Will You Need A Second C Section?

Some women who had to have a Cesarean section the first time they gave birth assume that they will have to have a second C section when they give birth to their second child. This assumption is not always correct, but it will depend on where you go to give birth and what your insurance company has to say about it. This is something that should be a personal choice but has largely been taken out of the hands of the woman. Sometimes they are necessary, but you do not always have to repeat the C section for a later pregnancy.

There are a variety of reasons why women have a Cesarean the first time they go in to give birth. For some women, they simply make the choice to give birth this way and their doctor is in agreement. At times, there is fetal distress that necessitates the immediate delivery of a baby. It can save a baby's life. Sometimes, a woman has developed gestational diabetes and the baby is too large to pass through the pelvis for a vaginal birth. There are other reasons as well, and most of those who have gone through this assume they must have a second C section in the future.

The main reason why so many feel or are told they have to have a second C section is because they feel the scar from the first may burst open during labor. The incision made during a C section normally heals up quite well, but there is some risk in this. That does not stop some women from trying vaginal birth after C section (VBAC) when they have their second and third child. They feel that they wanted to give birth naturally the first time, and that a second C section is out of the question just for that reason.

Your doctor is the best source for information that you have. Before you decide that you do not want a second C section, get the facts. You may feel differently after you hear what your doctor has to say. If you are not sure you are comfortable with the information you are given, perhaps you can seek a second or even third opinion. Some doctors feel strongly that a woman has a choice in a second C section, and others are strongly opposed because they feel that it causes unnecessary danger to the woman and the baby. Think long and hard and keep an open mind.

The choice to avoid a second C section can be hard. The hospital in which you deliver may have a policy in place due to malpractice policies. They do not want to be sued if something goes wrong. Your doctor may have the same worries and refuse to allow a VBAC and insist on a second C section so that they too are not sued. Your insurance may insist to avoid paying more if something goes wrong. Chances are that things would be fine, but if you must go the VBAC route, know you may have to search out a doctor willing to work with you on it.