Can I have a normal delivery after a C-section?
Reader asks: "My child was born via c-section. I would like to know if there is a possibility to have a normal delivery for my second child, and up to how many times can one give birth via c-section safely."
The answer is yes, after one c section, you can try normal vaginal delivery after that for your second pregnancy. This is commonly called VBAC, stands for vaginal birth after c section. The overall success rate is about 60 to 70% as reported in many studies worldwide. Do remember that one third still fail and requires an emergency c- section.
A couple of reasons and assessments are needed during your pregnancy and you need to discuss these with your obstetrician carefully. Some of the considerations that we would have to take into account on assessing whether you are suitable to go through this procedure, are things like your medical conditions during your second pregnancy, the size of the baby, the placenta location as well as how well you recover after your c-section whether there is any infection or any other infections. All these are taken into account to see if we can allow you to go through it safely.
There is however occasional complications that may be encountered if you like to try VBAC. One of the most dreaded complications is actually called uterine rupture. In other words, the wound may actually disrupt along the whole c-section scar. When that happens, it carries grave consequences to the foetus as well as the mother. So this is one risk that you may need to be fully aware of and do discuss with your obstetrician very carefully with your decision before you proceed.
Answered by Dr Beh Suan Tiong
Dr Beh Suan Tiong is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Thomson Medical Centre. He is also accredited by the Members of Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (M.R.C.O.G) in the United Kingdom.
Watch Dr Beh's answer to this and other C-section questions
