This handout explains the option of choosing a vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC). This helps our patients decide if they want to attempt a vaginal birth or to have a repeat Cesarean birth.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Vaginal births are possible after a Cesarean birth. If you have had one or two Cesarean births in the past, you may be able to have a VBAC in the future. The success rates of women trying VBAC range between 60% and 80%.
Choosing to Have a VBAC
Shorter recovery time
No surgery
Less chance of infection
Less blood loss
Less complications with future pregnancies
Less risk for future deliveries
VBAC Candidates
Those who have had one or two Cesarean births.
Those whose Cesarean birth incision on the uterus was “low transverse” rather than vertical. Skin incision may be different than the incision on the uterus. We will need to get the report of your prior Cesarean birth to confirm this.
During a consult, your provider will help determine what your success rate could be.
Some patients may not be able to have a VBAC if:
The baby is not head down.
The placenta is covering the cervix.
Placenta previa
VBAC Risks
Uterine rupture
Three or more prior Cesarean births
Emergency Cesarean birth
Risks to your health
Risks to baby’s health
There is more risk if a Cesarean birth needs to be done after an attempt at labor compared to having a planned repeat Cesarean birth.
How to Decrease Risks
Use continuous fetal monitoring, to assure baby’s health through labor.
Have lab work (to include blood count and blood typing).
Have an intravenous line (IV) while in labor.
Give birth in a hospital with a provider who can manage problems if they were to occur.
Avoid prolonged labor and proceed to repeat Cesarean birth if problems occur.
Increasing Chances of Having a Successful VBAC
Your labor starts on its own.
You labor starts before the due date.
You have had a successful vaginal delivery in the past.
You have good prenatal care that includes a healthy diet and exercise.
Cesarean Birth Risks
There are risks with all types of deliveries, vaginal and Cesarean births. Most patients and their babies have happy and healthy outcomes.
Who to Call
Discuss these issues, concerns, and your health history with our Ob/Gyn provider. You and your provider will make a plan that you both agree with.