Mothers who have had a cesarean delivery may wonder whether the next delivery can be a normal delivery or should they go back to having a cesarean section? To find out the answer, let's look at the discussion in the following article.
Caesarean delivery is a surgical procedure performed to remove the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
This method of delivery is carried out if the condition of the mother and fetus in the womb does not allow for normal delivery or the pregnant woman has a history of giving birth by caesarean section before.
In addition to a history of previous cesarean delivery, cesarean delivery is generally recommended for the following conditions during pregnancy:
- Long delivery.
- The baby's position is breech.
- Twin pregnancy.
- Health problems in the baby, such as fetal distress, congenital or congenital abnormalities, or infection in the womb.
- Complications of the placenta, such as the placenta blocking the passage of the uterus (placenta previa) or detaching from the uterine wall (placental abruption).
- Baby's body size is too big.
- Narrow maternal pelvis (CPD).
- Health problems in pregnant women, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tumors that cover the birth canal, or infections during pregnancy.
Chances of Caesarean Delivery After Caesarean
As previously mentioned, the mother's chances of having a cesarean delivery are higher if she has had a previous C-section, especially if the mother or fetus has the following conditions:
- Previous caesarean section incisions were made vertically (from the top to the bottom of the uterus).
- History of having a uterine tear in a previous delivery.
- You have pregnancy problems or certain medical conditions, such as being overweight and preeclampsia.
- Fetal body size is too large.
- The gestational age has passed the due date of birth.
- Have had more than one cesarean delivery.
- The interval between previous deliveries was less than 18 months.
- The fetus is in a breech position.
However, you need to remember, the more you have a cesarean delivery, the greater the risk of experiencing some complications of cesarean delivery, such as:
- Heavy bleeding.
- Bladder and bowel injury.
- Placental abnormalities, such as placenta previa, placental abruption, and placenta accreta (the placenta grows too deep in the uterine wall).
- Increased risk of having surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy).
Chances of Normal Delivery After C-section
Not all pregnant women who have given birth by caesarean section are required to give birth by caesarean again. Some pregnant women who have had a cesarean delivery previously still have the opportunity to give birth normally in the next delivery.
Normal delivery after a cesarean delivery is called vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). To be able to undergo VBAC, you must meet the following requirements:
- Less than 40 years old.
- Not having multiple pregnancies.
- I've only had cesarean section 1-2 times.
- The previous caesarean section is located in the lower abdomen and is horizontal (flat).
- Have no health problems during pregnancy.
- Have had at least one normal delivery before.
- Normal fetal body weight or body size.
- Normal fetal position, ie the head is down.
If your current pregnancy is healthy, then you can undergo VBAC if you meet the requirements above. However, even though the risk is relatively low, VBAC is still at risk of causing uterine tears, bleeding after delivery, and fetal distress.
Each delivery method has its own advantages and risks. This also applies to repeated cesarean deliveries and normal deliveries after caesarean section.
Therefore, mothers need to undergo routine pregnancy check-ups to monitor the health conditions of the mother and baby in the womb, as well as consult with an obstetrician to determine the safest method of delivery.
