If you have had a prior cesarean, you may assume that you have to have another, but if you have a healthy pregnancy and your past cesarean was a low vertical incision, VBAC is an option for you.
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. Many factors lead women to believe that a VBAC is not an option, but many times, this not the case. If you had a prior cesarean due to failure to progress, for example, that does not mean you cannot have a vaginal birth this time around. Studies show your odds are two out of three for having a successful vaginal birth. A suspected large baby is also not a reason for an automatic cesarean. Everyone thought my son might end up being a ten-pounder, but he weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and I had no issues pushing him out. Ultrasounds to determine the size of your baby are not as accurate as you’d think, and you can’t assume the size of your belly has anything to do with the size of the baby either. You never know for sure how big your baby will be until he or she is born, and you never know whether you’ll be able to have a vaginal birth unless you try.
Having more than one prior cesarean is also not a reason to exclude VBAC. Look at Michelle Duggar: she has had multiple VBACs and more than one cesarean. If anyone proves a VBAC is possible and safe; it’s her.
If you want to have a VBAC, you will have to be proactive about choosing a doctor that will support your choice. Many doctors will not do a VBAC because of the small risk for uterine rupture. The risk is less than one percent. If it does occur, the perinatal mortality rate is the same as that for a planned cesarean (about three in ten thousand).
Overall, your chances of having a vaginal birth are three out of four. To increase your odds:
- *Avoid induction
- *Refuse Pitocin to strengthen contractions
- *Avoid setting time limits on labor
- *Limit vaginal exams
- *Avoid artificially rupturing the membranes
- *Avoid internal fetal monitoring
- *Avoid using an epidural
These strategies are the same as those for avoiding a first time cesarean. It is also recommended by some that you visit a midwife rather than an obstetrician for your pregnancy and delivery, but I really think it depends on your doctor and his or her beliefs.