VBAC

SAY NO TO THE KNIFE!

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Ceasarean.  Of the women who have had one previous caesarean section, about 7 out of 10 will be able to try for a vaginal birth next pregnancy if they wish to, and as long as the reason for the first caesarean is no longer present. 

Each case would need to be discussed with your doctor.  Your medical history and progress of your current pregnancy are both considerations.  To make the decision to allow you to proceed to labour and attempt a VBAC, your doctor will consider four main factors and they are:

*  the location of the uterine scar from your previous Caesarean Section.  Vertical classical insicion (up and down) which are rarely performed and would only be performed for a medical reason, are absolutely contraindicated and you will never be allowed to labour and birth if for some reason you have one of these incision scars, as more stress is placed on this area during labour.

*  is the reason for the past caesarean still present?

*  how you would prefer to birth your baby

*  access to an appropriately equipped hospital

There is a small risk of rupture of the previous uterine scar with a VBAC.  Rupture would be caused by the forceful contractions of the uterus during labour and pressure upon the scar.  It is a serious complication and quite uncommon.  If however this did occur, an emergency Caesarean Section would need to be performed with a small chance that you may need to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).  Hysterectomy may also be required after any Caserean Section if uncontrolled bleeding occurs.

Source:  The Royal Australian & New Zealand College Of Ostetricians & Gynaecologists. (RANZCOG)

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