VBAC Quandary
Another point of debate with C-sections is whether they prevent women from delivering future babies vaginally. A C-section can adversely affect subsequent pregnancies if there are complications with the placenta and incisional scar. Placental complications are infrequent but potentially serious. Another rare but severe complication is a uterine rupture during a VBAC labor. In those instances-less than one percent of VBAC-the previous incisional scar breaks, causing massive hemorrhage and risk of maternal or neonatal death. Ob/gyns believe the risks are minimized with repeat C-sections. Despite these concerns, 60 to 80 percent of women are good candidates for safe VBAC.
