Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section-VBAC

Pregnancy and giving birth has by far been the most beautiful emotion and experience I have had. It is beautiful not just for mothers but for fathers too. It is one of the most unique and a special bond that exists along with an unending love for the unborn. For a woman to create, nurture and give birth to another little life is nothing less than an extraordinary emotion.

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When I look back at the time when I first saw those two pink lines and found that I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with emotions and intense feeling of love and affection for my unborn baby. Everything changed for me and my husband at that very instant. I became a mother and my husband had become a father, a small life is at the earliest stage of creation and it was written in stone.  From the baby’s personality to DNA everything was decided and we were just watching our bundle of joy growing inside the womb. As much as it is beautiful it does have tough moments and decisions to take care of. From painful physical changes, morning sickness and aches here and there, it indeed seems like a tough ride. Well, no one said that it’s going to be a walk in the park and no one said it would be simple too. However, the fact remains constant that it is still the most beautiful phase.

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Recently when we found out that we are going to be second time lucky I was taken back into the time when I had to undergo emergency cesarean due to sudden medical conditions. It’s been 5 years since I delivered my first child via c-section and I still remember the experience very clearly. The post-operation trauma and pain were endless. Recovery seemed slower than the speed of a tortoise. With every sneeze and cough, I could feel the pain. I almost knew that I wouldn’t go for a cesarean if I ever deliver the second time. I had heard so many stories and seen so many women who after normal delivery were able to get up and do everything humanly possible.

I always had a misconception that once a cesarean is always a cesarean only. However, this was a myth that recently got busted when I was discussing my queries and curiosities with my gynecologist who also happens to hold strong opinions about VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). With the advancement of medical science and care, Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) is possible for many women, but there are various factors to help the doctors understand if its right for a particular woman. Many women can try for a Trial of Labour after Cesarean as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

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Considering the fact that we are yet again preparing to welcome a new life, I and my husband wanted to be prepared completely and have full knowledge of what to expect the second time around. This is how we began our research and found some interesting information supporting Vaginal birth after C-section. From reading various books, referring internet to speaking with friends who had experienced VBAC. We have been doing all. In fact, recently I happened to speak to one of my friend who had delivered in one of the best hospitals in Delhi and had a wonderful and flawless experience with VBAC. With the help of maternity program at Sitaram Bhartia, my friend was empowered to take the correct and safe decision for pregnancy and delivery. I almost was at peace when I heard about her experience and things she had considered before opting for the same. Here is the list of things to consider before going for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC).

Things to consider before going for VBAC

• You have no major medical conditions
• The size of the baby is normal and not too large for the birth canal
• The baby is head down and ready to go through the passage smoothly
• The previous delivery scar, uterine incision, and its position
• The total number of previous cesarean deliveries shouldn’t be more than two
• A good maternity hospital with 24 hr. operation theater so that if required in case of emergency doctors can consider operating.

Until I had read up on the web and discussed with friends of mine I thought Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section (VBAC) can be risky and can prove fatal for the mom and the baby if proper care is not taken. However, due to lack of knowledge and information I wasn’t aware of the benefits of VBAC and that it’s a safe option to go for. Here are few facts related to VBAC that helps women take an informed decision.

Lesser known facts related to VBAC

• VBAC is much better for the mum and the baby- It’s known that mothers who opt for VBAC have comparatively lesser post-partum pain and the recovery is much faster. They usually get back to normalcy immediately and find much ease in breastfeeding and simultaneously taking care of the elder child. As the baby passes through the birth canal he picks up good bacteria’s that reduces the chances of the baby developing allergies, obesity, and diabetes in later life.
• Many women can try VBAC- Many women can go for a Trial of Labour after Cesarean as per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The only condition to keep in mind is that she should not have had more than 2 previous C-sections and shouldn’t have any persisting medical complications.
• Safe- Most of the times pregnant women and their families don’t readily accept the concept of VABC due to lack of knowledge or half knowledge. The fear of previous uterine scar getting ruptured is one of the major reasons families don’t opt for VBAC. However, as per the experts at Sitaram Bhartia, most women easily deliver vaginally and do not face any uterine rupture. Only 1 % of women face the problem of uterine rupture and can be easily managed with the immediate cesarean operation. It is safe when attempted in a facility that has a 24-hour operating theatre next to the labor room so that in case of an emergency, a cesarean may be done if required.

Also, read- Common pregnancy challenges and solutions 

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Gone are the days when couples were not informed about the safe choices and options available. Today with the help of helpful maternity programs organized by leading hospitals like Sitaram Bhartia couples and especially to be mothers are empowered to make safe decisions and make healthy choices for herself and for to be born baby. These maternity programs not just guide on taking the right decision but they also help in making the pregnancy journey worth remembering, preparing you through the stages of labor and delivery, preparing for the arrival of newborn and post-partum care for quick recovery.

Last but not least I have realized after my first pregnancy experience is that it’s all about how much are you prepared. After constant research about VBAC, I strongly feel that being well informed about the overall process and what to expect is very important. Be as informed as you can, try to get all your queries answered by your doctor. With the support of your birthing expert, you can plan and have an empowering VBAC.

Do share with us your pregnancy experience and let us know tips that you kept in mind before preparing for the labor and delivery.

Happy motherhood!

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