I had my first baby via C-section due to baby's position. Now I am expecting my 2nd baby. This baby's position is normal and I want to have a vaginal delivery. How risky is that?

Answer:

Vaginal delivery after cesarean, or VBAC, as it is called, has been under a lot of scrutiny now.

The medical establishment favors the line of thought of “once a cesarean, always a cesarean.” Organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have made it hard for women to have VBACs because they've established certain regulations that many hospitals can't meet.

An example of this is that an anesthesiologist must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case the women needs to have an emergency c-section. Many smaller hospitals don't have anesthesiologists in the building around the clock.

Despite all these barriers and the misinformation some organizations distribute, it can be safe to have a VBAC.

Vertical incisions, once very common for c-sections, are now somewhat rare. These incisions were more prone to rupture during subsequent labor. A horizontal incision has a much lower chance of rupture.

If you'd like to have a VBAC the best choice would be to find a doctor or midwife who is very supportive of VBACs.

They'll be able to support and guide you through your labor. It's also important to avoid being induced. Labor induction drugs cause contractions that are much stronger than natural contractions and they increase the possibility of uterine rupture.

I highly recommend you read one (or more) of the many excellent books on VBACs – they're full of inspiring stories and strong research. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is also an excellent choice while you're planning your VBAC.

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