What Your Irregular Periods Could Be Telling You About Your Hormones
Are your periods irregular? Learn what your cycle might be telling you about your hormones, from PCOS to thyroid health, and how we can help you find balance.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: Know the Pros and Cons
If you had a cesarean delivery in the past, you might wonder about your options for your next birth. Many women ask if they can safely have a vaginal birth after a cesarean, or VBAC.
At Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Leonardo A. Longoria and our team are here to guide you. We provide comprehensive pregnancy care to help you make informed, safe decisions for your growing family.
What are the benefits of choosing a VBAC?
A successful vaginal birth avoids major abdominal surgery. This typically means a shorter recovery time and less pain after delivery.
Choosing a VBAC can also protect your health in future pregnancies. Every C-section you have increases your risk of serious placental complications.
For example, a 2006 study of over 44,000 cesarean deliveries showed that the risk of placenta accreta spectrum increases with each subsequent surgery. This is a condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall.
In that study, the risk rose from 0.3% at the second C-section to 1.7% by the fourth. If you want a large family, avoiding additional cesarean deliveries may reduce your risk of certain pregnancy complications in the future.
What are the risks and success rates of VBAC?
The primary risk of attempting a VBAC is uterine rupture. This is a rare but serious emergency where the old scar on your uterus tears during labor.
Because of this risk, a trial of labor should take place in a hospital that can provide emergency cesarean delivery if needed. Your chance of a successful VBAC is highly individual.
Your personal obstetric history plays a major role in your odds. Broad national averages don’t tell the whole story.
A 2023 study of over 4 million deliveries analyzed success rates for patients with one previous C-section. Those who had also delivered vaginally in the past had a 79.7% success rate.
In contrast, patients with three or more prior C-sections and no past vaginal deliveries had a 46.9% success rate. We look closely at your history to understand your unique odds.
How we plan your safe delivery
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to birth. We tailor your care plan to your unique body and health history.
We use advanced diagnostic tools to closely monitor your pregnancy. We review your previous surgical records to ensure a trial of labor is safe for you.
Our team walks you through every step of your prenatal care. We want you to feel confident, respected, and safe throughout your journey. Whether you choose a VBAC or a repeat C-section, we support your decision.
Are you ready to discuss your birth plan? Contact our team at Longoria OBGYN today to book an appointment to explore your options.
You Might Also Enjoy...
7 Questions to Ask Your OB/GYN at Your Annual Well-Woman Exam
Your annual well-woman exam is the perfect time to take charge of your health. Discover seven essential questions to ask during your next visit to get the personalized care you deserve.
7 Questions to Ask Your OB-GYN at Your Annual Well-Woman Exam
Your annual well-woman exam is the perfect time to take charge of your health. Discover seven essential questions to ask our team to get the most out of your next preventive visit.
Vaginal Rejuvenation Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
Vaginal rejuvenation can be used for more than cosmetic concerns. You can also address discomfort and dysfunction with ThermiVa® vaginal revitalization. Read to learn more about all the ways you could benefit from this non-invasive procedure.
4 Natural Induction Myths Busted
By the end of your pregnancy, you may wonder if there’s a way to naturally induce labor. What are the facts about natural induction, and what common induction myths should you consider busted? Keep reading to learn more.
Why You Keep Getting One-Sided Pelvic Pain
If you repeatedly notice pelvic pain on one side of your abdomen, what’s causing this symptom? And what should you do about it? Keep reading to learn more about the causes and treatments of one-sided pelvic pain.