On our podcast, Jennie shares the experiences with her births, her first C-section was due to placenta abruption at 28 weeks gestation. The circumstances surrounding that birth caused birth trauma and difficulties for her.
She went on to have two VBACs, one of which the labor lasted more than 28 hours. It is a common misconception that is is unsafe to VBAC after having a preterm Cesarean.
A study on the the outcome after a previous early preterm C-section
Out of 131 women that had a previous pregnancy 93 went on to have a trial of labor and 80 of them achieved a vaginal birth. Guess what that means?
That means 86.0% of the women who had a TOLAC ended up with a successful VBAC.
In this study women who delivered their first child via Cesarean were 26-34 weeks of gestation during that delivery. In the study there was only one uterine rupture that occurred with a favorable neonatal outcome.
To read more about this study and get VBAC facts backed by scientific research, click here.
Know your options
Although it may not be the best option for some we encourage you to learn your options and consult with your provider about what the best option is for you.
If your heart doesn’t feel right about what you’re being told don’t fear getting a second or even third opinion. Jennie was told that due to her first premature birth and placenta abruption she was not able to ever have a vaginal birth.
Although she had a cesarean due to other reasons she was being supported through a trial of labor for a vaginal birth.
Be sure to check out episode 52 if you haven’t already on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you download your podcasts. Jennie’s story is inspiring and a fantastic listen.
Check out our post on “How long should you wait to get pregnant after a VBAC?” for information about how soon you can try for another pregnancy — ideally with a VBAC delivery — after having had a C-section, preterm or otherwise.
Nervous about your upcoming VBAC? Our Ultimate VBAC Class for Parents can help you feel informed and empowered when the day comes.
Register today, and give birth with confidence!
7 Surprising Studies on VBAMC
Hi,
there seems to be something wrong with the numbers:
“Out of 131 women that had a previous pregnancy 93 went on to have a trial of labor and 80 of them achieved a vaginal birth. Guess what that means?
That means 86.0% of the women who had a TOLAC ended up with a successful VBAC.”
80 out of 131 would be about 61%.
Thank you very much for this article and episode! There is very little information out there about vbac after a premature birth.
Hi there! Thanks so much for following along – we’re glad you found the article helpful. The percentage refers to the 80 who had a vaginal birth out of the 93 that attempted a trial of labor. 🙂