Vaginal Birth After C-Section in Boston, MA
Many women prefer to have a vaginal birth in comparison to a cesarean for a wide variety of reasons. A majority of those who have already delivered by C-section can still opt for a vaginal delivery with a later pregnancy, which is known as a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC.
About Women by Women offers comprehensive birthing consultations from our offices throughout the Greater Boston area in Wellesley (with one location on Washington Street and the other on Worcester Street), Waltham, Natick, Millis, and Walpole. Our OBGYNs at About Women by Women are all female and understand why women would prefer to have a vaginal birth. If you are currently expecting please contact our women’s health clinic at (781) 263-0033 and schedule your appointment today!
What Are the Advantages of a VBAC?
Some simply prefer to try for a vaginal delivery rather than scheduling a C-section, but there are several other attractive factors to consider about a VBAC, such as:
- Quicker recovery time.
- Lowered risk of complications during delivery.
- Better outlook for future pregnancies.
- Keeping the baby’s lungs clear as they pass through the birth canal.
- Being able to avoid potential blood clots in the legs or pelvis.
Who is a Candidate for a VBAC?
Approximately 90% of women who previously had a C-section are candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean. The necessary characteristics of such patients include women who:
- Are carrying a baby of average size who is facing with their head down.
- Have no serious medical problems.
- Have had 2 or less low transverse cesarean deliveries.
- Will have a medical professional available during the delivery to monitor their labor and be able to perform an emergency cesarean if necessary.
- Do not have uterine scars, previous uterine ruptures, or any other abnormalities of the uterus.
Who is Not a Candidate for a VBAC?
The other 10% of those who have undergone a cesarean delivery and are not ideal for a VBAC usually include women who:
- Have a history of 2 or more prior cesareans and no vaginal deliveries.
- Experienced a uterine rupture.
- Need to be induced.
- Are of a more mature age.
- Had a prior surgery involving the uterus such as fibroid removal.
- Gained an abnormally large amount of weight during their pregnancy.
- Recently gave birth (up to 18 months ago).
- Previously experienced preeclampsia.
- Have had a prior high vertical uterine incision.
Schedule a Birthing Consultation in the Greater Boston Area
Childbirth is not the same for everyone. Make sure that you speak with your OBGYN about the possibility of having a VBAC so that they can tell you more about your individual odds of success using that method of delivery. To schedule an appointment with an OBGYN at About Women By Women, please call today at (781) 263-0033.
