Being a mom for the second time is something every mom could cherish equally as much as the first baby. There may be a lot of pros and cons in your first delivery, But that might not be the same for the second too. Many of us would have expected a vaginal delivery during the first pregnancy, but due to complications or some internal/external issues, you might have gone with the C-section.
So, the first and foremost doubt that every mom who is going to deliver their second baby could have is, will I have a vaginal delivery this time. Some questions like, whether vaginal delivery happens after a C-section, is a vaginal birth after a C-section is safe for a mother & baby, and a lot more. The answer to the above questions is that it is completely possible to have a Vaginal Birth After C-Section delivery (VBAC). The possibility seems to be about 60 – 70% on a positive note.
VBAC has become very common today. It worked for about 70 – 80% of the women who are in their second delivery. So, the first and foremost thing that a mom should know is that it is possible. Here are some of the ways that make your VBAC possible initially:
- If you had a c-section and your cut is vertical in direction, then the VBAC would not be possible. This is because, while the mommies try to push the baby, they would tear when excess pressure is applied.
- The time period for your first and second pregnancy should have a minimum difference of about 2 years. This is because your cut should be completely cured.
- When you are above 35 years of age, the VBAC would be a little complicated.
Benefits of VBAC:
There are a lot of benefits while going with vaginal birth rather than a c-section. Some of the advantages of going with vaginal birth are your healing time would be minimal, less blood loss, the pain only during that period, no cuts or marks in the body, and the list goes on! The risk of infection would be minimal, and the recovery time would be too less.
Here are some of the things that you should consider if you like to have a vaginal birth after a C-section delivery. Have a talk or consultation about this during the first trimester itself with the doctor. You will get a clear idea of whether it is possible or not. There may be a few restrictions or directions that the doctor may consider for the health of both the mother and the baby. Also, know that there are also times when the baby might be delivered through c-section even after trying VBAC. The reasons are as follows:
- Being obese would make your vaginal birth delivery a little harder.
- When the baby’s size is bigger, then vaginal delivery would not be possible.
- When your due date gets exceeded by 2 to 3 days, then the doctor would be forced to go with c-section delivery, considering the safety of the baby.
FAQ on Vaginal Birth After C-Section:
1. How can I increase my chances of being successful at VBAC?
You can make your vaginal birth after a C-section successful when you are physically & mentally active, have a good, supportive team of doctors in the hospital, and a good hospital takes care during emergency situations.
2. How do I prepare my body for a VBAC?
Walk regularly, keep yourself engaged and active, exercise, do yoga, and stretch the body, followed by a happy and healthy mind and body. Make sure to get checked with your doctor if you have any complications.
3. How much gap is required for VBAC?
A minimum of about 12 – 18 months time from your last c-section delivery. The time helps in healing and recovering your cut internally and externally at the same time.
