Vaginal Birth After Cesarean in Anchorage, AK

Many women prefer to have a vaginal birth in comparison to a cesarean for a wide variety of reasons. A majority of those who have already delivered by C-section can still opt for a vaginal delivery with a later pregnancy, which is known as vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC.

At Women’s Care of Alaska, we provide comprehensive care for expecting women in Anchorage, AK. Our board-certified obstetrician will take the time to answer any questions you may have about your upcoming delivery including any questions you may have about vaginal birth. For more information, contact our women’s health clinic in Anchorage, AK at (907) 279-2273 and schedule an appointment today!

What Are the Advantages of a VBAC?

Some simply prefer to try for a vaginal delivery rather than scheduling a C-section, but there are several other attractive factors to consider about a VBAC, such as:

• Quicker recovery time.
• Lowered risk of complications during delivery.
• Better outlook for future pregnancies.
• Keeping the baby’s lungs clear as they pass through the birth canal.
• Being able to avoid potential blood clots in the legs or pelvis.

Who is a Candidate for a VBAC?

Approximately 90% of women who previously had a C-section are candidates for a vaginal birth after a cesarean. The necessary characteristics of such patients include women who:

• Are carrying a baby of average size who is facing with their head down.
• Have no serious medical problems.
• Have had 2 or fewer low transverse cesarean deliveries.
• Will have a medical professional available during the delivery to monitor their labor and be able to perform an emergency cesarean if necessary.
• Do not have uterine scars, previous uterine ruptures, or any other abnormalities of the uterus.

Who is Not a Candidate for a VBAC?

The other 10% of those who have undergone a cesarean delivery and are not ideal for a VBAC usually include women who:

• Have a history of 2 or more prior cesareans and no vaginal deliveries.
• Experienced a uterine rupture.
• Need to be induced.
• Are of a more mature age.
• Had a prior surgery involving the uterus such as fibroid removal.
• Gained an abnormally large amount of weight during their pregnancy.
• Recently gave birth (up to 18 months ago).
• Previously experienced preeclampsia.
• Have had a prior high vertical uterine incision.

Utilize Your Resources

Childbirth is not the same for everyone. Make sure that you speak with your OBGYN specialist about the possibility of having a VBAC so that they can tell you more about your individual odds of success using that method of delivery.