Can I give birth naturally after C-section?

If you've had at least one prior C-section, you may want to know if you can have a successful future birth by vaginal delivery. The answer is yes, you likely can. Studies have shown that vaginal birth after cesarean delivery has a success rate of 60% to 80%.

How long after C-section can you have a natural birth?

You will need to wait at least 6 months but your doctor or midwife may advise you to wait for 12–18 months. The longer you leave your scar to heal, the stronger it will be. It's particularly important to make sure your scar has completely healed if you want to try for a vaginal birth next time.

Why can't I have a natural birth after C-section?

There is a very high risk that your scar could rupture (burst open or tear) when you try to have a vaginal birth, which could cause great harm to you and your baby. You'll need to have a C-section again.

How can I increase my chances of normal delivery after C-section?

How can I avoid a second C-section?

Ask for recommendations on turning a breech baby, and actively attempt these if necessary. Avoid induction if possible. Arrange for continuous labor support from a professional, like a midwife or doula. (Studies show that women with continuous labor support are 26% less likely to have a cesarean).

Vaginal Births After C-section

How fertile are you after C-section?

The study is in JAMA Network Open. Of the women who delivered by C-section, 68.9 percent conceived, compared with 76.7 percent of women who delivered vaginally. C-section was also associated with a lower rate of subsequent birth — 42.8 percent, compared with 50.1 percent for vaginal delivery.

Is second C-section more painful?

Answering the question of whether the second cesarean section is more painful, the answer is: Usually no more pain depending on the condition of the old incision with little or no adhesion, and the surgical technique, and pain relief of the doctors.

Is pregnancy After C-section high risk?

Having a C-section increases the risk of complications in a later pregnancy and in other surgeries. The more C-sections, the higher the risks of placenta previa and a condition in which the placenta becomes attached to the wall of the uterus (placenta accreta).

How long until C-section is fully healed?

We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section. “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they're recovering,” said Dr. Son.

How many C-section can a woman have?

However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”

Is VBAC worth the risk?

There's also lower risk of blood loss and other complications. If you want to have more pregnancies, having a V.B.A.C. is better for your future deliveries because it reduces the risk that the placenta will implant on your cesarean scar (a form of placenta accreta) in future pregnancies.

How can I increase my chances of VBAC?

Is VBAC safer than repeat cesarean?

Recently, ACOG stated that VBAC is safer than a repeat cesarean, and VBAC with more than one previous cesarean does not pose an increased risk.

Can your C-section scar open during pregnancy?

Uterine rupture is usually when the scar from your previous caesarean section tears open. Though it's uncommon, you should be aware of this risk, particularly if you're thinking about giving birth vaginally next time. It's possible for your scar to gape slightly while you're pregnant (scar dehiscence).

Can you be induced for a VBAC?

When labor does not start on its own and delivery needs to happen soon, contractions can be started (induced) with medicine. Some doctors avoid inducing labor when a woman is trying vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). But others are okay with the careful use of certain medicines to start labor.

Will I have to have another C-section with my second baby?

One rule of thumb, DeAngelis said, is if a woman who previously had a cesarean should spontaneously go into labor with her second baby, chances of having a vaginal delivery increase. If she goes beyond her due date though and her body isn't showing any signs that it is ready for labor, a cesarean may be recommended.

How long is bed rest after C-section?

“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”

How many stitches are in a C-section?

At the beginning of a caesarean section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.

What should I avoid after C-section?

Why do C-sections cause problems for future pregnancies?

After a cesarean surgery, it is normal for scar tissue to develop. However, sometimes internal scarring from a C-section can cause obstructions and inflammation in the abdomen and reproductive organs that, in turn, can prevent future pregnancies.

Do they cut the same scar for a second C-section?

Ideally, your doctor will cut through the same scar so that you don't have multiple scars on your abdomen and uterus. Sometimes scar tissue can be difficult to cut through but your doctor should be able to cut through it.

What hurts more C-section or natural birth?

Even though labor and vaginal birth can be hard work, they are generally easier on a woman's body than a cesarean. Recovery after vaginal birth is usually shorter and less painful than after a C-section, and allows the woman to spend more time with her baby.

What is the record for most C-sections?

Kristina House (USA) has given birth to 11 children (six girls and five boys) all by Caesarean section between 15 May 1979 and 20 November 1998.

What happens if you don't wait 6 weeks after C-section?

Rushing into things too quickly and even sex four weeks after a C-section can lead to complications such as infection. Six weeks is the average amount of time it takes the uterus to return to its normal size, cervix to close, and C-section incision to heal.

Why do hospitals ban VBAC?

One common reason for banning VBACs is that hospitals fear they don't have the right facilities in the case of uterine rupture—a rare but dangerous risk that becomes more likely with multiple previous cesareans.