VBACs and Cesareans

If you have had a cesarean birth in the past and would like to have a
vaginal birth, you still have an option. Many hospitals have followed what is
becoming a national trend, in deciding not to perform VBACs, or Vaginal
Birth After Cesarean. I strongly disagree with this, as hospitals and doctors
should not be making this decision for women. Most all women are able to
have a vaginal birth after a c-section, depending on the reason the
cesarean was performed in the first place. Many doctors are using uterine
rupture as a reason for not attempting a VBAC, but the research shows
that rupture occurs in only 0.4% of VBAC labors. I was thrilled to get an
email from an expectant mom who told me that Delta County Memorial
Hospital still allows VBACs, and she wanted to give it a try. I attended her
labor at the new hospital, and she gave birth to a perfect little girl, the way
it was meant to be.

In the last few years, it was well known in the birthing community that St.
Mary's had made the decision to follow this trend and banned VBAC's as
well. They have recently changed this policy, and are now leaving it up to
the individual care provider to decide if VBAC is appropriate. If you are
interested in having one, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Please visit www.vbac.com
for more information on VBACs.

What Every Pregnant Woman
Needs to Know About
Cesarean Section

Risks of Cesarean Birth

Cesarean Risks to
Mothers:

- 10% to 50% risk for
endomyometritis (infection of
lining of the uterus) as
opposed to 1-3% for vaginal
birth*

- Uterine hemorrhage

- Blood transfusions

- Injury to adjacent organs
including bladder, urinary tract,

- Adhesions from scar tissue

- Placenta previa, at least 2.6
times more likely compared to
0.3% with vaginal birth-risk
increases with each
subsequent cesarean delivery

- Placenta accreta, a 24-38%
risk compared to 4.5% without
a uterine scar - risk is
increased with each
subsequent cesarean delivery

- Complications from
anesthesia

- Thromboembolism
(complications from blood
clots)

Cesarean Risks to Babies:

- Premature births caused by
inappropriate timing of
scheduled cesareans
(iatrogenic)

- Respiratory distress
syndrome

- Transient tachipnea
(shortness of breath) often
requiring intensive care

- Accidental lacerations,
approximately 0.4%

- Complications of anesthesia.

*According to the US Food
and Drug Administration
(FDA), 70% of bacteria that
cause infections in hospitals
are resistant to at least one of
the drugs most commonly
used to treat infections.

Source: ACOG 2000
Evaluation of Cesarean
Delivery