In the US, women often choose c sections even when there is no medical indication for the procedure. Often this is done after a previous c section for convenience, personal preference or pressure from a doctor who is opposed to vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization have expressed concern about the high c section rate and set goals for lowering this rate. This is due to the increased risk of surgery for both the mother and the baby. Figures from WHO show that worldwide, about 18 percent of all c sections are done for the preference of the mother, rather than any medical need for the procedure.
Recent research has offered more information about the negative consequences of choosing the surgery route for birth. Women are at greater risk for infection, hemorrhage, complications from anesthesia, not to mention a risk of dying in child birth that is between two and four times greater than with a vaginal birth.
Medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology have finally begun to get on board and are now recommending the medical model change from routine repeat c sections to VBAC unless surgery is clearly indicated.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in Canada looked at the increasing c section statistics and reasons for the high numbers. One factor is fear of pain or failure during a VBAC.
Another major factor was the encouragement of doctors for women to elect a c section. This is often caused by fear of litigation and convenience. Other reasons include a feeling that the woman is likely to need another c section, so rather than let her try they go right to the surgery.
If you have had a previous c section and want to try for a VBAC, you need to be prepared. Choose a doctor who is supportive and believes in VBAC births. Read books and take a natural child birth class to get prepared and learn as much about VBAC as possible. Consider hiring a doula to support you during labor. Women with a doula are less likely to have a c section.
Related Articles:
Writing a Birth Plan for VBAC Delivery
Choosing a Health Care Provider for VBAC
Going Past the Due Date wtih a VBAC