VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean and it is the process of delivering a baby vaginally after a previous baby has been delivered through cesarean section.
But, we can not successfully predict which women can deliver vaginally and which women will end up with a repeated cesarean section.
Totally, 60-80% of the women who attempted the VBAC can deliver the baby vaginally.
Eligible criteria to undergo VBAC:
- Previously, if you only had one cesarean section and performed only with low transverse incision, then the risk of uterine rupture is very low i.e. 0.2-1.5%. If you have had more than one cesarean delivery and incision is done in your upper uterus and it was vertical, then you are at an increased risk of uterine rupture.
- Your pelvis should be large enough to allow the baby to pass through safely.
- In the past, you never had any other uterine surgeries like myomectomy to remove the fibroids.
- If you have never experienced any uterine rupture.
- If you do not have any obstetric or medical condition that can make your vaginal delivery risky.
- If you do not have any uterine scars or anomalies.
- If your baby is in normal size and the head of the baby is facing downwards.
- The cause for the cesarean section should not be present in the current pregnancy, then only you are eligible for vaginal delivery.
You are not eligible for VBAC:
- If you have diabetes
- If your pregnancy have multiple babies
- If you have high blood pressure
- If you have more c-section scars
- If you have any scars above the lower, thinner part of your uterus
Benefits of VBAC:
- VBAC avoids the existence of another scar on the uterus. This is very essential if you are planning for future pregnancy. If you have large number of scars on your uterus, then the complications associated with the future pregnancy will be more than the normal conditions.
- You will experience less pain once after the delivery.
- There is low risk for any type of infection.
- You need to spend few days in the hospital and there is shorter recovery time for VBAC.
Risks associated with VBAC:
There is a possibility of the cesarean scar opening during VBAC. Usually, this is a very rare condition, but when it occurs, it will be very serious for you and your baby. If you want to trial the labor followed by a cesarean delivery, then there is higher risk of infection that you just had the cesarean.
So, before going to have VBAC, once discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of VBAC for you and your baby.
