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Repeat C-section: Pros and cons
By Mayo Clinic staffRepeat C-sections appeal to many women. As you're making your decision, remember the pros and cons of a repeat C-section.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You choose the time of delivery. | Your hospital stay will probably be longer than if you'd had a VBAC. |
| A C-section usually takes considerably less time than does labor and a vaginal delivery. | Pain and fatigue linger longer after a C-section. |
| In some cases, a C-section may be safer for you and your baby. | You may wait longer to bond with your baby and begin breast-feeding. |
| Complications are rare. | A repeat C-section makes it riskier to attempt VBAC for your next baby. |
| You don't have to experience the pain of labor. | C-section poses rare — but real — risks to your baby, such as premature birth and breathing problems. |
| The risk of needing a hysterectomy to stop bleeding after delivery increases with the number of repeat C-sections. | |
| A C-section costs more than a successful VBAC does. |
