Your Birth, Your Options:
Understanding VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesareans)
What is a VBAC?
Definition
A VBAC is a vaginal birth after a cesarean. It means giving birth through the vagina after previously having a c-section surgery.
Key Points of Consideration
The type of uterine incision and time since previous c-section is key. Your current pregnancy health and hospital policy also play a role in VBAC success.
Why a VBAC?
Benefits
- Decreased maternal morbidity
- Shorter postpartum recovery time compared to repeat cesarean
- Lower risk of infection, blood loss, and complications from surgery
Risks
- Infection
- Failed trial of labor that may result in an unplanned cesarean
- Very rare but serious risk of uterine rupture at incision site**
Note: According to the Cleveland Clinic, the rate of morbidity for the birth [parent] is less than 1%
Key Information
Eligibility & Safety
- 60–80% success rate
- One prior lower transverse (side to side) incision improves success rate
- VBACs are not recommended if prior history of uterine rupture
VBAC Calculators
- Used to estimate the success of a VBAC
- Includes age, height, weight, and labor history
- Important: VBAC calculators are estimates only, not perfect. Older versions included race, which is no longer included as a factor.
Shared Decision Making
- Discuss options with your provider early in your pregnancy. Some hospital policies do not allow VBACs.
- Use the BRAIN (Benefits. Risks. Alternatives. Intuition. Nothing) method to determine if a provider recommendation aligns with your goals.
- Everyone deserves safe and respectful care. Seek a 2nd opinion as necessary.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
Resources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
https://www.acog.org/National Institute of Health (NIH)
https://www.nih.gov/Evidence Based Birth
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/VBAC.com
https://vbac.com/Always ensure resources offer medically accurate and culturally appropriate information.
FAQs for Your Provider
Only your healthcare provider can determine if you qualify for a VBAC based on your medical history and prenatal health.
Hospital policies vary. Ask if VBAC is supported, what monitoring is provided, and if emergency cesarean is available if needed.
It is a guide, not a guarantee. Calculators are estimates and should never replace a conversation with your provider.
A VBAC is possible in all birth settings (home, birthing center, and hospital). Your medical provider may recommend a hospital setting.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.