It is the current practice at many medical facilities to automatically schedule a c-section for any child after a previous medically-necessary c-section. This is somewhat controversial, as the risks of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) may be less than originally thought. Some studies show that between 74% and 82% of women attempting a trial of labor after a c-section had successful vaginal deliveries.
However, I can find no indication that 2 years separation is a hard factor in this. I can only find some examples of anecdotal evidence that claims that 18 months between deliveries is the minimum. The site childbirthconnection.org also mentions an 18 month delay between deliveries as being the minimum to reduce the chance of having scar-related problems.
Other factors seem to be:
The chances of a successful VBAC are higher if:
- You've had only one prior low transverse uterine incision — the most common type for a C-section — and no other uterine incisions
- You and your baby are healthy and your pregnancy is progressing normally
- The reason you had your prior C-section isn't a factor this time
- Your labor begins naturally on or before your due date
- You've had a previous successful vaginal delivery
The chances of a successful VBAC are lower if:
- Your pregnancy continues beyond your due date
- You have an unusually large baby
- You've had two or more C-sections and no vaginal deliveries
I know a couple who recently had their second child, after an initial c-section. The mother was very set on attempting a VBAC, and had to change hospitals to find one willing to even allow them to attempt it. The second child was born 3 years after the first, rather than two, but she did have the birth vaginally without incident.
