Cesarean Birth & VBAC

On occasion due to difficult labor or other complications, it becomes necessary to deliver the baby by cesarean, which is birth of the baby from the uterus through an abdominal incision.

Two types of cesarean incisions are used: low transverse, which involves a horizontal incision into the uterus and classical, which involves a vertical incision in the uterus. The low transverse procedure is most frequently performed because it reduces the risk of hemorrhaging or uterine rupture during subsequent pregnancies. However, certain conditions such as the size of the baby or the presence of other complications in pregnancy, might indicate the use of a verticla incision, which allows for a larger opening.

Some of the most common reasons for performing a cesarean birth include:

Abnormalities in the mother’s birth canal
Abnormalities in the position and size of the baby
Abnormalities in the forces of the labor
Baby is in distress
The presence of certain maternal health conditions
Placental position or premature separation of the placenta

Cesarean birth offers an alternative route for delivering the baby. However, there is potential for increased risk of complications in a cesarean birth.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
In the past, once you had a cesarean birth, you could expect to deliver any subsequent children by cesarean as well. However, today vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) is also an option for some women.

Some of the conditions that might prevent consideration of the VBAC include:

Having had a classical or t-shaped incision in the uterus
Multiple birth
Health complications
Inability to receive emergency care should a cesarean section become necessary after attempting the vaginal birth

If you have previously had a cesarean birth, but would like to try a vaginal birth, you should discuss this option with your doctor. It is also strongly recommended you take prepared childbirth classes, especially those dealing with pain control.

Watching Baby Grow
Complications of Pregnancy
Labor & Delivery
Pain Relief Medications & Anesthetics
Cesarean Birth & VBAC