VBAC: new insights

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I got a flyer in the mail for this conference and thought I'd pass it along:

http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbac.htm

I signed up for the webcast since a trip to Bethesda isn't an option; normally I'm not a fan of these sorts of things but this topic is a very interesting one to me. I'm very grateful to work in a place that encourages VBAC and hope to see our nationwide VBAC rates go back up.

Hope this is of some interest to folks here. :)

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Specializes in OBGYN, Neonatal.

Thank you for sharing this! I'm always interested in learning about VBAC issues not only b/c of work but because I have wavered on whether I would attempt a vbac if I were to have another child.

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Hi,

I just wanna add to that, according to the international cesarean awareness network (www.ican.org), the risk of a uterine rupture for a woman with a low transverse incision is 0.87%. Now compare this to all the risks associated with major abdominal surgery....and it really does not convince me that "risk for uterine rupture" is a reason to ban vbacs. I personally think it is a scandal that so many hospitals are getting away with banning vbacs- women deserve to have a choice and should not be forced into having unnecessary surgery. C-sections don't only carry physical risks for mom and baby; they also leave emotional scars for many women. My second child was born via vbac, within two hours, without any pain medication, and it was an amazing experience. Not to mention recovery was much faster :)

Thanks for the link, and I do hope more healthcare professionals will start to support vbacs.

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I am not so sure it is the hospitals driving the no vbac rules - I am wondering if it is for the hospitals that is driving this (alarming) trend.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

My first baby 28 years ago weighed in at 11-4, had a c/s and hated it, 6 years later I had my first of 3 vbac's the largest being 10-7, no rupture and 3 great births. I think it's the doctors driving it, they can schedule it and be home in time for supper. C/sections are more expensive and rupture is rare so i would think the insurance co's would be promoting vbac. The only rupture i have seen was a woman who never had uterine surgery, her uterus looked like it had received a shotgun blast.

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Thank you for sharing this! I'm always interested in learning about VBAC issues not only b/c of work but because I have wavered on whether I would attempt a vbac if I were to have another child.

I've had two wonderful VBACs, one w/an epi (the first) and one without. VBACs are great! :yeah:

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Thanks, Elvish, for the link. I, too, signed up for the webcast. Although my hospital has a good record for VBAC after 1 previous Cesarean, we will rarely offer VBAC after 2 previous c/s. I know immediate repeat c/s is common nationally. It'll be great to get the latest info about this unfortunate trend.

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I am not so sure it is the hospitals driving the no vbac rules - I am wondering if it is liability insurance for the hospitals that is driving this (alarming) trend.

This is the situation in Oklahoma. All but a few physicians are insured by one malpractice carrier, which will not cover them for VBACs. It is impossible for many women to have a VBAC due to this policy. It's such a shame.

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