Vaginal delivery after a C-Section

[Sara113]

Is it possible to have a vaginal delivery after you've already had a C-section? I had a C-setion almost 8 yrs ago and my next pregnancy I would like to try vaginal. Possible?

[Mamide4]

I have 3 daughters, my first was a csection, my second was VBAC and then my third was a csec. We are a military family and therefore move around quite a bit and because of that I had different OBGYN's for all. My 1st baby was overdue and had cord wrapped around her neck and that's why we had to do the csec. My 2nd was a breeze no problems and my third I felt I could have also delivered vaginally but my doctor was not comfortable with it and so I had to settle for a csec. It really does depend on your what your doctor feels is safer for you and your baby. I do have 2 seperate incisions very very close to one another but that was my choice, my dr said they could have gone right over the old one. My kids are very close in age 6, 4, and 2 . My last doctor told me there was no reason why I wouldn't be able to have a fourth child. I'm undecided on wether or not to have a fourth but it's nice to know I have the option.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Your doctor may have wanted to do a C-section to try and keep the baby from getting the rash.  The contact to contact that happens while having a vaginal delivery can spread pretty much anything.  I am a Strep B carrier.  So when I have my babies, they always have to give me antibiotics while I'm in labor.  They want 2 bags in me prior to delivery if possible.  By doing this, it keeps the baby from getting this Strep B from the contact to contact.  They swab you for this when you're like 34-36 weeks I believe.  I know it's really close to the end.  Anyway, I just wanted to give you an example...

[Sara113]

Thanks for the info

[Sara113]

I had a rare pregnancy rash called pups. I know kind of funny but it is a rash (like poison ivy) that covered my entire body eccept for hands and face from 5 months to delivery. I was 18 when I had my daughter and I didnt know too much, come to find out I did not need a C- section. Anyway, I had a C-section.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

That's not necessarily true...I think  it depends on the doctor.  I had a friend who had a c-section and with her second tried to do a VBAC...they induced her...but after 20 hours without labor progressing they did another c-section..So it's not that NO doctor will induce after a c-section...it depends on the individual doctor and the womans history.

It used to be that they wouldn't do it especially if it was an up and down incision rather than hip to hip.  But since they don't usually use the up and down incision anymore VBAC's are becoming more common.  Now if you've had 2 or more c-sections most doctors will insist on another becuase of the weakening from incisions.  

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I had a c-section with my first and I've gone on to have THREE subsequent VBAC'S with no complications.  It's entirely possible....

[melimeli]

I just went to the dr yesterday and asked about this... she said they will not induce after a c secion because the uterus could rupture... so only if you go naturally... I have had to be induced with both of mine early due to gestational diabetes... so it looks like I get another c section :(

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I don't know a whole lot about this as I have had 5 vaginal deliveries but I know there are some risks and like mamaofonetrying42 said, some doctors won't do this.  From what I have heard, the risk comes from the fact that you have been cut open before and that for some reason the risk of placenta abruption (sp??) is more likely to happen.  That can be dangerous.  Why did you have to have a C-section the first time???  Some doctors will do a VBAC but I would talk to your doctor about it and see what he/she says.

[mamaofonetrying42]

Yes, i think its called a VBAC. I would really try to talk to your ob about this. Some doc dont let you do one. Good Luck!

[shandi83]

as long as there are no problems with your baby or you, in other words, a healthy pregnancy without complications then yes you can have a vaginal delivery.