Why is vbac dangerous

These problems can include bowel or bladder injury, hysterectomy , and problems with the placenta in future pregnancies. If you know that you want more children, this may figure into your decision. Some risks of a VBAC are infection, blood loss, and other complications.

One rare but serious risk with VBAC is that the cesarean scar on the uterus may rupture break open. Although a rupture of the uterus is rare, it is very serious and may harm both you and your fetus.

If you are at high risk of rupture of the uterus, VBAC should not be tried. After cesarean delivery, you will have a scar on your skin and a scar on your uterus. Some uterine scars are more likely than others to cause a rupture during VBAC. The type of scar depends on the type of cut in the uterus:. You cannot tell what kind of cut was made in the uterus by looking at the scar on the skin. Medical records from the previous delivery should include this information. It is a good idea to get your medical records of your prior cesarean delivery so your obstetrician-gynecologist ob-gyn or other health care professional can review them.

VBAC should take place in a hospital that can manage situations that threaten the life of the woman or her fetus. Some hospitals may not offer VBAC because hospital staff do not feel they can provide this type of emergency care. You and your ob-gyn or other health care professional should consider the resources available at the hospital you have chosen.

If you have chosen to try a VBAC, things can happen that alter the balance of risks and benefits. For example, you may need to have your labor induced started with drugs or other methods. This can reduce the chances of a successful vaginal delivery. Labor induction also may increase the chance of complications during labor. Hospitals have to offer hour obstetrician access and anesthesia coverage in the labor and delivery unit to be fully prepped for VBACs, so a lot of smaller hospitals may not be equipped for that, he explains.

C-sections are major abdominal surgery and come with a handful of risks —mostly for the mother. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

The most serious risk of a VBAC is uterine rupture, which can be just as bad as it sounds, but is also very rare. The baby is also put at risk in the case of a rupture, so your doctor may decide partway through labor to switch to C-section. The size of your previous baby can make a difference, too. There are also risks associated with repeat C-sections.

Amy is a freelance writer who covers health, fitness, outdoors, and travel. Wonder if you're a good candidate for VBAC? If the benefits of VBAC outweigh the risks? The answer might be up to you. Here's help weighing the pros and cons. Many women are candidates for vaginal birth after cesarean VBAC. In , the success rate for women in the U. Here's insight on how to make the decision. Compared with having another C-section, a vaginal delivery involves no surgery, none of the possible complications of surgery, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal daily activities.

VBAC might also be appealing if you want to experience vaginal childbirth. It's important to consider future pregnancies, too. If you're planning for more pregnancies, VBAC might help you avoid the risks of multiple cesarean deliveries, such as placental problems. While a successful VBAC is associated with fewer complications than an elective repeat C-section, a failed trial of labor after a C-section is associated with more complications, including a uterine rupture.

However, uterine rupture is life-threatening for you and your baby. During a uterine rupture, the cesarean scar on the uterus breaks open. An emergency C-section is needed to prevent life-threatening complications. Treatment might involve surgical removal of the uterus hysterectomy. If your uterus is removed, you won't be able to get pregnant again.

VBAC eligibility depends on many factors. For example:. If you choose VBAC , when you go into labor you'll follow a process similar to that used for any vaginal delivery. However, your health care provider will likely recommend continuous monitoring of your baby's heart rate and be prepared to do a repeat C-section if needed.

If you're considering VBAC , discuss the option, your concerns and your expectations with your health care provider early in pregnancy. Make sure he or she has your complete medical history, including records of your previous C-section and any other uterine procedures.