Vaginal birth after caesarean: an opportunity for mothers to give birth naturally at FV

According to UNICEF ​​statistics, the rate of C-section births accounts for 34.4 per cent of all births in Vietnam from 2020 to 2021. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the rate of C-section should be limited to less than 15 per cent. If not for medical reasons, caesarean section should not be performed before the 39^th week to ensure safety for mother and baby.

Vaginal birth helps mothers and babies practice “skin-to-skin” contact sooner, to enhance the emotional connection 

Studies have shown that there any many health benefits of a vaginal birth for mother and baby. FV’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has a strict C-section policy: doctors are only assigned to give birth by C-section when the woman is 39 weeks pregnant or more when there are no pregnancy complications. Doctors will offer maximum support to pregnant women who are able to carry out a vaginal birth, even if the woman has had a C-section previously. 

Vaginal delivery has many benefits for both mother and baby

Dr Vo Trieu Dat, Deputy Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of FV Hospital, says that a vaginal birth will enable mothers to recover faster after giving birth, stay for a shorter period in hospital, and be at less risk of surgical complications such as wound infection, postoperative infection. A vaginal birth also allows a mother to care for her baby sooner and creates fewer complications for later pregnancies, such as caesarean scarring, ectopic pregnancy or a ruptured uterus. A vaginal birth also helps the baby to develop. The movement of the baby through the mother’s birth canal will help move fluid from their lungs, minimises symptoms of respiratory failure, and helps the baby’s lungs to function better.

“A vaginal birth or C-section?” This is not only a key question for pregnant women and their families, but also a concern of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors, as well as people creating hospital policy. Dr Ngo Trung Nam, FV Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, shared: “A C-section is a reasonable choice to avoid complications of labour. However, in terms of overall health, a vaginal birth has a lot of benefits and makes conditions for the next birth more favourable.”

For these reasons, FV’s Board of Directors and obstetricians always encourage pregnant women to choose to give birth naturally, if possible, even if they have had a C-section previously. This effort has helped to increase the rate of women choosing to have a vaginal birth at FV. “In the very first days of pregnancy check-ups, I explain everything about vaginal births clearly so women can trust that this is the best option for them and their baby, and the probability they will choose a normal birth will be much higher,” says Dr Nam.

Is it possible to have a vaginal birth after having a C-section?

To assess whether a vaginal delivery is possible requires a thorough examination and strong communication between the doctor and expecting mother about its advantages, risks and alternatives in case of emergency. Pregnant women are encouraged to have a vaginal birth when there are no contraindications, such as no other abnormalities or surgical scarring to the uterus, no pelvic abnormalities and no other serious problems. The most important thing is the patient’s confidence and determination in saying “I can have a vaginal delivery”. According to Dr Nam, 80 per cent of women who have had a C-section previously can still have a successful vaginal delivery.

At FV, pregnant women are always encouraged to give birth naturally whenever possible

Affirming FV Hospital’s policy to encourage vaginal delivery, Dr Vo Trieu Dat, Deputy Head of FV’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, explains: “A pregnant woman can choose to have a C-section if there are no reasons why they should not have one. As a vaginal birth is good for both mother and baby, we will make great efforts to convince pregnant women to have a vaginal delivery when possible. All the doctors in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and related specialties are ready to support women so that their delivery goes safely and smoothly.”

FV has the advantage of being a multi-specialty hospital, and behind every midwife is strong supporting team. FV Hospital meets international standards for patient safety, including strict infection control, operating theatre procedure management, excellent postpartum care and a well-trained, qualified medical team. Recently, FV achieved JCI international medical quality certification for the third consecutive time with an almost perfect score. These factors help expecting mothers to feel confident in their obstetrician-gynaecologist team as they look forward to a comfortable, safe delivery.

The Inpatient Obstetrics and Gynaecology area evokes a five-star hotel 

To provide the experience of giving birth in comfortable accommodations that feel like staying at a five-star resort, FV Hospital has upgraded its Inpatient Obstetrics Department facilities to provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum recovery. FV also provides support services such as antenatal classes, birth planning, mother and baby care services at home after discharge to help mothers feel fully supported as they welcome their baby.