Considering VBAC? Here's What You Need to Know

Many women are told they cannot have a vaginal birth after having a C-section, but that's not always true. Vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) may be a birthing option for some women who want to avoid another surgery and allow labor to progress naturally.

At Essential Women’s Health Associates in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, our primary goal is to help you have a safe labor and delivery, and support women who may be in a position to deliver vaginally even if they've already had a C-section.

Keep reading to learn more about how board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Samantha Schoenhaus can help pregnant women explore their birthing choices.

Is it possible to have a vaginal birth after a C-section?

In a word, yes. Many women are discouraged from having a vaginal birth after a cesarean, but the truth is that surgery can be hard on your body and emotionally draining. In some cases, a C-section is the only option for the health and safety of the mother and baby.

However, with more personalized care, Dr. Schoenhaus can help women who want to deliver vaginally develop a personalized birth plan to help them achieve the birth they envision – with safety as the top priority.

How do I know if I am a candidate for VBAC?

Dr. Schoenhaus will discuss your birth plans with you, take your medical history, and may perform a physical exam to help determine if you're a good candidate to try for a VBAC.

In general, you may be considered a good candidate for VBAC if surgery complications outweigh the risks of vaginal birth.

For many women, a VBAC may be possible if they:

Are under 40
Are not obese
Do not have a high vertical uterine incision from a previous C-section
Do not have a history of uterine fibroids or uterine rupture

What are the benefits of VBAC?

New mothers heal faster from a vaginal birth than from a cesarean, allowing them to be up on their feet to care for their infants sooner. There are also no visible abdominal surgical scars if you deliver through the vaginal canal.

For those who have a successful VBAC, it may be a good indicator that you can continue to have vaginal births if you expand your family.

Are there risks to having a vaginal birth after a C-section?

It's important to know that VBAC carries some risks, even if they do outweigh the risk of surgery. These include blood loss, infection, a uterine rupture, or a rupture of your previous cesarean scar.

We can schedule a C- section or emergency C-section if:

Your baby's heart rate indicates signs of distress or has a medical condition that makes vaginal birth risky
You experience a uterine tear or excessive blood loss during labor
Your labor is stalled
Your cervix does not dilate properly
Your baby is in the breech position
The umbilical cord poses a risk to your baby during a vaginal birth
Your OB/GYN discovers a fibroid blocking the birth canal
You have a sexually transmitted infection that puts your baby at risk
Any other health issues make a vaginal birth riskier than surgery

Learn more about VBAC in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

It may be safe for women to have a vaginal birth after a cesarean section. If you were hoping to deliver your baby vaginally but are concerned that you'll be discouraged by your OB/GYN, the team at Essential Women’s Health Associates in Las Vegan and Henderson, NV can tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your birth plan.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Samantha Schoenhaus to learn more.