In the US alone, 1 in 3 births end up in c sections. A 2017 study concluded that up to 26% of healthy women with low risk pregnancies, full term and headfirst positioned babies, end up with c-sections. With these statistics, it’s not hard to believe that maybe it’s just to make it easier for the doctors than the mother. I can vouch for women and say that most doctors won’t even give you the option. There is so little information and informed consent on VBACs. Most doctors expect you to just go with the “once a c-section, always a c-section” myth. Well a VBAC is an option!
If you’re reading this, I applaud you for getting out there and doing the research for yourself. I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be giving medical advice in this post. I am just sharing some facts and personal experience in hopes that it helps another mother be informed. To make a more confident decision for herself. To choose what her birth should look like after having a c section. Here are 3 reasons a VBAC is better than a c-section.
Reason 1
The first reason is that there’s potential of a better recovery experience. Not to say that vaginal births can’t be painful. Tears do happen but deciding between a vaginal tear and major abdominal surgery, most would choose the option with less stitches. During a c-section, doctors cut through 5 layers before even touching the uterus. So do with that what you will.
The recovery process of a c-section is no joke. It’s also more difficult when you have other children to tend to aside from your newborn. Not all moms shave the luxury of having their partners or family available to help all day during the recovery period. Physical healing is only one aspect though, there’s also hormonal regulation to deal with, emotional bonding, rest, nutrition. All that can be difficult enough but doing so while recovering from a surgery. Especially if it’s not a necessary surgery, doesn’t make much sense.
Reason 2
Another reason is that there are less complication risks with a VBAC over a repeat c-section. As mentioned, c-sections are major abdominal surgery and like any other surgery there are risks involved. The main one being a chance of infection at the incision site which will inevitably only make the recovery period longer, more painful, and more stressful. Not to say that vaginal risks don’t count but statistically, risks with repeat c-sections are higher. As well as complications. Whenever additional medical intervention happens there are always risks not just for mom, but baby too.
Reason 3
Lastly, having multiple c-sections heightens your risk for uterine rupture. This is a scare tactic doctors use to urge mothers to repeat c-sections over VBACs in the first place. This way they’re able to control the outcome. Although, I won’t deny that the risk of uterine rupture in a VBAC is there, it’s less than 1%. With every incision made on your uterus, you weaken it and create harder and thicker scar tissue. This may make it harder to conceive in the future. You may even be told by doctors to limit the number of children you have to avoid further complications.
All in all, this isn’t to demonize c-sections. I’m a c-section mom myself and I’ve been through BOTH types of births and recoveries. I can say that my VBAC experience was a much better one. Now, not all c-sections can lead to VBAC. Sometimes, what’s safest for mom and baby IS a repeat c-section. MAJORITY of the time though this is not the case. This is just to remind mothers that they have a choice. They can research and bring up facts. That just because their current doctor won’t do a VBAC for them doesn’t mean another doctor won’t. If you have the resources to do so, I encourage you to look into your options. Advocate for yourself and the birth experience you want. It’s worth the try, I promise.