Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ballarat

Special Circumstances

Special Circumstances

VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean)

For many reasons your obstetrician may recommend a caesarean section for your first delivery, either before labour, or more commonly during labour.


​You will be advised to have a caesarean section if there is some concern about your, or your baby’s wellbeing. It is rare that this decision needs to be made urgently, so there is usually enough time to discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you and your partner. Your consent will be needed before going ahead with the procedure.


Following a caesarean delivery, in the majority of cases it should be possible for you to attempt a vaginal birth (or VBAC) when you next conceive.


At your first consultation, your obstetrician will discuss the reasons for your first caesarean section, and whether a VBAC is appropriate for you. There is an element of risk involved with VBAC, so it is important to thoroughly discuss your plans for delivery with your doctor, and for your progress through labour to be carefully monitored.

Twins

If you have conceived twins, you have an exciting and busy time ahead!


The obstetricians at OGB are experienced in caring for, and delivering women with a twin pregnancy.


The vast majority of women with twin pregnancies have healthy babies, but problems may arise during their pregnancy.


The most common problems to occur are having smaller babies’ than expected, a premature birth, or blood pressure problems during pregnancy.


Because of these possible concerns, you will need to have more frequent visits with your obstetrician, regular ultrasounds, and assessments of your babies’ with heart rate traces near the time of delivery.


Many twin babies need to be born by caesarean section, but it is possible to give birth vaginally safely in certain situations.


Your Obstetrician will discuss the plans for your care during pregnancy, and which method of giving birth is best in your situation.

Breech Birth

Three per-cent of all babies are in a breech presentation at the end of pregnancy. It is widely accepted that the safest mode of delivery for a breech baby in a woman's first pregnancy, is by caesarean section. There are also theoretical benefits from giving birth by caesarean section in “second and subsequent deliveries”, but a vaginal breech delivery is possible after careful discussion of this option with your obstetrician.


The obstetricians at OGB are experienced in performing external cephalic version (ECV) which means turning a breech baby around to a head-first position. ECV is usually performed at 36-37 weeks but it is not suitable, or successful, for all women. Your obstetrician will discuss whether this is a safe option for you and your baby.


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