Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC): Risks and complications

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Here's what you need to consider if you are uncertain if VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) is the right choice for your next delivery

Just because you have undergone a Caesarean section in the past, it does not mean a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery is no longer a possibility.

About 3 to 4 out of 5 women who have given birth via C-section can give birth through vaginal delivery successfully.

Why do some women prefer normal delivery? One big consideration is the shorter recovery period. Some also want to be more participative in the birthing process. What’s more, normal deliveries are more affordable and less risky than C-section surgeries. Vaginal deliveries after cesareans are a good option for those who want larger families. As C-sections are not advised to be done more than three consecutive times. But there is no set limit for the number of C-sections. It’s important to note, however, that the risk of complications increases with each surgery.

How to know if VBAC is for you

To determine if Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) delivery is a viable option for you, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• You must not have had more than two low transverse cesarean deliveries
• You must not have sustained any uterine scars during past deliveries.
• You must not have  history of uterine anomalies or ruptures.
• Your doctor and medical staff must be prepared to closely monitor your VBAC, while being prepared to perform an emergency C-section, if needed.Here’s what you need to consider if you are uncertain if VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) is the right choice for your next delivery
• You no longer have the condition that prompted the C-section in the past, such as cephalopelvic disproportion
• Your medical history is free from any serious problems
• Your baby’s presentation in your womb is head down
• Your baby’s of a normal size based on age of gestation

photo: dreamstime

What are the possible risks and complications?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) claims that VBAC is safer than a repeat cesarean. But there’s no denying it is accompanied by its own set of risks and possible complications.

The biggest fear of healthcare providers is the risk of uterine rupture. This condition occurs in about 1 in 500 women who give birth vaginally, particularly common in those whose labor had to be induced.

Here is a brief comparison to make your decision a bit easier.

If you are considering a repeat C-section instead of VBAC, take note of these possible risks

• it is accompanied by the usual risks of routine surgeries
• prolonged hospital stay of about 4 to 5 days, barring any complications
• possible infection to uterus, bladder, or surgical incision
• possible injury to the bladder, bowel, or other nearby organs
• possible persistent pain and discomfort of surgical incision
• minimal risk of infant respiratory problems
• increasing risk of future C-section deliveries

Here are the possible considerations for VBAC

• There is less than 1% chance of uterine rupture.
• In cases of uterine rupture, possible complications include heavy bleeding, bladder injury, infection, blood clots, and emergency hysterectomy.
• If emergency C-section is needed, risk of infection is higher.
• 2-day hospital stay
• Possible tearing or episiotomy to widen the birth canal
• Vaginal pain or discomfort for a short period of time
• Once baby passes through birth canal, his lungs usually clear

We hope this information will help you make your decision easier. Make sure to communicate constantly with your OB-Gynecologist and voice out whatever concerns you may have in order to have a worry-free and healthy pregnancy.

How TO MAKE YOUR VAGINA SMELL GOOD : How to smell good ‘down there’? 7 feminine hygiene tips to make your lady parts smell awesome!

How to smell good ‘down there’? 7 feminine hygiene tips to make your lady parts smell awesome!

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It's dark, moist, and closed off most of the day -- yes, we're talking about your vaginal area! These factors can create a foul-smelling odor and can also make you feel embarrassed. Find out various techniques on how to make your lady parts smell better!

When it comes to feminine hygiene, it’s important for women of all ages to be very meticulous and consistent with maintaining the cleanliness of their hoo haa. That said, no matter how clean and healthy a woman’s vagina is, it will always have a distinct smell that’s natural and innate.

Here are 7 different feminine hygiene tips that will help you keep it ‘fresh’ down there!

#1 Visit a gynaecologist

Trips to the gynecologist can be pretty daunting. Nevertheless, they are still recommended and really help with the process of maintaining good feminine hygiene. More importantly, gynecologists offer valuable information on how to maintain the cleanliness of the vaginal area and also recommend feminine hygiene products according to a woman’s specific pH level.

On normal checkups, the gynecologist will just check the vaginal area for anything out of the ordinary. If any vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases come up, they will be treated accordingly. Sexually active women are encouraged to visit twice a year (minimum) for a routine pap smear.

One thing to keep in mind, if there’s ever an abnormal discharge with a foul, fishy smell, women are encouraged to visit their gynaecologist immediately.

#2 Trim it down

Pubic hair can cause the vagina to have a ‘funky’ smell. This is because the hair traps sweat and drops of body secretions. In order to have excellent feminine hygiene, women are recommended to shave or trim their pubic hair. For those who want to feel extremely clean, a full Brazilian or IPL is recommended.

#3 Go commando

Cotton underwear that permits the area to breathe, or wearing no underwear at night may be helpful in reducing sweat and odour-producing bacteria.

#4 Wipe it clean

After each trip to the bathroom, a woman needs to wipe the outer surface of her vagina clean. This eliminates the acrid scent of urine, sweat and natural discharge. Instead of using rough tissue paper, opt for baby wipes instead.

#5 Wash often

Whenever possible, women should wash their private parts in order to smell good. Make it a habit to wash before and after sex to avoid any embarrassing revelations. Do not use regular soaps as it can be really drying and irritating. Utilise a feminine hygiene product for washing purposes and dry the area properly.

When choosing from a feminine hygiene wash available in the market, do look for those with no scent. Products that contain strong scents, no matter how hypo-allergenic they claim to be, can cause infections which leads to itching, swelling and foul-smelling discharge.

#6 You are what you eat

Experts say, ‘you are what you eat’ and that can greatly influence how one also smells ‘down there’. Curb spicy foods, alcohol, garlic, onions, cauliflower, asparagus, cabbage, red meat, dairy, and broccoli if you want to smell heavenly.

Consume lots of fresh citrus fruits like pineapple, grapefruit and orange juice and vegetables like cucumber and parsley to have a fresh smelling scent.

#7 Hydration is key

Drink lots of water which will keep you hydrated, and flush out toxins that can cause odour. If you don’t like water, then opt for green tea which is also believed to reduce foul smells.