Ultimate Guide on VBAC | Philippines Mommy Family Blog

After battling with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) for two years, I was blessed with a baby boy in 2022 and gave birth to him via emergency C-section in December of the same year.

Though my husband and I would love to have another bundle of joy, it’s not in our immediate plans yet. When the time comes, I’m sure that my delivery options would be one of the most important topics that we will discuss. All along, I thought that delivering via C-section once would make it the only option for my succeeding pregnancies.

Surprisingly, I found out that I can consider Vaginal Birth after C-section (VBAC). Let me share with you what I learned about it and let’s go through the qualifications to check if we’re eligible!

Vaginal Birth after Caesarian Section (VBAC) refers to giving birth through the vagina after previously delivering a baby by undergoing a surgery through the abdomen and uterus. This is considered a “safer” option since it does not involve an operation.

It enables moms to avoid possible complications brought about by surgery like heavy bleeding and infection. Hence, recovery takes place at a faster rate, which means a shorter stay at the hospital too. This is a great choice especially if moms intend to have many children in the future.

Also, multiple caesarian deliveries increases risks for bowel and bladder injury as well as abnormal placental conditions.

While VBAC offers a lot of benefits, it could also be risky. In rare cases (less than 1%), C-section scar on the uterus could rupture due to pressure of labor which could be life-threatening. In this case, treatment might include hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Once a woman undergoes this procedure, she would no longer be capable to get pregnant again.

Though VBAC could be a good option, it is important to note that it is not automatically the most appropriate method for moms like me who has undergone C-section before. Here are some factors moms need to study and discuss with their doctors:

Moms are not advised to undergo VBAC if the C-section was done in the last 19 months. The closer the expected VBAC date to the previous C-section makes the possibility of uterine rupture higher.

As for me, the date of my delivery with my firstborn is already more than 19 months. This ticks the first item on my checklist for VBAC.

The rule is that more C-sections done, the least likely VBAC will be offered. This is so because the scar from past operations can tear open while in labor and placental problem could also take place.

Since I only had one C-section, this means a check mark for me for this category.

Age plays a crucial role in the success rate of VBAC. A study conducted in 2007 revealed that women aged 35 and below had fewer complications when they had VBAC.

Currently, I am 30 years old. Thus, it only implies that if I would go for this delivery option, I only have five more years left to be qualified.

VBAC is not recommended for moms who had preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), placental problems, obesity, had other uterine surgery such as fibroid removal or had a prior C-section due to labor not progressing.

Fortunately, I was generally well during my previous pregnancy and did not incur any conditions stated above. Still, I’ll have to check with my OB-Gyne for the reason behind my C-section.

Low transverse incision or cut on the lower, thinner part of the uterus that extends from side-to-side qualifies one to be a candidate for VBAC, and the high vertical or classical incision or cut from between navel to one’s pubic line weakens one’s chances for VBAC due to high risk of uterine rupture.

Based on how my scar looks like, it seems like the latter was done to me. I’ll still have to verify this with my OB-Gyne since I learned that the scar does not necessarily reflect the kind of uterine incision performed.

If an expecting mom is to give birth to a large baby, is expecting multiples, or is already past her due date, VBAC is not preferable. In this case, she would need to comply with all the necessary prenatal check ups to keep her updated about the baby’s status.

If a mom wants to attempt VBAC so she could try home birth, unfortunately, this is not possible. The place where the baby should be delivered must have the equipment and trained personnel to handle an emergency operation. For VBAC, a hospital is still the right place to go.

In conclusion, when deciding on the delivery method for our pregnancy following a C-section, it is best to gather all the information that we can get about each option. We should feel free to discuss our expectations and concerns with our OB-Gyne at the onset of our prenatal period. Essentially, let us leave some room for flexibility should circumstances of our labor be unfavorable on our choice. At the end of the day, what matters the most is our and our baby’s safety.

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