You may have heard the phrase, "once a cesarean, always a cesarean." But that's not necessarily true. Although some women who have delivered by cesarean can't give birth vaginally, many can.
If you gave birth via cesarean section in the past and would like to deliver your next baby vaginally, you may be eligible for a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC.
There are many myths surrounding VBAC. Here, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Houmam Al-Hakeem, MD, of Westover Hills Women’s Health in San Antonio, Texas, would like to separate the myths from the facts.
Fact: VBACs are safe for many women.
It's true that having a VBAC can increase the risk of uterine rupture, a condition in which a tear develops in the uterine wall. But uterine ruptures occur in fewer than 1% of women who attempt a VBAC.
To protect you from complications such as uterine rupture, we carefully evaluate your uterine health, delivery history, and overall health before recommending a VBAC. For healthy, low-risk women, VBAC can offer a safe delivery option.
Fact: You can always fall back on a cesarean.
If you'd like to try delivering by VBAC, you can do what's known as a TOLAC, or a trial of labor after cesarean delivery. If you succeed with your TOLAC, you can give birth vaginally. If not, you can choose to have a cesarean. Your health and your baby’s safety determine your delivery choices.
Fact: Depending on the situation, a VBAC may be safer than a cesarean.
Although VBAC does carry some potential risks, so does a cesarean. For example, cesareans can injure your bladder or bowels. And compared with a cesarean, VBAC may cause less blood loss, reduced risk of infection, and a faster recovery.
When deciding which option is best for you, we consider many factors, including the pros and cons of various delivery options.
Fact: VBACs are not recommended for some women.
Women with certain health histories or surgical histories are advised not to have a VBAC. For example, if you had an up-and-down cut in your belly during your previous cesarean, you may have an elevated risk of uterine rupture.
Side-to-side cuts tend to be the safest for VBAC, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Similarly, having a history of uterine surgery for other reasons besides childbirth may make a VBAC too risky for you.
Fact: Some women who have had more than one cesarean can have a VBAC.
Depending on the type of incision you had for your previous cesareans, a VBAC may be as safe as another cesarean section.
The type of delivery that is best for you depends on many factors. We make delivery recommendations based on your health, pregnancy, and preferences. Dr. Al-Hakeem and his colleague, Dr. Edward B. Blackmon Jr., have extensive experience with all delivery techniques, including VBAC.
Call us today or use our online tool to schedule an appointment at one of our two San Antonio, Texas, offices.
