Vaginal borth after multiple c sections

For years, it was believed that the safest choice after giving birth via cesarean was another cesarean delivery. But now, guidelines have changed. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action for you and your baby. Here are the risks and benefits of VBAC.

At one time, doctors believed that once a woman had a C-section, she would have to have one for all subsequent pregnancies — mainly out of concern that the scar on the uterus could rupture during vaginal childbirth. That thinking has changed, and vaginal delivery is now considered a safe option for many women who have had a past C-section. Because C-sections also carry risks and downsides — such as blood loss or infection from the procedure, and a longer hospital stay and recovery time — many women may prefer a try at labor. Still, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology ACOG does not currently recommend vaginal delivery for women who have had three or more C-sections, as their risk of uterine rupture has generally been thought to be higher. In the new study, however, researchers found that women with at least three prior C-sections showed no increased risk of uterine rupture during vaginal delivery.

Vaginal birth after one caesarean section CS is considered safe in selected women. However, women with more than one CS in low-income settings are at higher risk of complications with vaginal birth. Thus, abdominal delivery is recommended for women with more than one CS in low-income countries unlike in high-income countries. This study was designed to raise awareness on the remote possibility of safe vaginal delivery after three CS in low-income countries.

Wonder if you're a good candidate for VBAC? If the benefits of VBAC outweigh the risks? The answer might be up to you. Here's help weighing the pros and cons.