[Submitted Question]

Can I give birth vaginally after a c section?

[WombToBloom]

The vast majority of women can deliver vaginally after a cesarean section. The incision in a cesarean is done along the lower uterine segment and the chances of that area tearing during labor is very low. Even so, doctors should be on standby whenever you are delivering a vaginal birth after a cesarean in case the uterus ruptures—again, a rare occurrence. They used to have a situation where you couldn’t deliver vaginally after cesarean because doctors made the incision vertically along the uterus, which was easily torn during labor.

That kind of cesarean section probably hasn’t been done in more than twenty years. Sometimes doctors have a limit on the number of cesareans you can have before it is too risky to have a vaginal birth. That number could be three or four or more, depending on the doctor. The more times you have had a cesarean section, the thinner and more fragile is the lower uterine segment and the more likely you are to tear during the vaginal birth. In such a situation, the doctor will always recommend that you have a cesarean section at all times.

[Knoxville Doula]

Absolutely you can give it a try!! The chance of a uterine rupturing during a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) is actually smaller than the risk of uterine rupture with some types of induction methods. Remember that if there is time to do an "emergency" C-section, there will also be time to do a C-section should it be warranted with an attempted VBAC. I strongly recommend any woman who has had a C-section visit the site International Cesarean Awareness Network and educate herself about her options.

[KatieBeach]

I would also recommend talking to your doctor about your VBAC wishes early. When I was pregnant with #2 I wanted a VBAC and it never occured to me that my doctor maybe wouldn't perform one!! When I was about 7 months it came up in conversation and she said we'd to a c-section, of course! I was shocked! I'd always assumed my all natural loving doctor would want me to go VBAC!! In my case I would have needed a c-section either way (same huge baby situation, VBAC would never have worked for me since baby #2 would have been even bigger than #1) but because I hadn't addressed the question early in my pregnancy I left myself short on options. I didn't want to switch providers so late into my pregnancy, but sticking it out meant a repeat c-section.

My sister had a successful VBAC and her recovery was amazingly better than her c-section recover. I'd highly recommend trying one if have the option.

[Chelziee]

My doctor said no to me, but I know tons of women who try and do. Good Luck!

[First Daze]

I was labor support for my girlfriends VBAC and it was such an amazing experience. There are lots of statistics out there about VBACs. Educate yourself then have a talk with your healthcare provider.

[originsdoula]

I agree that you can, and wanted to add this resource:

VBAC.com - a woman-centered, evidence based, resource.

I want to point out that if your OB refuses to "allow" a VBAC that you are free to find another OB or midwife who will support you.

[ClarissaNassar]

I had an emergency c-section with my 1st child because I was not dialating at all and she was already 8 lbs and just nothing was happening at all--with my 2nd pregnancy I started to get false labor at 6 months and I really thought that I was going to have a vaginal birth with that one--but, again--2 weeks late and nothing happening...

I was told that I COULD do it, but my body wasnt cooperating :/

[Nicolexx]

I really don't know about this much information ... Now I know after reading this conversation that what is C-Section Birth or risk of give vaginally birth after c-section birth. Thanks for all of sharing this much information with us.