Q: I am 27 and my first child just turned one last week. We are starting to talk about having baby number two and I was wondering what your opinion is on how far apart to space your pregnancies. I have heard some people say 18 months, but I have also heard some people say more or less than this. Let me know...thanks!
A: The spacing of children is a very personal decision but there are some medical statistics that might help in your decision making. Medically speaking the ideal spacing of children (the time between the birth of one child and the birth of the next child) is between 18-60 months. Spacing sooner or later may slightly increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Other factors may include obstetrical history (gestational age of prior delivery, route of delivery, pregancy/delivery complications, etc.), general health, age, number of children you desire, age you want to be finished having children, etc. If you had a high risk pregnancy you may want to sit down with your health care provider and discuss ideal pregancy spacing for you, specifically.
Some women do great having a shorter space between children. Others need more time to feel physically and emotionally ready. Also consider the age and stage of your first child when your second child would be born. Do you mind having two babies in diapers, for example. Everyone has their opinion on the matter. I would say the most important opinions are those of you and your husband. You should have your next baby when you feel you are physically and emotionally ready.
Thanks! ~Lisa
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Q: I am 32 years old. I had a normal vaginal delivery with my first child and a C-section with my second child due to breech position. Am I a good candidate to try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with my next pregancy? How likely is it that I will be able deliver vaginally?
A: There are many factors that affect your ability to have a successful VBAC. Some can be predicted ahead of time (prior obstetrical history, reason for prior C/S, general health, etc.) and some may not be known until closer to deliver (such as cervical dilation, size and presentation of fetus, etc.)
Many studies have been done to identify factors that affect the chance of trial of labor success (resulting in successful VBAC). Some factors that increase success include: Caucasian race, nonsmoker, body mass index less than 30, prior vaginal birth, uncomplicated pregnancy without other comorbid medical conditions and prior C/S related to multiples (like twins).
There are models in which specific factors such as demographics, OB history, overall health, etc. can be plugged in to help predict success rates. One can be found at www.bsc.gwu.edu/mfmu/vagbirth.html. With the limited information I have about you I would say your chances of a successful VBAC are very good, but I recommend a visit with your health care provider to further discuss this. Thanks for asking the question and good luck!
~Lisa
A: There are many factors that affect your ability to have a successful VBAC. Some can be predicted ahead of time (prior obstetrical history, reason for prior C/S, general health, etc.) and some may not be known until closer to deliver (such as cervical dilation, size and presentation of fetus, etc.)
Many studies have been done to identify factors that affect the chance of trial of labor success (resulting in successful VBAC). Some factors that increase success include: Caucasian race, nonsmoker, body mass index less than 30, prior vaginal birth, uncomplicated pregnancy without other comorbid medical conditions and prior C/S related to multiples (like twins).
There are models in which specific factors such as demographics, OB history, overall health, etc. can be plugged in to help predict success rates. One can be found at www.bsc.gwu.edu/mfmu/vagbirth.html. With the limited information I have about you I would say your chances of a successful VBAC are very good, but I recommend a visit with your health care provider to further discuss this. Thanks for asking the question and good luck!
~Lisa
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