Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section in McKinney, TX

It is advised that women wait at least 18 months to attempt VBAC. Doing so can decrease the chances of uterine rupture.

Many women who have previously had a C-section express interest in VBAC. This interest may be prompted by very personal reasons, which can differ from one woman to another. You may want to know what it's like to go through a vaginal delivery if you had planned on this before but didn't get to experience it. 

Having a C-section can be difficult emotionally, too. VBAC could provide the opportunity to not only have the experience of a vaginal birth but also to regain the knowledge that the body can work as nature intended. Aside from the emotional reasons women choose to have VBAC, there are clinical advantages, as well.

The VBAC comes with its own risks and benefits. The vaginal delivery does not incur any surgical risks, and it has a shorter recovery period. You may be able to go home from the hospital days sooner than you would after another C-section. 

Generally, there is less of a risk of excessive blood loss after vaginal birth, and the risk of placental problems is lower after VBAC and subsequent C-sections. This birth process is also good for the baby, helping to clear their lungs as they pass through the birth canal.

Your doctor will consider several factors when planning your birth with you. VBAC may be appropriate if there are no significant risk factors that could make the process unsafe. 

Reasons your doctor may advise against VBAC include:

• Your uterus has ruptured previously.
• You have scars on your uterus.
• You have active genital herpes.
• You have placenta previa.
• The baby is breech.
• Your uterine incision from a previous C-section is positioned in a way that is likely to break open under stress.

During your consultation for prenatal care, as you engage in a discussion with your doctor about your birth plan, you can ask all of the questions you have. Based on your health, medical history, and other factors, your doctor may deem it safer to plan another cesarean section.

Vaginal birth after C-section carries a small risk of uterine rupture at the C-section incision, depending on where the incision was made. A woman who has had a previous C-section with a high vertical incision, which is made down the length of the uterus, may not be eligible for VBAC because this type of incision is more likely to rupture.

VBAC is considered safe for a woman who has had a C-section with a low transverse incision, which is made across the side of the uterus. The majority of C-section deliveries use this type of incision.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers VBAC not only acceptable for women who have had a previous cesarean birth but also the safest option for delivery. This stance applies to women who have had one or two cesarean sections before attempting VBAC and who also meet additional criteria for a safe, successful vaginal delivery.

VBAC may not be the best method of delivery if the baby is particularly large or more than one baby is being carried. VBAC has a higher success rate if labor occurs naturally, before or on the due date. However, if the pregnancy goes past the due date, the success rate begins to drop. Other factors that should be considered before VBAC may include:

• Number of previous C-sections
• Prior uterine rupture
• Other pregnancy-related problems

A patient who opts for VBAC needs to remain flexible when it is time for labor and delivery. In most cases, the vaginal birth will proceed as planned, but there are situations that can arise during labor that might increase the risk of complications in a vaginal delivery for the patient or baby. If that occurs, the patient should be prepared to follow the advice of her medical team on how to proceed with delivery.

One of the benefits of VBAC delivery is that the recovery from this experience is shorter and easier than cesarean birth. Most patients can go home within a few days, if not the day after their delivery, depending on the particulars of their birth event (episiotomy or complications). The overall recovery from VBAC is very similar to that of a primary vaginal delivery. Patients are much more capable of resuming light activity within days of their child’s birth.

Choosing a VBAC can positively influence future pregnancies by reducing the risks associated with multiple cesarean sections. Women who have several C-sections are more likely to experience complications like placenta previa, placenta accreta, or uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies. 

A successful VBAC avoids additional uterine scarring, which can improve outcomes for both mother and baby in the long term. However, it’s important to have open discussions with your doctor about your family planning goals and how VBAC might fit into those plans.

Midwives and doulas play an important role in supporting women during VBAC. Certified nurse midwives can oversee VBAC deliveries in low-risk situations, offering a more personalized and holistic approach to childbirth. Doulas, while not medical professionals, provide emotional and physical support throughout labor, helping women manage pain, stay focused, and feel empowered during the process. 

Both can work alongside obstetricians to ensure you have the resources and encouragement needed for a positive VBAC experience.

Women attempting VBAC have access to the same pain management options as those delivering vaginally for the first time. These include:

• Epidurals: A common choice for significant pain relief during labor.
• Nitrous Oxide: A safe, mild sedative that helps manage pain and anxiety.
• IV Medications: Short-term relief during early labor.
• Non-Medical Options: Breathing techniques, hydrotherapy (laboring in water), massage, and movement can help reduce discomfort naturally.

Your care team will work with you to develop a pain management plan that aligns with your preferences and medical needs. It’s important to keep in mind that pain management during VBAC remains flexible and can adapt as labor progresses.