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The idea of a natural birth post cesarean is not something women believe to be easily doable. After going through major surgery the uterus needs time to heal and until recently the odds of a vaginal birth post a cesarean one were not exactly good.

The New Study

The Office for Research and Clinical Audit from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine conducted a study meant to shed some light into the realistic odds for a vaginal birth to be successful if prior the woman had a child with the help of C-section.

The study focused on a contingent of over 140.000 women who gave birth to their second child between 2004 and 2011. Over a half of these women attempted to have a vaginal birth with their second baby, the first being delivered through cesarean.

Age Related Facts

The scientists have concluded that the age of the mother was a very important factor involved in the success rate of a VBAC. The women with ages lower than 24 were more tempted to try a VBAC compared to women over 34. Also the success rate was increased for the women younger than 24.

Race Factor

The race of the women was also proven to be an important factor in the success rate of vaginal birth post cesarean. Apparently African-American and Asian women were more tempted to try VBAC for their second child compared to white women. However, the success rate was considerably lower for African –American moms –only 50% comparing to 66% for the second deliveries of white women.

Conclusions

The study had the purpose to establish if the low percent of VBAC attempts until now were influenced by something else than demographic background, race or age factors. Surprisingly, important differences appeared from hospital to hospital and from one maternal plan to the other, and these factors could not be explained.

Considering that a woman had a problem free C-section for her first delivery and she has a green light from her obstetrician she may attempt to try a VBAC for her second child. It is up to the doctors monitoring the pregnancy and the hospital personnel to evaluate whether or not the choice is safe for the mom and the baby.

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