Many studies show that for women who have had one past C-section with a low transverse (horizontal) incision, the risk of uterine rupture<\/a> is quite low: less than 1 percent. But a low vertical or high vertical incision carries a great risk of uterine rupture.<\/p>\n

How to Tell If You’re a Good Candidate<\/h4>\n

There are a number of criteria that can help determine whether you’re more likely to have a successful VBAC. These include:<\/p>\n