VBAC: A Discussion Guide for Husband and Doctor

Many women consider a VBAC after having a cesarean delivery with their previous pregnancy. A VBAC is a 'vaginal birth after cesarean,' and depending upon the reason why there was a cesarean birth in the first place, chances are likely there can be a VBAC with the next baby. It is perfectly normal for a woman to want to deliver her children by natural methods. Most women do not have problems with a vaginal delivery; so if the doctor feels there won't be a problem, chances are he/she will agree to at least try a VBAC. If you are wanting to try a VBAC, but are unsure of the safety of it; do some research, and educate yourself with all the facts before discussing this with you husband and your doctor.

Before discussing your thoughts on having a VBAC with your doctor or anyone else, discuss it with your husband. He will be concerned about your safety, and that of the baby's. Let him know your feelings about the matter, and why you want to have a VBAC. It would also be a good time to let him know that he would be playing a more active role in the birth of the baby. He can also be there with you when you communicate with your doctor your desire to have a VBAC. Let your husband know that it would be okay for him to go with you to discuss the VBAC with your doctor. It would be a good time for him to learn as well.

Be open in your communication with your doctor, and encourage your husband to be so as well. Before talking with your doctor; you and your husband write down all the questions that the both of you have, so everything is covered, and you both feel that trying a VBAC is what you both agree on.

Based on the medical records of your previous pregnancy, the doctor will let you know if having a VBAC is even an option available to you. He will take into consideration; if you have only one side-to-side scar from a previous cesarean, or if you have already had one previous vaginal delivery, or if there is no medical reason for you to have a cesarean with this pregnancy.

One very important thing the doctor will look at before deciding that it would be safe for you to try a VBAC, and that is if there is a hospital available that can give you and the baby close monitoring, and if they are able to perform an emergency cesarean, should it become necessary.

Many doctors today are in favor of a woman having a VBAC as long as there are no obvious complications. There is a much lower risk of infection in women who give birth vaginally, and recuperation and recovery takes a lot less time.

During the course of your pregnancy the doctor will continually check you and the baby to make sure it is okay to continue with plans for your VBAC.

The doctor will want to make sure that he is available and close at hand when you go into labor, and are in the hospital. Women who attempt to have a VBAC after attempting labor but have to have a cesarean anyway, have a higher risk of infection; so he/she will want to be prepared.

Many women are able to have a VBAC today thanks to modern technology. It is certainly worth trying as long as health allows it.

Resources:

http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/vaginal-virth-after-cesarean-vbac-overview