How does a VBAC differ from normal childbirth? The main difference is how often and how closely your labour will be checked. Youll be offered continuous electronic fetal monitoring. This is to allow your babys heart rate and your contractions to be measured at all times. Many women have a successful VBAC without any complications at all. But there is a very small risk that the scar from your previous caesarean could tear. This is called uterine rupture. Rupture affects only one in 200 women trying for a VBAC. Although the risk is small, your medical team will want to watch out for it. If your babys heart rate doesnt sound right, it could be an early sign that there is a problem with your scar. During a VBAC you can have an epidural for pain relief if you want one. Some hospitals may support you using a birth pool to help you cope with your contractions. Your doctor or midwife may also recommend that you have an intravenous line put in your arm and that you only drink clear fluids because you are considered to have a greater risk than normal of needing a caesarean section with general anaesthesia. If you are attempting a VBAC you may also have more monitoring to ensure you are progressing at a steady rate. Obstetricians usually want your cervix to dilate at the rate of one centimetre per hour and for you to be in the pushing stage for no more than one hour. #Beebree
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 07:21:26 +0000