Pros and Cons of going VBAC

Ok I said a while ago i'll do this but keep putting it off. As I see my consultant for the first time next week, I thought I better have a look so I know what sort of questions to ask and what sort of response I can expect to get back. And as my little seems to be pretty sleepy right now what better time to start.

It may take me awhile to do as he's not actually asleep yet, he's doing his moaning before he actually falls asleep. To be honest I don't think it matters how long it takes me, you readers won't really know.

So lets start of with what VBAC stands for, If you are reading this you most likely already know, but's always nice to start of with what something stands for, rather then going straight into the  Pros and Cons.
So VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean.

So Pros of a VBAC

• Your labour is watched more carefully.
• You can still have all the usually pain relief (if wanted) (water birth may not be possible).
• Quicker recovery time compared to another section.
• Your baby is less likely to have breathing problems, compare to a baby born before 39 weeks via a section.
• Shorter stay in hospital providing everything goes well.
• Can give you a sense of achievement.
• If goes well more likely to be able to have another VBAC in the further.

Cons of a VBAC

• Pain from bruising and stitches in the area between vagina and back passage. (if you were to tear)
• Leaking wee while the area recovers.
• In the long term a vaginal birth can slightly increase the chances of a prolapse (other things can cause this, I will go over this at the end),
• Trying a VBAC can slightly increase the risk of  needing:
  A blood transfusion,
  Infection in your uterus,
  rupture of the uterus.

Despite the risks they are small. About 1 in 200 for a rupture.

What other risks should we be aware of when chosen a VBAC?
ALL labours are unpredictable, so there is always the chance of needing an assisted birth. Around one quarter of women who try for a VBAC go on to need another emergency C-section. The reasons for this are usually because the labour is slowing or there worries for the baby's wellbeing.
The risk of needing another emergency C-section is only slightly higher then that of a women who has not had one before. That being said the risks are slightly higher with needing another emergency C-section to one that is planned.

It's important you take the time to think about and explore your feeling of a VBAC. Talk to your doctor or midwife about it, and loved ones of course.

What are the chances of a successful  VBAC?
The chances of having your baby vaginally are likely to be good.
That will depend on though:

• Why you needed the section in the first place
• Whether you have ever had a vaginal birth
• How your pregnancy is going

If you had a section for reasons that won't change, for example a small pelvis you are more likely to need a planned section, but if you needed if for a breech baby or low lying placenta you have a good chance of being able to attempt a VBAC.

Your chance of a successful VBAC are:

•  Between 87% and 90% if you have had one or more babies vaginally before. particularly if it was a VBAC.
• Between 72% and 76%  if you have had one previous section.
• Between 70% and 75% if you have had two previous sections before.

VBAC success rates are lower if you:

• Have your labour induced, as this puts a strain on your scar, even more so if you are 40 weeks or more pregnant.
• Have only ever given birth by caesarean (this is where I am)
• Previously had a section due to baby becoming stuck during labour.
• Have a BMI of over 30 before becoming pregnant.

If all these apply to you your chances of a successful VBAC is reduced to 40%.
It may also be safer to have another section if you are having a big baby.


Ok so I mentioned earlier about one of the Cons of a VBAC is the slight increase in prolapse later in life. I said I would mention what those things were later.
The other factors that can cause prolapse later in life are:

• The type of birth you have, for example if forceps or ventouse were used .
• The number of babies you have had.
• whether your mum or sister had suffered from prolapse.
• whether you are over weight.
• whether you have had a big baby.
• whether you are often constipated.
• And the MOST important one NOT doing your pelvic floor exercises.

It's important to stretching them as the are weakened in pregnancy. It's important to do them not just during pregnancy but after as well. Do them every day. (rich coming from me as i keep forgetting to do them)

All the information I have put is from the baby centre website.

I hope if you have read this it has helped you decide what it is you want to go for.
For me it's made me want to go for another section. Mainly because I know this baby will be bigger then my first. I've not had a vaginal birth. This being my second baby i have only had an EMCS. My births will be a year apart.

I see my consultant next week, I am hoping that they will recommend another section. Knowing my luck i'd try for a VBAC and end up needing another section anyway.
Don't listen to my reasons for wanting another section, that's purely what i think.
At the end of the day the decision is yours, your doctor, midwife or consultant should guild you all the way.