Cesarean Birth
Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances during a woman’s labor result in the need for a cesarean birth (C-section). A C-section is when the obstetrician makes an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. There are a number of reasons why a woman may need a C-section, ranging from emergent issues such as fetal distress or a uterine rupture, or less urgent issues such as laboring while failing to dilate or the baby is in a breech position.
Regardless of the situation, any mother who needs a C-section while giving birth at WakeMed North Hospital is in excellent hands. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, our board-certified, highly skilled and experienced OB/GYNs are on-site to perform and/or assist with cesarean deliveries. This is especially important for women whose regular OB/GYNs cannot get to the hospital in time. Additionally, we provide 24/7 coverage by highly skilled neonatal specialists who are present during all cesarean and complicated vaginal births. Learn more about the neonatology services at North Hospital.
At North Hospital, we have a dedicated surgical room for C-sections and our operating room (OR) can also be used for the procedure if necessary. Both are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and accessories, necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby.
Vaginal Delivery After C-Section
We asked Seth Brody, OB/GYN and executive medical director for women’s services at WakeMed, to provide some guidance for expectant mothers on this question. Here is his answer:
“In general, we are very supportive of vaginal birth after c-sections (VBACs) at WakeMed’s three birthing centers and at WakeMed Physician Practices – OB/GYNs and Maternal Fetal Medicine. The majority of time, a vaginal birth after one c-section is successful with no complications. However, there is still a slightly higher risk, less than one percent in most cases, of uterine rupture even after one c-section. But, as long as a thorough review of the history as well as the benefits and risks of VBAC are discussed, and the patient and the physician agree, then WakeMed and WakeMed’s physicians are supportive of a VBAC."
If the mother has had two or fewer cesarean sections and her records confirm a transverse or side-to-side cut in the lower part of the uterus, then we do support VBAC after counseling with a physician.
Things get more complicated if the mother has three of more c-sections because her risk for uterine rupture will be higher. This is not to say that a VBAC is out of the question, but it would be very important for the mother to be well-informed of the risks, have a strong partnership with a physician who specializes in high-risk deliveries and the delivery should occur at Raleigh Campus where there are high-level services available in the event of complications.
It is also a great idea for any mother, regardless of the number of c-sections, to have a consultation with a maternal fetal medicine provider. WakeMed Physician Practices – Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians offer appointments at each of our hospitals.
Scheduled C-Sections
If your OB/GYN practice has privileges at WakeMed North and you are planning to deliver by C-section, the procedure can be scheduled at our facility. Please inquire with your OB/GYN for details.
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