Childbirth/Vbac

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Expert: - 5/19/2009


Question
My wife is 38 weeks pregnant with our second child.  She had a c section first time, and this time has gestional diabetes. Her doctor wants her to have a c section on her due date, my wife wants to try natural.  is there a danger for her and the baby if she waits an extra week to try natural? The diabetes has about 3 bad readings per week and she takes insulin 3 times a day.

Answer
Peter,


There is no research to support that a second c-section is automatically necessary or that it is safer for her or the baby, even when gestational diabetes is present if it is well-controlled.


Some references are available at:

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/treatment-for-gestational-diabetes.html


So, yes, in all probability she should be able to wait and try for a vaginal birth.



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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