Vaginal Birth Specialist
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Calvin L. Hobbs, MD, PC
Board Certified OB/GYN located in Augusta, GA
Every soon-to-be mom is excited to meet her baby, but if you’re planning to have a vaginal birth, it’s important to know what you can expect during the delivery process. At Calvin L. Hobbs, MD, PC, in Augusta , Georgia, an experienced team of board-certified OB/GYNs can help you prepare for your vaginal birth. Whether you’re a first-time mom or previously had a C-section, Calvin L. Hobbs, MD, PC, is available for all your labor and delivery needs. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more.
Vaginal Birth Q&A
What is a vaginal birth?
During a vaginal birth, your baby travels from the uterus through the vaginal. The most common type of birth, experts consider vaginal birth to be the safest delivery option in healthy pregnancies.
Can I have a vaginal birth if I’ve had a C-section?
A Cesarean (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which the team makes an incision in your abdomen to remove your baby from your uterus. While in the past, it was thought too risky for women with past C-sections to deliver vaginally, medical practices have evolved to make VBAC safer and healthier for both mother and baby. A vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is successful for more than 70% of women.
Is a VBAC right for me?
You’re more likely to have a VBAC without complications if you:
- Have a healthy pregnancy
- Go into labor near your due date
- Had a low transverse (bikini cut) C-section
- Have had a vaginal birth before
The team can help assess your risk of complications for a VBAC as they continue to evaluate your health during pregnancy. A VBAC may not be right for you if you’re obese, past your due date, or your baby is very large.
A VBAC offers many advantages over another C-section. VBACs typically don’t require surgery and result in less blood loss and a shorter recovery period than C-section procedures.
What happens during a vaginal birth?
A healthy pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. Every vaginal birth is unique, but most vaginal births begin with labor.
Labor, when it’s time to deliver your baby, occurs in three phases: early labor, active labor, and transitional labor. Active labor is the most intense period of labor, when it’s time to start pushing. An epidural injection, an anesthetic, during labor can help reduce pain and discomfort during the labor and delivery process.
Once your cervix dilates to 10 cm, you can start pushing. Most first-time mothers push for one to two hours, but this period can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Finally, after the team safely delivers your baby, you deliver the placenta.
A vaginal birth is a safe procedure that offers a shorter recovery period compared to C-sections. To schedule an appointment with Calvin L. Hobbs, MD, PC, call the office or book a visit online today.
