Are VBACs Offered at Austin Area Birthing Center?
VBAC or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean is when a mother attempts to give birth vaginally after having delivered via a C-section previously.
Having a VBAC can be daunting, since it has an increased risk of complications. But it is empowering for a mother to take control of their birthing choices despite what their previous pregnancy entailed. If you’re interested in Austin Area Birth Center and wondering if you can go for VBAC, here’s everything you need to know.
Why VBAC?
VBAC is an option here if you’ve had only one previous C-section. It allows mothers the opportunity to prevent another C-section and have normal labor. A VBAC has the following advantages over a Cesarean section:
- Shorter recovery period
- Reduced risk of infection
- Reduced risk of complications due to spinal anesthesia given during C-section
- Increased chance of having a normal delivery in subsequent pregnancies.
If you want to try VBAC, your healthcare provider will assess to check if you’re eligible for a Trial of Labor After C-section (TOLAC).
Does AABC offer VBACs?
Yes, we do offer VBACs for mothers who have had a previous C-section. However, to ensure safety, we have criteria mothers must meet to be eligible for VBAC.
Eligibility for a VBAC at Austin ABC depends on the following:
- There is history of only one previous C-section
- The type of surgery: Whether it was a classical or lower section cesarean. The latter poses a lower risk of uterine rupture.
- How the incision was closed
- There has been a minimum of 18 months between the C-section and the due date of the next child.
Both mother and baby are closely monitored throughout pregnancy and labor to ensure no complications. We counsel mothers regarding the risks and how we may need to transfer them to a hospital if the need arises.
What disqualifies you from having a VBAC?
Any condition that would be considered high-risk for vaginal delivery disqualifies you from a VBAC. These include pre-existing comorbidities and gestational conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Twin or triplet pregnancy
- Fetal compromise such as IUGR or hypoxia
Pregnant women with the above-mentioned conditions are usually advised to deliver in a hospital setting.
What are my options if I don’t qualify?
If you don’t qualify for a VBAC, you’ll likely have to deliver via a repeat C-section in a hospital setting. The birth center does not perform C-sections.
However, you can still come to the birth center for well-person care and postpartum care (once your OB/GYN clears you).
If you have any other questions regarding VBAC, it’s best to come in for a consult so we can assess you and provide personalized recommendations accordingly. Give us a call if you have any questions!