Do You Deliver VBACs at the Austin Area Birthing Center?
You may already know that birth centers are a suitable and safe option for low-risk natural births. But if you’re a mother who has had their first baby via a C-section, you’re probably wondering if you can ever give birth at the birth center.
Good news, a natural birth after a C-section is possible as long as certain criteria are met. This is known as a VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean.
What is a VBAC?
VBAC is an option for mothers who have had one previous C-section and want to deliver naturally for their subsequent pregnancies. Contrary to popular belief, one C-section does not necessarily limit your option to deliver naturally, and VBAC is possible for a lot of mothers.
Do you deliver VBACs?
We can deliver some VBACs at the birth center. Our midwife will take a brief history and then evaluate whether or not you qualify for a VBAC at the birth center. For your safety, we only take VBACs that can be delivered safely in a holistic setup without the need for medical or surgical intervention.
Is VBAC safer than repeat cesarean?
A successful VBAC has numerous benefits compared to a repeat C-section. These include:
- Shorter recovery period
- No spinal anesthesia-associated risks
- No post-surgical risk of infection
- Lesser blood loss
In addition to this, it helps to avoid the risks associated with multiple C-sections including bladder injury, bowel injury, etc.
What are the risks in VBAC?
While a successful VBAC is beneficial for mothers relative to a repeat C-section, a failed VBAC has some potential risks. Some mothers may be at risk of uterine rupture during the trial of labor. This is when the scar from your previous C-section opens up, causing a uterine tear. While the condition is rare and only affects 1% of mothers attempting a VBAC, it is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency surgery, which usually involves removing the uterus.
How will I know if I qualify for a VBAC?
To ensure the success of a VBAC, the mother must qualify for it.
Some prerequisites to qualify for a VBAC include:
- No preexisting conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- No twins or higher multiple pregnancies
- No history of previously failed VBAC
- Only one prior C-section
- A low transverse incision with your previous C-section
- An OR report from your C-section
The OR report helps us get better information regarding your last procedure, if there were any complications etc. Send us a message to learn more about options for you!