Vagınal Bırth After Cesarean VBAC

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is an increasingly popular option for ensuring a safe delivery for the baby. While not suitable for every expectant mother, VBAC poses no risk for those deemed eligible.

What is Vaginal Birth After Cesarean?

VBAC occurs when a woman who has previously given birth via cesarean section chooses to have her next child through vaginal delivery. Vaginal birth is commonly referred to as natural birth. The incisions made during a cesarean delivery do not heal as quickly as natural tissue.

Couples who wish to have more children may opt for VBAC for this reason. However, not every expectant mother is eligible. Once proper health evaluations are conducted, VBAC poses no risk. Prior to the procedure, thorough medical assessments must be performed for both the mother and baby.

Benefits of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

VBAC offers numerous benefits, including:

• Avoidance of another surgical procedure.
• Faster recovery time.
• Quicker return to daily life compared to other birth methods.
• Lower risk of infection.
• Reduced blood loss.

Furthermore, couples who wish to have multiple children are protected from the risks associated with repeated cesarean sections.

Generally, a woman can undergo three to four cesarean deliveries. However, repeated cesarean sections can present significant health risks. As the number of cesareans increases, complications such as excessive bleeding, injuries to adjacent organs (such as the bladder and intestines), and even the need for a hysterectomy become more likely. VBAC helps to mitigate these risks.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

VBAC refers to the process where a woman who has previously given birth via cesarean section opts for vaginal delivery in a subsequent pregnancy. This method has gained popularity among women who wish to experience traditional childbirth.

Advantages of VBAC

1. Natural Birth Experience

VBAC allows a woman to experience the natural birthing process. Unlike cesarean delivery, which limits the mother's ability to feel the childbirth process fully, VBAC provides a complete experience of labor and delivery.

2. Faster Recovery Period

Compared to cesarean delivery, vaginal birth typically allows for a quicker recovery. While recovery after a cesarean can take longer, VBAC enables mothers to resume their normal activities much sooner.

3. Lower Risk of Complications

Studies show that VBAC carries fewer risks than repeated cesarean deliveries. The chances of uterine rupture and other complications associated with surgical births are lower.

Factors Affecting VBAC Success

Several factors can influence the success of VBAC, including:

• Maternal age over 40, which significantly reduces success rates.
• Failure of labor to begin by the 41st week (post-term pregnancy), which decreases the likelihood of a successful VBAC.
• No prior history of vaginal delivery.
• Body mass index (BMI) over 30, which can negatively impact success.

A previous cesarean due to stalled labor or an unsuitable birth canal also decreases the likelihood of a successful VBAC.

When is VBAC Not Recommended?

• When the mother has health conditions that make vaginal birth unsafe.
• If the cesarean incision was made in a vertical pattern on the uterus.
• For mothers with diabetes or hypertension, VBAC is not advised.

Additionally, if the birth canal is naturally narrow or has congenital abnormalities, VBAC is strongly discouraged.