A vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) is the vaginal delivery of a baby after a cesarean procedure of a previous pregnancy. It was at one time thought to be unsafe for a mother to attempt a VBAC, and a woman was often told she must schedule a C-section for all her future pregnancies. Although, many recent studies have found that a VBAC can be a safe option under the right circumstances.
If you are pregnant and have experienced a cesarean delivery in the past, talk to your OB-GYN about a potential VBAC birth plan. They will review all the details of your C-section and help determine if you’re a good VBAC candidate. They will also educate you on what to expect during a VBAC.
A VBAC comes with some risks, although many women can have one without complications. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 60%- 80% of women who have previously undergone a C-section can successfully give birth vaginally.
If you’re interested in a VBAC, your OB-GYN can help weigh the risks and benefits. It’s also important to check with your hospital to make sure they allow it.
The main concern associated with VBAC is a uterine rupture. A uterine rupture is when the pressure of labor causes the scar from your previous C-section to rupture open. While this can be a life-threatening complication for both the mother and baby, it’s very rare.
Serious health risks of a uterine rupture include:
Certain circumstances can increase your risk of a uterine rupture, including the location of your C-section scar. Research has shown that the risk is as low as 0.9% (1 out of 100) if you've had a previous C-section with a horizontal scar (transverse). Although, if you have a vertical scar, a VBAC may not be an option because the risk of uterine rupture is too high.
There are three different types of C-section scars:
There are many reasons why a woman may be interested in attempting a VBAC, including the desire to experience vaginal delivery. A VBAC can also help reduce the risks associated with multiple C-sections, such as infection and injury to adjacent organs.
Other benefits of a successful VBAC include:
If a woman is interested in a VBAC, she should talk to her OB-GYN early in her pregnancy. If it's decided that VBAC is an option, it's important to create a VBAC birth plan and understand that an emergency C-section may be needed at any point during delivery if the mother or baby's health is at risk.
Together, you and your OBGYN doctor can create the best birthing plan for you and your baby. Download our Birth Plan Checklist now for a smooth and personalized journey by clicking the image below.
If your baby's health was the reason for your previous C-section, not the actual labor process, you also have an increased chance of a successful VBAC. Examples of this can include a breech baby or an abnormal fetal heart rate tracing.
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It’s crucial you and your baby are in good health to consider a VBAC. Circumstances where a doctor will strongly advise against trying a VBAC include:
Your doctor may not completely reject a VBAC if you fall into one of these categories. Instead, they will talk to you about the higher risks you may have and the potential of having an emergency C-section during a VBAC attempt. If your doctor does reject your VBAC request, it’s important to discuss why they feel it is not medically safe.
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Some topics to discuss include:
Having an open and honest conversation with your OB-GYN can help you both develop a VBAC birthing plan. However, it’s important to be flexible because your birthing plan can change during your pregnancy for any reason.
You will likely have a lot of questions while creating your birthing plan, we are here to help. Download your free pregnancy planning kit here!
If you’re interested in a VBAC, our trusted physicians at Moreland OB-GYN can answer any questions you have and talk about your options. Together, we can determine if a VBAC birthing plan is a safe choice for you and your baby.
We will walk with you through every step of your pregnancy journey, and reevaluate your birthing plan at each late-term visit. We are here to help you feel prepared and confident when your due date approaches. Schedule a visit today!