Vaginal birth after caesarean, here’s what you need to know

A peaceful vaginal birth with no screaming and tears is how most mothers-to-be envision their perfect birthing story. However, those who’ve given birth even once know this is far from true. Just like every newborn, every birth is different.

For mothers who’ve had a c-section, the most common question is whether they will be able to attempt a vaginal delivery after a caesarean during their previous pregnancy. Throughout evolution and culture, a vaginal birth has been given a righteous status. However, mothers should understand that every birth is unique, every situation is unique and you need to choose what’s right for you and your baby growing inside you.

Is VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) risky?

Recently, scientists from the University of Alberta, along with researchers from various other institutions, decided to explore the question and its probable answers. It was found that attempted vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is associated with higher rates of adverse effects or death for mothers and infants.

Although absolute rates were low in mothers who attempted this type of birth. “The absolute rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are low with both attempted VBAC and elective repeat caesarean delivery,” said researcher Carmen Young. “Both are reasonable options for women in general; however, attempted VBAC continues to be associated with higher relative rates of severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared with an elective repeat caesarean delivery.”

For women who have had a single previous caesarean section, the best mode of delivery in a later pregnancy is controversial, as there are risks and benefits to attempting a VBAC or having an elective repeat caesarean section.

Attempted VBAC is associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture, haemorrhage and other maternal and infant complications. Repeat caesarean sections are associated with an increased risk of surgical complications and placental complications in subsequent pregnancies. It is also difficult to predict which patients will have a successful VBAC.

According to Dr Anjali Talwalkar, obstetrics and gynaecology , Kohinoor Hospital, VBAC can be unsafe as there maybe medical indications that called for a c-section during the first delivery itself. “There are recurrent indications and non recurrent indications for example if the mother does not have any space in her pelvis, which is called cephalopelvic disproportion,” she says adding, “There is another indication under which there might have been some emergency due to the baby’s health that calls for a caesarean delivery , in such cases we can still consider a normal second delivery.” But she concludes that there are too many risks involved in a vaginal delivery as compared to c-section.

At a time when a woman’s right to give birth the way she wishes to and the increasing number of c-sections are in debate, it is important for new mothers to be aware of all the aspects of the birth they wish to have.

(With inputs from ANI)

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