"My best friend is also pregnant and due a month before me. This is her second baby and she is having a VBAC this time round,
What is a VBAC & what does this mean?"
What is a VBAC
Women who’ve had caesarean births are usually physically able to try vaginal birth next time around. This is commonly called vaginal birth after caesarean or “VBAC”.
Up to 1 in 4 women in Australia has delivered a baby via caesarean section. In the past it was generally assumed that once a women had a caesarean section birth then all future babies would be delivered via the same mode caesarean section.
Thanks to medical advances in obstetrics many women have safely delivered their subsequent babies vaginally or by ‘VBAC’.
It is important to remember that every individuals’ preferences and risk factors will be different.
What is most important is the safety and well being
In planning this together we can ensure that
Things to consider about a future VBAC:
If you are considering a VBAC for your next pregnancy it is a great idea to discuss this with your treating doctor/ medical staff.
For my patients we can discuss this at our first visit and revisit this throughout the pregnancy and discuss the suitability.
The reason we do this as there are a few factors to consider about VBAC delivery;
Location of the previous uterine scar
Are their any current pregnancy complications
Reason for previous caesarean section
Time lapse since previous caesarean section ( higher risk of rupture if <2 years)
Type of previous uterine incisions ie low transverse, classical vertical or horizontal, inverted T – shape
Possible Benefits of VBAC
Shorter recovery and shorter hospital stay
Lessened abdominal pain after birth as opposed to caesarean section
A great chance of uncomplicated vaginal births in future pregnancies
Avoid the risks associated risks of major surgery
Faster mobility following the birth of your baby as opposed to caesarean section
Reasons why a VBAC is Not Suitable
In some instances a VBAC is note a suitable mode of delivery and a repeat caesarean delivery will be the safest choice for both you and your baby.
These reasons include:
3 or more previous caesarean section deliveries
Previous uterine rupture
Previous High ‘classical’ uterine incision
Baby is in Transverse position (lying across the uterus)
Previous gynaecological surgery such as Fibroid removal
Unfavourable cervix following induction of labour
Obesity (your body mass index is 30 or higher)
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Age (usually older than 35)
Your previous caesarean was within the last 2 years
The Baby is very measuring large and unable to pass through birth canal
A know medical condition which complicates labour
Placenta praevia (placenta lies across the cervix)
Unusual pelvic shape
Factors which affect the Success of a VBAC
There are a number of factors which suggest a successful VBAC , these include;
previous successful VBAC
Spontaneous onset of labour
Previous vaginal birth
A risk free uncomplicated pregnancy
There are also a few factors that ‘lessen’ the success of a vaginal birth, these include;
BMI greater than > 30
A complicated pregnancy
Never had a previous vaginal birth
Induction of labour
Slow progress in past labour
Induction of Labour and VBAC
If you don’t go into labour and are planning a VBAC for my patients we will discuss the options should this scenario arise on and individual basis. Whilst this still remains an option this may reduce the success rate of achieving a VBAC. Induced labour is less likely than spontaneous labour to result on VBAC due to unfavourable cervix and failure to progress or fetal distress ultimately resulting in caesarean section.
Risks associated with VBAC
Whilst uncommon nothing is without its risks and it is important to be fully informed of all possible outcomes associated with having a VBAC.
Uterine scar rupture (1 in every 200 attempts) this is uncommon but a serious complication
Higher change of emergency caesarean section during labour increasing the possible risk of bleeding & infection in comparison to a planned caesarean section
Take home message
When contemplating future pregnancy & birthing choices it is important to be fully informed and weigh up the pro and cons of all of your options and discuss this with you doctor.
It is also important to ensure that if you are contemplating VBAC that you have access to a hospital facility that is well equipped for emergency caesarean section.
