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Once a Caesar ... Always a Caesar?
Approximately 25-30% of all caesarean births performed today are
done because the woman has had a previous baby via a caesar,
although most mothers who have had a caesarean birth are able to
deliver vaginally in subsequent pregnancies.
Many are nowadays encouraged to attempt a vaginal birth, provided of
course there are no risk factors present. While the convenience of a
caesarean may appeal to some women, most doctors feel that because
of the high risk involved it should only be done when there is a
specific medical reason for it.
Should you attempt vaginal delivery?
There are several reasons to consider a vaginal delivery after a
previous caesarean:
- Fewer risk factors -
A vaginal birth has fewer complications for the mother than a
caesarean delivery. Bringing your baby into the world via
caesarean section, requires major abdominal surgery. And as with
any operation there is always risk of infection, bleeding and
other anaesthesia related problems. With a vaginal birth, there is
no abdominal incision or the need for anaesthetic, so these risks
tend to be lower.
- Active involvement -
Many women wish to be actively involved in the birth process,
aswell as being awake when their baby is born. Unless you are able
to have an epidural anaesthetic, you will not experience the
'actual' birth. There may also be more limits on the presence of
others in the delivery room during a caesarean birth.
- Shorter recovery period -
Your stay in hospital will be shorter than that after a caesarean,
and your recovery time will be quicker. Women who deliver by
caesarean may have to limit their activity to allow for healing of
the incision - those who deliver vaginally can resume their normal
activities sooner.
Still, there are many women who may not wish to attempt vaginal
delivery because of personal reasons, such as a previous painful
labour. However, pain relief is offered during labour, so this
should not be your sole reason for not wanting to attempt a vaginal
delivery. With careful monitoring and proper medical support, most
women who attempt vaginal birth after a previous caesarean, do so
safely and satisfactorily.
When making your decision, you and your doctor will want to discuss
all the details of your individual situation. Of course if you do
not want to attempt vaginal delivery under any circumstances - you
have the right to make this choice!
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