Once a Caesar .. Always a Caesar?

 

	Procedures for a Caesarean Section
	Coping after a Caesar
	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?

• 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!