C-section - New Smyrna Beach,FL

Updated on October 29, 2006
J.L. asks from New Smyrna Beach, FL
13 answers

Is it true that if you have a c-section for your first child, you automatically have to have one for your second? I had just been in labor for a very long time and the dr didnt get there till the last minute and our (baby & my) heartrates and blood pressures were going erratic - so they decided to do a c-section. Does this mean I have to have another if I get pregnant again?

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R.K.

answers from Boca Raton on

no. you dont have to have a c-section again. You can have a vbac depending on your doctor and the area you deliver in. Most doctors will tell you its not safe, but every study ever done says to the contrary. that vbac is much safer than another ceserean. Do your homework, read books on vbacs, Hire a doula who has attended vbacs previously, preferably hire a midwife who believes in the human body, and what it can accomplish. Many doctors dont want to attend vbacsbecause it is inconvienent to THEM. there are many books, research and places to find good information. you can check out my website which is www.palmbeachdoula.com and go to be informed, then scroll to the bottom, and click on vbac. I also am in the process of changing my website to www.honoringwomen.com . and hopefully next year I will have classes on vbacs, and support groups as well. you may check back then and see the information in there . I will have a lending Library as well with info on vbacs. I wish you well. YOu can achieve anything in birth that you desire with the information :)

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T.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi J., First of all I think you should find an ob/gyn that explains these important things to you. I would think your ob/gyn would have explained your possible birth options of subsequent children after the birth of your child if not before you went into labor. Also, I would find a doctor that is more attentive. I realize stuff happens but it seems like you were let go for quite a long time. It's critical that you have a dr that keeps you informed and encourages you to ask questions. Also when you get pregnant with your next child make sure the hospital allows VBAC. Many don't. But you should be aware of your caregiver's policy as well the hospital. Here are some links that may help:

http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACFAQ.html

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/childbirth/142...

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3434.htm

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/98/104812.htm

use google.com for more information.

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K.N.

answers from Tallahassee on

No, you do not have to have a c-section automatically with your next child. You can have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). The problem with VBAC is that fewer care providers are promoting VBACs anymore (they make more money on c-sections!). There is a slightly higher risk of Uterine Rupture with a VBAC than with a repeat c-section (.5-1% with VBAC, .2% with repeat c-section) but overall the risk of this is still very low. It sounds like you are a good candidate for a VBAC because the reason for your c-section (fetal distress) is not likely to happen again in a future birth.
To get help finding a care provider that will support VBAC, check out the International Cesarean Awareness Network (www.ican-online.org). There are several chapters in Florida as well as an online email list. They should be able to point you to VBAC friendly care providers in your area.
Also, www.childbirthconnection.org has a good discussion on the risks of both repeat c-sections and VBACs that can help you decide which one is better for you.

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A.M.

answers from Melbourne on

Athough I have had three vaginal births, I do have some (very limited) knowledge on this subject. I do know that VBAC's (vaginal birth after cesection) are very common, however, it's a very individual issue. You would have to talk to your doctor about your case, but your chances are most likely pretty good that you can deliver vaginally.

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T.N.

answers from Lakeland on

It does NOT mean you automatically have to have another C-section. There are a lot of things involved... and your doctor is truly the best person who can say for sure. I had a C-section with my first, then vaginal delivery for my next 2 pregnancies... and C-section with my last. It depends on the circumstances and such. And views often change on this. As long as you have a doctor you can trust, then discuss it with them... I absolutely did not want to have to have C-sections each time... so I went the way that I did. Hindsight, my doctor would have done some things differently with my 2nd vaginal delivery and made me do a C. Just discuss it with your doctor when you are ready to get pregnant again. Hope this helps! ~ T.

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M.G.

answers from Fort Myers on

J.,

I certainly NOT true that you have to have a cesarean for any future babies. In most cases it is safer for the mom and the baby to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). For great information and support you can go to www.ican-online.org they have a message board that is awesome. Also, they have local meetings all over the state. I am the area coordinator for Florida so, feel free to contact me if you want any more info!

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L.S.

answers from Miami on

That is not true, it depends on your situation. But it is preferred. From what I understand (but don't quote me because I am not an expert) some doctors believe the incision can make the uterous weak for labor. But I have a friend who had 2 c-sections and wants to try for a natural bith and her doctor said she could. She is not pregnant yet though. I for one prefer a c-section. I was in laboe 18 hours and the c-section was a breeze compared to what i went through. I am pregnant again and I am definitely getting one!! I can choose the date too, awesome!!

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K.B.

answers from Orlando on

Even though you had a c-section, you still have the option for a vaginal birth your next time around. It is what is referred to as "VBAC" (vaginal birth after cesarean). www.vbac.com is a good place to start answering any questions you may have. Some Dr.'s prefer not to do this because of potential risks. You'll need to check with your OB/GYN to see if they are open to this or not. If you have a low risk pregnancy, there is no reason why you can't try for a vaginal birth for your second child. My son was born via emergency c-section as well, I plan to try a vbac for my second... Best of luck to you!

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V.S.

answers from Charlotte on

I had a csection after 23hrs of labor and was told I could have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section)
heres a link...
http://www.childbirth.org/section/VBACindex.html
I'd like to give it a try ... Katie is going to be 10months on the 10th of Nov & we're planning on trying to conceive at the end of 2007...we're all into trying to get the next one done as naturally (no epi or any other meds) as possible (but in a hospital just in case)

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J.C.

answers from Raleigh on

It depends on the doctor. My OB/GYN didn't give a choice on teh 2nd, apparently it has something to do with malpractice insurance, but I know some do give the choice. Honestly, haveing the 2nd by c-section was a joy, much easier than the first and the best benefit, easier to plan for...it made taking care of the older child much easier because you had a planned delivery. With the first c-section it took days to get moving, with the 2nd I begged to go home!!!

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A.F.

answers from Melbourne on

J.,

I had an emergency c-section with my first child, I was in labor for a very long time and stopped dilating at 9 our heart rates and blood pressures were also erratic so they couldn’t wait any longer without endangering our lives. 3 years later we had another baby and she was a vaginal (VBAC) delivery assisted by forceps. During the whole process my doctor gave me the choice and we had decided we would try vaginal and only proceed with another c-section if we were in danger. I lived in New Jersey then and my youngest is now 5 years old. I have heard that the laws may have changed so I to wonder if I was to have another which way I would delivery now. If given the choice again I would choose Vaginal. The recovery time was close to none and the whole experience was so amazing. Best of luck to you and your new baby.

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K.

answers from Boca Raton on

It depends on the doctor. My OB/GYN didn't give a choice are you crazy why would you want a V Back???? I loved my c-sections... I was up and about the next day both times... But I do think it depends on the doctor, my doctor just does not want to risk anything by doing a V-Back.... I'm sure if you looked around you could find someone that would do it but again I have to ask WHY????

K.

A little about myself I have a wonderful husband (sometimes) and I am the mother of 2 my son will be 3 next month and my daughter is 3 months on Wednesday...

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A.N.

answers from Orlando on

I had a C-Section as well and from what I have heard and as well as what my doctor has said is that with your next pregnancy most likely you will have to have another C-Section basically due to the risk of having vaginal birth and rupturing anything.. I know a few hospitals for example Winter Park have it a policy now that they do no more VBAC.. Good luck and possible due some research into the hospitals and doctors to see who might due a VBac next time..

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