Possible problems with VBAC

Many risks for VBAC are similar for women who are having a baby for the first time.

If problems do occur they might include the following;

  1. C-section may be needed during labor
    1. If you need a Cesarean during labor there is a higher chance of problems than with a planned Cesarean birth. These problems can include infection, bleeding, blood transfusion, or in rare cases removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
    2. Ask your doctor or midwife about any of these problems if you need more information. Note extra questions to ask at your next visit. 
  1. Stitches (sutures) may be needed
    1. When the baby is born the lower part of the vaginal opening can tear.  This depends on the type of birth, the position for birth and methods used by the doctor or midwife.
    2. Sometimes a cut is made in the lower part of the vaginal opening to assist with the birth. This is called an episiotomy.
    3. If a tear needs stitches or a cut is made, a shot will be used to numb the area. If an epidural is already working this shot is not given.
    4. In rare cases the tear or cut could extend beyond the vagina and need more extensive repair.
    5. Stitches will be sore at first and ice-packs or mild pain killers can help. The stitches will dissolve as the area heals. It can take a few weeks to heal.
  1. Bleeding
    1. Bleeding can occur during any labor or birth. This bleeding (also called hemorrhage) can be severe and in extreme cases a blood transfusion may be needed. You may wish to discuss this with your doctor or midwife if you need more information about blood transfusion.
  1. Instrumental birth
    1. In some cases labor does not progress normally and the doctor may need to help the baby out with forceps or a vacuum cup.
    2. Complications can occur with a forceps or vacuum birth – if you would like to know more about this, your doctor or midwife can provide information.
  1. Hysterectomy
    1. The chances of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) during planned VBAC are low and about the same as your chances of hysterectomy during a planned Cesarean. This is a complication that can happen with any birth.
  1. Separation or tear of the scar from previous C-section
    1. Having a previous Cesarean leaves a scar on your uterus. Tearing or separation of the scar can occur before labor (this is extremely rare) or during labor (this is rare). The tear can occur in part of the scar or all of the scar.
    2. Labor is watched closely so that the nurses, doctor, or midwife can quickly notice the warning signs of the scar separating.
    3. This can occur with little warning, and it can seriously affect the baby and mother if it occurs. This is why the continuous electronic fetal monitoring is used during labor.
    4. In most cases the doctor can act quickly before serious harm occurs to mom or baby.

 

Previous
Next