A natural birth is clinically a safe choice for women – even if they have had a Caesarean section in the past – and carry a lower risk of complications. The new guidance by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says that vaginal births after a previous caesarean section have a success rate of around 75%, which is the same as for first-time mothers. The success rate rises up to 90% if the woman has had a previous successful vaginal birth. Even after two or more Caesarean sections the rate of success of a vaginal birth is still high, at 71%.
“It is important for women to know that both Caesarean section and vaginal birth after a previous Caesarean section are safe and that when reaching a decision their individual circumstances, and preferences, should be taken into account,” Professor Alan Cameron, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said.
