Loosening Restrictions On VBAC Procedures Means More Options For Women

Until recently, women who have given birth by Caesarean section (C-section) have been more or less compelled by subsequent treaters to deliver later-born children the same way. The conventional wisdom was that the incision from the previous C-section could rupture during a vaginal delivery, potentially putting both mother and child at risk. As a result of these fears, vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) procedures became fairly rare, and C-section rates rose substantially. In fact, it became exceedingly difficult for women who had undergone a C-section to find any doctor willing to allow a vaginal delivery.

Due in part to extensive research supporting the safety of VBAC deliveries, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued new guidelines easing restrictions on these patients. The new guidelines should permit more women to choose between VBAC or another C-section. In addition to putting this decision back into the hands of the patient, the new measure should reduce the number of C-sections performed. It remains to be seen whether doctors and hospitals will be willing to abandon decades of practice and embrace the new protocol.

Our office is currently representing a young woman who attempted a VBAC delivery at a local hospital. Due to insufficient progress, a repeat C-section was undertaken. Unfortunately, the procedure went awry and the baby was ultimately delivered through an incision made in the bladder. Our investigation of this matter is ongoing.