Is Normal Delivery Possible After a C-Section? Understanding VBAC

If we look at some statistics of the past years, it is known that there has been a rapid increase in the cases of cesarean delivery in India. Especially in the big cities of India, there has been an increase in the cases of cesarean delivery.

If you want normal delivery after cesarean delivery, then you will be very happy to know that about 90 percent of women have the possibility of normal delivery even after cesarean delivery. The chances of normal delivery after cesarean are higher in those women who have had at least one normal delivery apart from cesarean, and they chose normal delivery after understanding the health factors. If we look at the studies, it is known that 60 to 80 percent of women have successfully given birth to a child through normal delivery even after cesarean delivery. You should choose the option of normal delivery after cesarean delivery only after getting complete information on this subject and talking to your doctor.

(Read more - Pros and cons of natural birth and C section)

According to the "American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists", the chances of normal delivery even after cesarean delivery increase in women who meet all the following criteria:

• The incision made in your uterus during cesarean should be horizontal and less deep instead of being T-shaped or vertical. If this incision is T-shaped or vertical, then the chances of uterine rupture increase. 
• Your pelvis should be large enough to bring the baby out safely at the time of birth. The doctor can estimate the size of your pelvis after doing some tests.
• You should not have undergone any surgery on the uterus before, such as myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids, etc. 
• Your uterus should not have ruptured before. 
• You should not have any medical or obstetric problems, such as placenta previa or large fibroids. These increase the risk of normal delivery.

(Read more - The Journey of Birth: How a Baby is Born)

The reasons that reduce the chances of normal delivery after cesarean delivery are:

• Your age is high.
• Your weight is high. 
• The baby's weight is high at birth (more than 4 kg). 
• The pregnancy period is more than 40 weeks.
• The gap between the first pregnancy and the next pregnancy is short (18 months or less).
• Talk to your doctor about the success of normal delivery after cesarean delivery and also get complete information about its benefits and risks.

(Read more - After delivery care for the mother)

By choosing normal delivery after cesarean delivery, you are protected from stomach surgery and other related risks.Due to excessive bleeding in cesarean delivery, blood transfusion may be required. In some rare cases, it can also lead to hysterectomy (surgical process of removing the uterus). Also, during this process, there is a risk of various infections and damage to organs.In C-section delivery, you have to stay in the hospital for a longer time than in normal delivery and it also takes more time for you to recover, due to which you have to face a lot of trouble.

If you are thinking of giving birth to more children in the future, then you should know that every cesarean delivery increases the risk of having umbilical cord problems like placenta previa and placenta accreta during pregnancy in the future. These umbilical cord problems cause more bleeding and these problems can also prove to be fatal for you.

(Read more - Benefits of Figs for Women)

Even if all your health conditions are in favor of normal delivery after cesarean delivery, you still have the possibility of many types of risks. During this time, there is a possibility of uterus rupture at the place of incision made in the previous cesarean delivery. But this happens very rarely, in less than 1 percent of cases. Uterine rupture can cause excessive bleeding and it can be difficult for the baby to get oxygen.

(Read more - Navigating Hormonal Imbalance in Women)

If you face difficulty in normal delivery, then it is possible that even after being in labor pain for hours, the baby may not come out and you may have to undergo cesarean delivery. This is called unplanned cesarean delivery.

In unplanned cesarean delivery, the risk of other problems related to surgery increases, and due to excessive bleeding, you also have the possibility of needing blood transfusion. In some rare cases, you may also have to face hysterectomy. This also increases the possibility of infection in the uterus and incision wound.

An unplanned cesarean delivery also puts the unborn baby at risk of long-term nerve damage or death. The chances of this happening are very low, but still the risks of an unplanned cesarean delivery are much higher than those of a normal delivery or a planned cesarean delivery.

(Read more - Most common health conditions in women)

Vibration after cesarean (VBAC) can be a safe option, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it is important to know which cut was made during the previous cesarean, as a transverse cut of the lower uterine segment is usually considered safe for VBAC. This option should not be considered without the advice and consent of the doctor. It is important to have regular medical checkups to understand any potential risks during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. Apart from this, proper nutrition, light exercise, and following stress-reducing techniques can help prepare the body. Selecting the right healthcare team and good preparation play a vital role in the success of a VBAC.