(845) 802-0047Every woman wants to experience a natural delivery, particularly after a cesarean section. The risks to mom and baby with a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) are rare, but when they occur, they can be catastrophic. You must make sure you discuss the risks of a VBAC with you obstetrician before you make the decision.
If you or a loved one have had devastating results due to VBAC, it is crucial to contact a knowledgeable birth injury attorney right away.
What Are the Risks of a VBAC?
There’s only one thing you need to know. Once you have had a cesarean delivery, you have a scar on your uterus from the site of the surgical incision. With most cesarean deliveries, the uterine scar is horizontal on the lower part of the uterus. The scar on your uterus can be prone to separate and rupture during a subsequent vaginal delivery when the forces of uterine contractions stretch and push on the scar.
When too much pressure is exerted on the uterine scar, it can separate and rupture. The consequences to mom and baby can be devastating. When the uterus ruptures, the baby and sometimes the placenta are expelled into the abdominal cavity.
After a Rupture
When the baby is completely outside the uterus, he/she receives no oxygen and must be delivered on an emergency basis by C-section within minutes. Every second counts when the baby is free-floating outside of the uterus. The rupture of the uterus poses big risks to mom as well. The uterine rupture causes internal bleeding in the mother, which can lead to maternal death. Thus, uterine rupture can cause death for the baby and mother. If this occurs, a VBAC lawyer could help hold the medical team responsible for any negligence.
What Are Signs of a Uterine Rupture?
The rupture of the uterus is sometimes preceded by the partial separation of the uterine scar (known as uterine scar dehiscence). The partial separation of the uterine scar during labor can cause severe abdominal pain between contractions (moms should not ordinarily have any pain between contractions), vaginal bleeding and sharp pain at the site of the previous C-section scar. When a mom has any of these symptoms during a VBAC, these are big-time warning signs of an impending uterine rupture.
The Effect of Drugs or Medications
The risk of a uterine rupture increases with the use of labor-inducing medications or drugs that stimulate uterine contractions. Remember, the stronger the uterine contractions, the more force that is exerted upon the uterine scar and thus, the higher the risk that the scar will separate. Medications to induce labor or improve contractions (pitocin) should be used cautiously since they can increase the risk of uterine rupture.
Contact a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery Attorney After This Traumatic Event
Here’s the key for any mom considering a VBAC: If you discuss the risks of a VBAC with your obstetrician and you want to accept the risk of a VBAC, that’s fine, but you must make sure the facility where you deliver is ready for an emergency cesarean section. VBAC should only be considered if a physician capable of performing a cesarean delivery, nursing staff, anesthesia and an operating room are immediately available in case an emergent cesarean delivery is necessary.
Every second counts when you have a uterine rupture. Your life and the life of your baby may hinge on whether your hospital and obstetrician are watching carefully for signs of a uterine rupture and are ready for an emergency C-section when you show the signs of a rupture. Make sure you get the facts about uterine rupture before you choose a VBAC.
Please contact an experienced lawyer if you or a loved one have been affected by a VBAC.