For women who have more than one child, their birth experiences with each
child are bound to be different. No two births are exactly alike; this
is especially relevant regarding mothers who have experienced both cesarean
sections and vaginal births. There are many concerns about vaginal birth
after cesarean, also known as VBAC. In some instances injury to the mother and
birth injuries to the baby can occur. However, with the proper guidance and care, expecting
mothers can make an informed decision about which type of birth to choose and why.
One of the biggest risks involved in VBAC is the potential for
uterine rupture. After a previous
C-section, mothers will have a rather significant scar. During a vaginal birth after
a prior C-section, there is some risk that the uterus could tear along
the line of the scar. This can also be the case not only after C-sections,
but also after other major uterine surgeries. In any event, if uterine
rupture does occur during the delivery process, an emergency C-section
is often called-for in order to prevent further complications.
Fortunately, uterine rupture is relatively rare and occurs in less than
one out of 100 pregnant women. Still, it is a valid concern for women
considering VBAC. If it does occur, a life-threatening
infection can threaten the mother, and the baby may experience devastating brain
damage. No family wants to deal with a birth injury case, but, in some
instances, they may find themselves in just such a situation. Especially
if a hospital or doctor is ill-equipped to handle such complications during
VBAC, both mother and baby’s well-being can be put in jeopardy.
When things go wrong during delivery, it can be immensely beneficial to
have a skilled advocate ready to fight for a family’s rights. A Houston
birth injury attorney can assess an incident that happened in the delivery
room and inform a family if they have a
medical malpractice or wrongful death case. If so, a family may be entitled to compensation,
including compensation for the huge medical expenses associated with the incident.
Source: Mayo Clinic, “Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC),” accessed Sept. 7, 2015
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