First cesarean section, can second normal birth be possible?

When I gave birth to my first child, I had a cesarean section. Now, after 4 years, I am pregnant again and want to have a normal birth. Doctor, is this possible? (Nguyen Hoang Lan, 33 years old, living in Binh Duong)

Dr. Tran Nhat Thang , Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, answered:

After a cesarean section, a woman can heal the surgical scar on both the uterus and the abdominal wall very quickly. Recovery after a month is common. Therefore, giving the uterus enough rest to heal the scar is the most important thing to consider whether the next vaginal birth can be successful. But it is especially important to consider whether the cause of the previous surgery still exists.

If the first time the mother's pelvis was too narrow, this cannot be changed, we must have a cesarean section like the first time.

But if the first time the mother had severe high blood pressure in late pregnancy, gestational diabetes, or had a baby that was too big... and was advised to have a cesarean section, then this time after controlling the above factors, she can try a natural birth method. This is being encouraged and supported by medicine.

As for the time between births to be able to give birth naturally, a safe interval is only needed for the uterus to rest for 9 to 12 months. The time since the previous cesarean section, plus the months of breastfeeding, plus 40 weeks of fetal growth, the vast majority of women are capable of challenging a natural birth.

Of course, the risk of natural birth for people with a cesarean scar is higher than for people without a scar. Because the uterus with a scar is often weaker. But before the benefits of natural birth, doctors will monitor uterine contractions and advise the mother to pay attention to symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lan-dau-sinh-mo-lan-hai-co-the-sinh-thuong-khong-1851450084.htm