VBAC Benefits For Mom & Baby

Childbirth is as important as the pregnancy journey itself. In some cases, childbirth can be more challenging and overwhelming than the pregnancy itself. Every expecting mother wants to deliver her baby a certain way - vaginal, caesarean, natural, waterbirth, etc. For mothers who hoped for a vaginal delivery but underwent a C-section for various reasons, take heart— a vaginal delivery may be possible in their next pregnancy.

What is VBAC

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Caesarean Section. It refers to a normal vaginal delivery after a C-section delivery. So, if a woman has delivered her 1st baby through a C-section and the 2nd baby through a vaginal delivery, the 2nd delivery will be known as a VBAC or a trial of labour.

Not all doctors recommend a VBAC despite its advantages. If the woman plans on having more children, a VBAC may be suggested to reduce the risks associated with repeated surgeries.

Why Consider a VBAC?

Doctors once believed women who had a C-section could never deliver vaginally again. Today, many doctors support their patients in achieving a successful VBAC. Here are some reasons to consider VBAC –

Benefits tor the Mother

No Surgery – The biggest advantage is avoiding abdominal surgery. When a woman goes the VBAC route, she need not undergo an abdominal surgery or the painful recovery process that follows it.
Faster Recovery – Full recovery from childbirth can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on each woman’s experience. However, VBAC generally takes less recovery time when compared to a C-section. This means the hospital stay can also be shorter, allowing one to take their baby home and resume regular activities earlier than with C-sections.
Lesser Complication – A VBAC involves fewer complications when compared to a repeated C-section. The risk of infection and blood loss is significantly lower.
Psychological Benefits – Many women dream of a vaginal delivery and even work hard towards it. When they have a C-section, it can be very disappointing as they have no control over it. With a VBAC, such mothers can experience a vaginal delivery and also feel a sense of empowerment instead of the helplessness they felt before. Costs, too, decrease drastically in a VBAC, making it a more economical option than a C-section.
Less Expensive – Since there is no surgery involved, the delivery cost will be much lower. The need for procedures, operating theatre, medicines, and hospital rooms.

Benefits for the Baby

Stronger Immune System – When the baby passes through the birth canal, they are exposed to some beneficial bacteria. The exposure not only builds immunity but also establishes the gut microbiome, which, in turn, supports immune system development.
Improves Respiration – During the vaginal delivery, the baby’s chest is compressed when they pass through the birth canal. The compression helps clear amniotic fluid from the lungs and reduces the risk of developing respiratory issues as they grow up.
Better Bonding – The mother and baby can establish a skin-to-skin contact soon after the delivery. This promotes better bonding, which, in turn, can increase milk secretion.
Breastfeeding is Easier – As the mother recovers quickly after a VBAC, she can breastfeed without discomfort from the surgical scar or dressing, or difficulty sitting up.

Is VBAC Risky?

Like any medical procedure and childbirth, VBAC has its own set of risks. A successful VBAC offers many advantages to both the mother and the baby. However, a failed VBAC can lead to more complications.

Apart from the possible risks associated with a vaginal delivery, VBAC involves the following risks too –

Emergency C-section – If the VBAC does not go as planned, an emergency C-section will be necessary. This can happen if the labour does not progress as expected, the baby or mother is in distress, or other complications arise.
Uterine Rupture- In a few cases, the uterine scar from a previous C-section can open up due to the pressure of labour and contractions. Such ruptures will require immediate medical intervention, where the baby is delivered via C-section immediately, and the mother is taken care of to control the bleeding.
Others – The risk of postpartum bleeding, infections, injury to the bowel or bladder, and issues with the placenta for future pregnancies is higher.

Can all Women Opt for VABC?

VBAC is not a simple procedure and involves a few risks and complications. The eligibility of a woman to attempt VBAC depends on multiple factors, like her overall health, how long ago the cesarean was, how her surgery and recovery were the last time, the position and health of the baby, and the type of C-section incision. VBAC is not possible with a high vertical incision.

When deciding to try VBAC, it is important to discuss all details with the obstetrician. Apart from the expecting mother’s willingness and health, the doctor should also be ready to deliver the baby through a VBAC. Not all doctors are ready to take this chance and convert to a caesarean section if required. A well-experienced doctor, a hospital with all facilities under one roof, and an efficient team are essential for the success of a VBAC.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Gowri M for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Conclusion

VBAC is a good option for those who want to have more children after a caesarean section. The complications, expenses, hospital stay, and recovery time are all less in a VBAC when compared to a C-section. If you are keen on this type of delivery, discuss the pros and cons with your obstetrician to understand if it is a feasible option for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

VBAC refers to a vaginal delivery after a prior C-section delivery. When a woman wants to give birth vaginally after one or more C-section deliveries, it is referred to as a trial of labour or a vaginal birth after cesarean.

2. What are the main benefits of VBAC for the mother?

A VBAC avoids major surgery and has fewer complications, shorter recovery time, reduced hospital stays, and lower costs compared to a C-section. It benefits both mother and baby.

3. How does VBAC benefit the baby?

A VBAC facilitates a stronger immune system for the baby by exposing them to essential bacteria in the vaginal canal during the delivery; compression of the chest during the delivery helps clear the chest, resulting in better respiration; mother and baby can bond soon after the birth, and breastfeeding is easier since the mother does not struggle with the discomfort of a surgery.

4. Is recovery faster after VBAC compared to a repeat C-section?

Yes, in most cases, the recovery after a VBAC is faster than a C-Section. As VBAC does not involve a major abdominal surgery or scars to heal, the mother can be discharged from the hospital and be back to her routine earlier. In the event of complications during a VBAC, recovery time can vary.