Question 1

what is a vbac?

Accepted Answer

VBAC: Vaginal birth after c-section. There are pros & cons with vbacs that are addressed in other healthtap topics.

Question 2

can i have a vbac if i'm rh-?

Accepted Answer

Of course: Rh status has nothing to do with the choice of VBAC delivery. It has everything to do with the type of uterine incision you had initially, the number of C-section deliveries you’ve had so far, and the OB ‘s opinion of your degree of risk for uterine rupture if you do decide to have a VBAC ... 
Best advice is to discuss with a Maternal-Fetal OB specialist about your risks before any decisions made

Question 3

what are complications of vbac?

Accepted Answer

Uterine Rupture: The most common complications are a failed vbac & need for vaginal bypass (c-section). The most serious are uterine dehiscence (separation of the uterine scar) or rupture. This can lead to catastrophic results with hemorrhage, emergency surgery, hysterectomy, and fetal loss. Major point - please vbac in a hospital where your OB can keep you safe and have access to immediate surgery if needed.

Question 4

what are risks of having a vbac?

Accepted Answer

Uterine Rupture: The most worrisome risk of a VBAC is rupture of the uterine scar.  If you have a low-transverse uterine scar, the risk of this is low, around 1% (1 in 100).  However if it happens to you, it can be very dangerous for your baby.  Another risk is problems in labor that lead to a c/section anyway.  This happens to 20%-40% of VBACs.   Infections are higher in women who had a c/section after labor.

Question 5

how can you have a successful vbac?

Accepted Answer

Lot of variables : To have a higher likelihood of a vbac, you should have a cervix that's dilated, better if you are already in labor. If you had a previous csection for failure to progress in labor, you are less likely to deliver vaginally then someone who had a cs for breech presentation.

Question 6

what is the incidence of having a vbac?

Accepted Answer

Falling: Vbac is harder and harder to come by as more and more physicians stop offering this service.  Vbac should be an option in the appropriate setting and with appropriate patient selection.  A good candidate for vbac is a patient with one (or sometimes 2) prior low transverse csections performed for a condition not likely to repeat in a subsequent pregnancy.

Question 7

what can you tell me about vbac and rcs?

Accepted Answer

VBAC vs RCS: A VBAC is a possible way to avoid another c/section.  It isn't always successful and carries a small risk of catastrophic uterine rupture.  VBACs are less successful in women who haven't had a prior vaginal birth, especially if the c/section was done for "failure to progress," or "arrest of dilation".   A repeat c/section is a way to avoid the risks uterine rupture and unsuccessful labor.

Question 8

can you tell me about having vbac success?

Accepted Answer

VBAC non starter: VBAC, or vaginal birth after C/section, can be successful if the right patient is very closely monitored in labor to diagnose an avoid cataclysmic rupture of the uterus. However, due to medico-legal issues or time constraints, many MD's are justifiably unwilling to take on that particular challenge in practice. If you find a MD to consider that procedure you must be willing to accept the risks.

Question 9

is it true you can be induced with a vbac?

Accepted Answer

Physiologically,yes: Physiologically, oxytocin Rx can induce labor in pregnant patients who are near term in their pregnancies. However, VBAC is very controversial as to whether a OB MD should do so due to the chance of catastrophic uterine rupture from a previous C/section scar. Many OB MD's will not induce a patient under those conditions.

Question 10

how do i go about asking about having a vbac?

Accepted Answer

Just ask : Just ask your doctor if you are a candidate for a vbac. If you are a candidate ask about the risks and benefits of a vbac vs a repeat c section.

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