What are the chances of a normal delivery following a C-section?

Dr B Shakuntala Baliga MD (AIIMS), FICOG
Professor and Senior Consultant Gynecologist & Colposcopist
Mazumdar-Shaw Center for Cancer Research & Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispecialty Hospital, Bangalore

Q: My first baby was delivered through a c-section. Now I am 36 weeks pregnant. My doctor has advised me to choose an option for delivery either through operation or normal. I want a normal delivery but my doctors says that if you want a normal one then there is risk to fetus and have advised to go for a surgery. Doctor please advise me as soon as possible.

A:The chances of normal delivery following a previous C-section can be as high as 70%. But it depends upon following factors:

Reason for 1st CS

Length of labour band cervical dilatation before 1 st CS

Estimated weight of present baby

Presentation of baby

Cephalo-pelvic disproportion to be ruled out

Whether or not there are any medical problems e.g. high BP during this pregnancy.It is best to leave the decision to your treating obstetrician -she is the best judge. After all, you want the end result to be good- for both & your baby, isn't it? It is difficult to give an opinion in your case without examining you. If you still have doubts you should take a second opinion from an experienced doctor.