If you have experienced a cesarean delivery, you are not alone. If you desire to try a vaginal delivery after having had a cesarean, you should be encouraged by knowing that 90% of women who have undergone cesarean deliveries are candidates for VBAC- vaginal birth after cesarean. Statistically, the highest rate of VBAC involves women who have experienced both vaginal and cesarean births and given the choice, have decided to deliver vaginally.
In most published studies, 60-80%–roughly 3 to 4 out of 5–women who have previously undergone cesarean birth can successfully give birth vaginally. After reading the following information and discussing the possibility with your health care provider, you should be able to make an informed decision about the option of VBAC.
Vaginal birth after cesarean and the risk of uterine rupture
The greatest concern for women who have had a previous cesarean is the risk of uterine rupture during vaginal birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), if you had a previous cesarean with a low transverse incision, the risk of uterine rupture in a vaginal delivery is .2 to 1.5%, which is approximately 1 chance in 5001.
Some studies have documented increased rates of uterine rupture in women who undergo labor induction or augmentation. You should discuss the possible complications associated with induction with your health care provider. Recently, ACOG stated that VBAC is safer than a repeat cesarean, and VBAC with more than one previous cesarean does not pose an increased risk.2
If you were given the following reasons for a previous cesarean and are considering a repeat cesarean, you might consider discussing the following with your health care provider:
Dystocia: Dystocia refers to long and difficult labor due to slow cervical dilation, a small pelvis, or a big baby. Many women who are given this reason for previous cesareans deliver vaginally the next time around and tend to give birth to a larger baby than their first. ACOG states that the effects [or difficulties] of labor with a baby more than 8 ¾ lbs have not been substantiated.
There is not evidence that a large baby requires a cesarean. The pelvis and the baby’s head are not rigid structures and both mold and change shape to allow birth. During labor there are certain techniques that a woman can use to help open up the pelvis, thus allowing the birth of a large baby. For example, squatting increases the outlet of the pelvis by 10%.
Genital Herpes: For many years, because of the risk of passing herpes to the baby during delivery, women with a history of herpes almost always delivered by cesarean. Physicians would examine cultures in the last weeks of pregnancy and if they found an active virus, would schedule a cesarean. Today, ACOG has determined and recommended that unless there is a visible lesion at the time of birth, vaginal birth is acceptable.
Fetal Distress: If the life of the baby is at risk from fetal distress or other complication, there is little doubt that most mothers will consider a cesarean delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9% of cesarean deliveries in 1991 were due to fetal distress. Fetal heart rate monitoring to detect fetal distress can be a routine part of the VBAC procedure.
What criteria must I meet to be considered for vaginal birth after cesarean?
- No more than 2 low transverse cesarean deliveries.
- No additional uterine scars, anomalies or previous ruptures.
- Your health care provider should be prepared to monitor labor and perform or refer for a cesarean if necessary.
- Your birth location should have personnel available on weekends and evenings in case a cesarean is necessary.
What other criteria would make me a good candidate for a VBAC?
- If the original reason for cesarean delivery is not repeated with this pregnancy
- You have no major medical problems
- The baby is a normal size
- The baby is head-down
Comparing a Repeat Cesarean to a VBAC:
|
Repeat Cesarean |
VBAC |
| Usual risks of a surgical procedure | Less than 1% chance of uterine rupture. If the uterine rupture occurs you have risks of blood loss, hysterectomy, damage to bladder, infection, & blood clots |
| A hospital stay of approximately 4 days | A hospital stay of approximately 2 days |
| Development of an infection in the uterus, bladder, or skin incision | Risk of infection doubles if vaginal delivery is attempted but results in cesarean |
| Injury to the bladder, bowel, or adjacent organs | Possibility of tearing or episiotomy |
| Development of blood clots in the legs or pelvis after the operation | |
| On-going pain & discomfort around the incision | Temporary pain and discomfort around the vagina |
| Small chance that the baby will have respiratory problems3 | The baby’s lungs will clear as the baby passes through the birth canal |
| If you plan for many more children, take into account that the more surgeries a woman has had, the greater the risk of surgical complications. A fourth or fifth cesarean has more risk than the first or second. |
Want to Know More?
Compiled from the following sources:
ACOG Practice Bulletin, No. 5, July 1999
ACOG, Midwifery Today, Winter No 36, page 47.
Levine EM, Ghai V, Barton JJ, Strom CM. Mode of delivery and risk of respiratory diseases in newborns. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97(3):439-42.
International Cesarean Awareness Network, https://www.ican-online.org/
