If you’ve undergone one or more cesarean sections, you might be concerned about how to give birth the next time. Most women who have undergone cesarean sections can have a vaginal birth. In a subsequent pregnancy, either a vaginal birth or a cesarean section is appropriate, with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Both are fairly low-risk choices for most women.

Vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) is giving birth vaginally to a baby after having a previous C-section delivery. VBAC is becoming an increasingly popular choice for women who want to avoid a repeat C-section. 

However, the decision to undergo VBAC is not always straightforward. It comes with its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and risks. 

In this blog, we will explore the different aspects of vaginal birth after cesarean section, its pros and cons, and what it takes for a successful VBAC delivery.

• The risk of uterine rupture during VBAC is less than 1% when proper care and monitoring are provided.
• Women with a single-layer uterine closure have a slightly higher risk of complications compared to those with double-layer closure.
• VBAC can potentially reduce the likelihood of neonatal respiratory issues compared to elective C-sections.
• Epidural anesthesia is still an option during VBAC and does not increase the risk of complications.
• Women who go into spontaneous labor have a higher success rate for VBAC compared to those who require labor induction.
• Continuous fetal monitoring during VBAC helps detect signs of uterine rupture or fetal distress early.

After a previous lower segment cesarean section, many women can successfully give birth vaginally during their subsequent pregnancies. The danger to your baby is very low, approximately 2 for every 1000 women attempting a VBAC comparable to the risk of having your first child.

If you decide to go for elective repeat cesarean section and are not facing any other problems, then you can have it after the 39th week of pregnancy. 

On account of the minimal risk of prior scar opening during labor, women experiencing a VBAC are examined closely when labor is initiated. It usually occurs when women have 5-minute-long contractions, and their cervix is around 4 cm dilated.

A drip is likely to be inserted in the back of the hand when they check into the hospital. It is advised that the heart rate of the unborn child be electronically tracked during the entire labor. The midwife and doctor use frequent abdominal palpations and vaginal examinations to evaluate the intensity of contractions. These are also used to locate the baby during labor. 

If labor takes a long time to finish, it might utilize Syntocinon. It is a hormone drip that is used to speed up contractions. Owing to the scarring from the prior cesarean section, this procedure is performed carefully. 

It is said to undergo an emergency cesarean section if the labor could not proceed or the baby exhibits symptoms of distress. 

More than half of all mothers who experienced a stillbirth knew that their baby’s motions had decreased or stopped. If your child’s frequency of mobility alters, it means he is not feeling well.

Regular movements are not confined to a particular number. However, become familiar with your baby’s particular movement pattern. Infants can move in a variety of ways, such as by kicking, fluttering, rolling, or swiping.

As the baby moves between, you will feel it. Regardless of where your placenta is located, your baby moves between the 16 and 24 of pregnancy. It is untrue that baby movement slows down as the pregnancy progresses.

You should keep monitoring the baby’s moves till the time of delivery and during it. If you are concerned about the baby’s movements, and try to have some food or drink to stimulate the baby’s movements, you are doing something wrong. Food or drink does not have any influence on the movement of the baby. 

If you feel any decrease or change in the baby’s movements, discuss it with your spouse or physician immediately. Their time is not being wasted by you.

Recent studies show that lying on your side to sleep from the 28th week of pregnancy lowers miscarriage risk as opposed to sleeping on the back. Lying on your back after 28 weeks of pregnancy puts pressure on major blood vessels. It in return restricts blood flow and oxygen flow to the uterus.  

You can also sleep on the right or left side, either side is best. Changing positions while you sleep is natural. The key is to always fall asleep on your side, both at night and during daytime naps. 

VBAC is a viable option for women who have had a C-section in the past and wish to experience vaginal childbirth. It comes with several advantages, such as faster recovery, reduced risk of infection, and more natural birthing. 

However, vaginal birth after cesarean section also carries its own set of risks, such as uterine rupture, which can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. 

Ultimately, the decision to undergo VBAC should be made after careful consideration of the risks and benefits in consultation with a healthcare provider. A successful VBAC delivery requires a supportive environment, an experienced healthcare provider, and a willingness to accept the possibility of unexpected complications. 

With the right preparation and care, VBAC can be a safe and satisfying option for women who want to avoid a repeat C-section.