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Question
My wife is expecting her third baby. First two children were delivered by Caesarean operation. She wants to go for normal delivery this time. Is there any doctor who can support her decision in private sector or government sector?
Answer
Caesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure to deliver a baby when the normal vaginal delivery is thought to be risky for the mother or the baby. The decision to deliver a baby by CS is made by the treating consultant (VOG) after careful consideration of multiple factors.
If a mother had undergone CS, there is a risk that the scar of womb may loosen at the time of next delivery. This is because, the scar tissue of previous surgery is not as strong as the normal womb muscles.
If a mother had undergone only one CS, the risk of womb scar loosening in the next delivery is minimal. Therefore, such a mother is generally advised to attempt normal vaginal delivery if there are no additional risk factors. The decision should be made individually after careful consideration of all the risk factors. In such situations, the mother should be closely monitored by an experienced obstetrician in a fully equipped hospital.
If a mother had undergone more than one CS, then the risk of womb scar loosening increases during next delivery. This can lead to a serious complication called “womb rupture”. In this situation the mother’s and the baby’s life can be in danger.
Due to this reason a mother who had two previous Caesarean deliveries is advised against normal vaginal delivery under normal circumstances.
Last update: August 28, 2020
References
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 2015. “Birth After Previous Caesarean Birth.” Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. October. Accessed August 28, 2020. https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/gtg_45.pdf.
