It seems that for the most part, the option of having an elective repeat c-section is presented as if it holds no risk to the baby. Some women choose to forgo even attempting a VBAC, in order to protect their baby from any potential harm. We hear so much about the danger of VBAC and uterine rupture, to the point of where hospitals and doctors are refusing to offer it as an option. Yet, we hardly ever hear anything bad about choosing a c-section instead.The truth is that they BOTH have risks. With both options there are no 100% guarantee of a healthy mom and baby. Because of this, mothers need to be well informed with what those risks are before they make their decision, and ultimately decide which risks she is ready to take. I have talked with women who have been scared by their doctors when it comes to trying for a vbac. They start to base their opinion of vbac on their doctor's fear instead on what is fact, or what they truly feel best about. My own OB/GYN informed me that "VBACs are way too risky," and yet didn't say anything about the risks involved with having another c-section.
It is very one-sided unfortunately, but the information is out there for those who care to have it. This is not to say that a mother would be wrong for choosing a ERC instead of a VBAC. I just think that women need to be completely informed about each option before they decide.
I personally, didn't know about the risks to my girls before I had my c-section. I know I signed a c-section consent form right before they wheeled me into the OR, but I can't recall what was on it. One of my daughters did end up in the NICU, which wasn't what we were anticipating. After learning more, I am not surprised that it did happen as babies are TWICE as likely to end up in the NICU following a cesarean section then after a vaginal birth. It's just one of the risks every mom should know about.
Repeat Cesareans may put babies at risk
This article can be found here.
The study shows babies born to women who have elective repeat Cesarean deliveries also continue to need oxygen in the neonatal intensive care unit.
“The costs of the birth for the mother and the infant are greater in the Cesarean section group,” according to the lead author of the study, Beena Kamath, MD, MPH, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine.
Kamath and researchers from UC Denver, Colorado School of Public Health and The Children’s Hospital looked at the records of 672 women who gave birth at University of Colorado Hospital. Each of the women had one prior Cesarean delivery. Three-hundred-forty- three decided to have another Cesarean while 329 planned a vaginal birth.
“Controversy exists on the recommended mode of delivery in women who have had one prior Cesarean section,” Kamath said, “It is important for women to discuss the risks and benefits of their delivery options with their doctor, and also to realize that the decision to have their first Cesarean section may affect the way they deliver if they have more children.”
The study appears in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Hey Missy I have often wanted to comment on your site but never had. I am not pro VBAC or pro c-section. I have had both. My first child being an emergency c-section and I am so grateful for it. He did end up in the nicu but if I had not done the c-section he would have died. I am so grateful that I had quick nurses and doctors there with the right equipment on hand to save, my sons and my life. My second child I did have a VBAC and she still ended up in the NICU which I thought was not going to happen this time. But still having the VBAC in the hospital with all the necessary stuff to save us if things didnt turn out wrong was great. My third child no problems what so ever. He stayed in the hospital for a day longer than I did. My last one I went to a different dr one that didnt do VBACs but since I had so many she let me have one at the new Banner Gateway. We almost we rushed into the OR do to sudden bleeding that we werent sure of what it was, luckily it was fine, but I was ready to have a hysterectomy if necessary. I believe that if a women chooses to do a VBAC that she should still have the baby at the hospital where she can be taken care of if something were to happen to her. My friend was a 911 operator and answered a call to a father whose wife decided to have their 6 child VBAC at home with a midwife. Well she had the baby and her midwife was off taking care of the baby and her uterus ruptered and she bleed to death in front of her children in her home, had she been in a hospital setting she would still be alive to raise that 6th baby. My friend said that was the hardest call she had ever had. I have always wanted to share my opinions with you. They are just mine and I dont mean to offend anyone by them! I had just had them for a long time!! (: (: (;
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Amanda:)
ReplyDeleteFeel free to comment and share your opinons anytime. I appreciate them and am not offended at all.
I didn't know the details about each of your births so it is interesting to see how they were all a little different.
Thank goodness that we have the technology to do a c/s when they are needed because they do save lives and the same with NICUs. I think we hope that we can avoid both if possible, but I understand that even a vbac doesn't ensure that a baby won't end up in the NICU.
It's hard for some moms (like myself) to go back in the hospital for a birth after having a bad experience. I think with trying a VBAC especially. Moms see a homebirth rate of c/s at 1-3% and the hospital rate at anywhere around 25-30% and you can't really ignore those numbers.
That is just one of the issues I worry about, (being scared or coerced into an unecessary c/s)but there are many more. Choosing whether to have a homebirth or a hospital birth is a big decision and should be made after a lot of research and prayer. There are risks to both and neither can promise a healthy mom and baby.
In my opinion it's wrong that AZ laws have prohibited midwives from assisting in hbacs. I think it should be the mom's decision to make and that limiting a mom's options can be really detrimental. I understand why some moms choose to have a hbac and at the same time I understand why some choose a hospital vbac.
It's so tragic when something like you mentioned happens and a mom dies or baby dies. I have read a lot of rupture stories. A lot of them occured in the hospital, some as a result of the mom being induced or given pitocin which increases the chance of rupture in a vbac. Overall I think it's important to have your birth where you feel most comfortable and that will vary person to person.