VBAC

We prefer a vaginal birth following a caesarean section, provided the conditions are favourable.

In most cases, there is no reason to repeat a caesarean section after the first one, provided the original indication does not recur. Every caesarean section carries significant risks.  Vaginal delivery following a single caesarean section can proceed entirely naturally and is considered safe; the risks associated with it do not exceed those of a repeat operation. The most commonly cited risk is that of scar rupture. However, this is relatively low, with the figure reported in the literature being 0.2–0.5%. The success rate of completing the birth vaginally is between 60–80%. If you have a history of two or more caesarean sections, it is recommended that the subsequent pregnancy be delivered by caesarean section again. In exceptional cases, a vaginal delivery may be considered after two previous operations.

If you have previously had a caesarean section, we would like to see you for a check-up at 36 weeks of pregnancy so that we can assess your condition in good time and agree on the delivery plan with you.  If labour does not start by the due date, that is fine; it is possible to go past the due date. However, it is sometimes necessary to induce labour for various reasons. In the presence of a scar from a previous caesarean section, we induce labour gently using mechanical methods without the use of prostaglandins (see labour induction). The use of Oxytocin during labour is possible; its use does not significantly increase the risk of scar rupture. After delivery, the scar area is checked by ultrasound. The success of a vaginal delivery is enhanced by a spontaneous onset of labour, maintaining an upright position during labour, and undoubtedly your determination and self-belief.