Vaginal Delivery May Still Be an Option After a Cesarean-Section
If you’ve had a C-section during a previous birth, you may be wondering if vaginal delivery is even an option with your next pregnancy. Good news: It often is possible. But first, you’ll need to follow certain tips for normal delivery after a C-section.
Is Natural Delivery After a C-Section Safe?
In recent years, medical restrictions on giving birth vaginally after a C-section have eased.
“AdventHealth is invested in supporting South Denver women who want to attempt a vaginal delivery for their next child,” says Dr. Jessica Veeh, MD, a Littleton obstetrician with AHMG OB/GYN at Littleton. "By giving pregnant women the facts and allowing them to decide what's best for their delivery, vaginal delivery is an option once again.”
It’s called a “trial of labor,” and it’s a “safe and suitable choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery,” according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Some hospitals and doctors do not accommodate trials of labor due in part to the need to have an obstetrician available at all times. At AHMG OB/GYN at Littleton, formerly CHPG Women’s Health, our obstetricians are always available so that you can choose vaginal birth safely.
Of course, your birth plan is ultimately a personal decision. We aim to give you information and support to make an informed choice that's right for you and your baby. Here are our top tips for normal delivery after a C-section:
Tip: Know if You’re a Candidate
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is to discuss it with your prenatal provider. But, in general, you may be a candidate for VBAC if you:
- Have had no more than one to two previous C-sections
- Had a prior successful vaginal delivery after a C-section
- Had a low transverse incision (the most common type of incision used for C-sections)
Tip: Understand That Natural Delivery After a C-Section Isn’t Guaranteed
It’s important to note that planning for a VBAC is not a guarantee that labor will proceed naturally. Nationwide, between 60 percent and 80 percent of women who attempt a VBAC will achieve a natural birth.
“Those odds don’t necessarily hold for each patient, though,” Dr. Veeh says. "Depending on your circumstances, your attempt at a VBAC may be more or less likely to be successful, and that may weigh into your decision to attempt it."
Tip: Know the Risks
There are advantages to having a normal delivery after a C-section. These include:
- Shortened recovery after birth
- Reduced risks that come with a C-section, which is a major surgery, such as heavy blood loss or infection
- Decreased risk of requiring a hysterectomy
That said, there are risks of attempting a VBAC.
“The greatest risk of a vaginal birth after a C-section is the higher risk of a rupture of the uterus, usually at the site of the scar from a previous C-section,” Dr. Veeh says. "This is a serious complication and a major reason home birth is not recommended for women who've already given birth by C-section."
But even the heightened risk of uterine rupture is still low, occurring in less than 1 in 100 women who undergo a VBAC. This risk can differ based on your prior obstetric history, so you should ask how these risks apply in your case. Our Littleton obstetricians will closely monitor you throughout your labor and delivery for signs of a uterine rupture.
Tip: Follow Your Instincts
Our Littleton OB/GYNs believe you should be able to decide which delivery method is best for you based on discussions with your pregnancy provider. Understanding the immediate and long-term risks and benefits to you and your baby is critical to decision-making. It would help if you felt involved in and in charge of your labor story.
And know that you can always change your mind. These discussions are best had in the months before delivery, as goals can change as the anticipated date nears. Making choices through decision-making leads to improved health and longevity and helps strengthen investment in your personal health journey.
Thanks to our deep pool of expertise, our obstetricians are ready to adapt if plans change and a C-section becomes necessary. Our goal is for you to be confident about your choice because, in the birthing room as elsewhere, a positive attitude can strengthen the health of your mind, body and spirit.
If you’re looking for more tips for natural delivery after a C-section, call our office at
Call720-922-6240 to schedule an appointment with one of our Littleton OBGYNs. We are accepting new patients and often have same-day OB/GYN appointments available.
