All QuestionsCategory: General QuestionsIs it safe to have a vaginal delivery if my previous child was delivered by cesarean
johnnyNON asked 8 years ago

Is it safe to have a vaginal delivery if my previous child was delivered by cesarean?

1 Answers
Dr. Falae Staff answered 3 years ago

Trial of labor after prior Cesarean (TOLAC) is a widely debated issue in the obstetric community. With the right patient it can be safe a safe way to deliver a baby, but there are many complicating factors. Risk of uterine rupture during vaginal delivery following one prior Cesarean section is approximately 1% and with that comes numerous consequences such as repeat Cesarean, neurological and physical injury to the fetus, fetal death, hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion or hysterectomy, and maternal death.
When considering TOLAC, it is very important that the lines of communication are open between the mother and her obstetrician. Several factors have to be considered (prior Cesarean section, type of uterine incision, maternal body type, any prior vaginal births, etc.) for a safe educated decision to be made.