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- $Unique_ID{BRK00475}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Normal Delivery After Previous Cesarean Section}
- $Subject{birthing cesarean vaginal Pregnancy Childbirth vaginal delivery
- shorter recovery period less cost}
- $Volume{K-14}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Normal Delivery After Previous Cesarean Section
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- QUESTION: I need more information about a normal delivery after a previous
- cesarean section. My doctor has told me that it would be safe, but I thought
- you had to have a cesarean once you were delivered that way. Is there
- something new I should know about?
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- ANSWER: It was once thought that abdominal deliveries were the only safe
- route after previous cesarean deliveries, but opinions are beginning to
- change. Cesarean deliveries have been constantly on the rise in the United
- States, reaching more than 20% of all deliveries in 1984. Almost half of
- these women were repeaters, but recent developments have demonstrated that a
- vaginal delivery may not only be safe but preferable in carefully selected
- patients. Some of the advantages are a shorter recovery period, less cost,
- and avoiding the risks of anesthetic and postoperative complications. There
- are some guidelines developed by the Committee on Maternal and Fetal Medicine
- of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that are useful
- when making this decision. First on their list is the recommendation that the
- patient and physician discuss fully all of the pro's and con's of this option.
- The classic, previously used midline abdominal incision is still considered a
- contraindication to a trial of normal labor, and continuous fetal monitoring
- throughout labor is considered a must. If you are only carrying one baby, and
- don't expect the weight to be more that 8 lb. 11 oz., you may be an excellent
- candidate.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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