Understanding vaginal delivery after cesarean section

At Craig Ranch OB/GYN in McKinney, TX, women have access to a wide range of services in the medical realm of gynecology and obstetrics. Women who are experiencing a pregnancy following a deliver with a cesarean section, or “C-section,” may want to ask their doctor about the possibility of a vaginal birth. Now more than ever, women are having vaginal deliveries after C-sections. This is often known as “vaginal birth after cesarean, or “VBAC.”

Is VBAC right for you?

Many women desire to have a vaginal birth after experiencing a C-section with their previous deliveries. Some women who have had a C-section may be able to enjoy birth in a more natural manner during their following pregnancies. Approximately 70% of women have a successful VBAC, and can talk with their doctor to determine if it is a good choice for them.

What factors into the possibility of having a successful VBAC?

Your provider can evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for vaginal birth after cesarean. You may have a good chance of being a viable candidate if you:

• Have had a vaginal birth prior to the C-section delivery
• Have had only one C-section
• Have had a low transverse incision (“bikini cut”) during the prior C-section
• Have had healthy pregnancies
• Are in good health prior to and during the current pregnancy
• Experience labor on your own around the expected due date

Conditions such as high risk pregnancies, obesity, large size of the baby, and preeclampsia are all factors that may cause a women to be a poor candidate for VBAC. All of these concerns should be discussed with a medical provider to determine candidacy for a successful vaginal birth.

Discuss the possibility of vaginal birth after cesarean with Dr. Craig Ranch

McKinney, TX area women who are faced with the possibility of undergoing a vaginal birth after having previous children with cesarean sections are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Craig Ranch. His practice can help educate women on their options for delivery and decide if a VBAC is appropriate for their unique situation. Patients are welcome to call at (214) 544-6600 and schedule an appointment at 7900 Henneman Way, Ste. 100.