VBAC / Vaginal Birth after Cesarean and Risks of Birth Injury

VBAC refers to women who have previously given birth by C-section but choose to deliver the next baby vaginally.  Research shows that sixty to eighty percent of women who have given birth by cesarean section can deliver their next baby by trial of labor, or vaginally.  While VBAC is safe for most people, a small amount of women may experience risks including a rupture of the uterus.  It is imperative that women and their doctors prepare in advance for emergencies that may arise or risk serious harm to the baby.

One of the areas women considering VBAC should look into is finding a hospital that is capable of handling VBAC emergencies. Women and their doctors should find a hospital that is capable of delivering a baby in less than 10 minutes should an emergency such as a rupture of the uterus occurs.  The hospital will also need to have obstetricians and anesthesiologists on staff 24 hours a day.  This will be critical if an emergency C-section needs to be performed. 

During the 1990’s, VBAC’s were experiencing a much higher rate of birth injuries as hospitals were taking up to 30 minutes or longer to deliver babies that needed to be delivered immediately during an emergency.  Not only is it important for hospitals to be able to deliver babies in VBAC settings in under 10 minutes if an emergency arises, but any baby that must be delivered immediately due to conditions such as a dramatic reduction in the heart rate or lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain as well. This is where the fetal heart rate monitor can help alert medical professionals that there is an emergency with the infant, such as a sudden reduction in the baby’s heart rate.  If this occurs and the baby’s heart rate can’t be restored by normal procedures, the doctor may be required to perform an emergency cesarean section. 

An emergency C-section may be required under the following conditions:

• Abnormal heart rate of the fetus
• Rupture of the fetus
• Prolapsed umbilical cord
• Problems with the placenta
• The infant’s head or body is too large to exit through the birth canal naturally
• Multiple births
• The infant can’t be removed safely with forceps or a vacuum device
• Increased blood pressure after amniotic rupture
• Failed labor induction

If you or a family member has experienced a birth injury from medical malpractice, you may have a medical malpractice claim.  Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates right away for a free consultation at (800) 541-9376.  Dr. Bruce Fagel is a leading birth injury attorney and a licensed physician.  So he understands exactly how the birth process should occur and where medical malpractice happened that resulted in the birth injury.

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