VBAC

VBAC
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(13 April 2012)
VBAC
What is VBAC?
VBAC means Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) where a woman decides to have a birth through the vagina after undergoing a previous caesarean section (Dickerson, 2010). Sometimes women opt to have a caesarian section to have a baby; consequently while having the second or next baby they opt for virginal birth. This practice leaves the mother confused as they fear the risks that may occur in case of any complications. Mothers should therefore be clearly informed of the choices they make to an informed consent or refusal. As Baxter & Davies, (2010) states “The place of birth is also a critical issue, and many practitioners may be concerned at the prospect of a woman with identified risk factors planning childbirth anywhere other than in a fully equipped unit.” VBAC is linked to Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). TOLAC is the choice of a woman to labor and go for vaginal delivery after previous pregnancies done by caesarian.
What are the risks versus benefits of doing VBAC versus C-section, after having a previous C-section? Long-term versus short-term?
Women prefer VBAC due to experiences during prior births, medical recommendations, social obligations and/or personal expectations. The major risk of VBAC that is debated is the unsuccessful trial of labor that demands an emergency caesarian section (Baxter & Davies, 2010). This ill in turn contribute to hysterectomy and expose the patients to other risk associated with surgery. Such risks include injury to uterus, bladder or other adjacent organs, anesthesia complications, subsequent fertility issues, and thrombosis of pelvis (Dickerson, 2010).
VBAC also exposes the woman to uterine rapture that causes hemorrhage and blood loss; in addition it may cause perinatal death, a failed Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and a possible epis...