FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?
If you have had a cesarean delivery (also called a C-section) before, you may be able to deliver your next baby vaginally. The procedure is called "VBAC" or 'vaginal birth after C-section', and is pronounced "V-BACK". If you and your doctor agree to try a VBAC, you will have what is called a "trial of labor." This means that you plan to go into labor with the goal to deliver vaginally. But as in any labor, it is hard to know if a VBAC will work. You still may need a C-section. As many as 4 out of 10 women who have a trial of labor need to have a repeat C-section.

What are the benefits of a VBAC over a C-section?
Some benefits of a VBAC include: (1) not creating another incision and scar on your uterus; (2) less pain and a faster recovery at home; (3) a lower risk of infection; (4) a healthier process for your baby; and, (5) you and your birthing partner actively participate in the birth of your child.

What are the risks of VBAC?
The most serious risk of a VBAC is that a C-section scar could come open during labor. While a rare event rupture does happen. This life-threatening risk is why VBAC is only offered by hospitals that can do a rapid emergency C-section.

Is a VBAC trial of labor safe to try?
If you have had only one C-section delivery, VBAC may be a safe option for you. You and your doctor may think about a VBAC trial of labor if: (1) you have only one low, side-to-side scar from a C-section; (2) you have had 2 C-sections before, but you have also had a vaginal delivery; (3) you don't have a reason for a C-section in this pregnancy, such as a placenta previa; and, (4) the hospital has the staff and tools to do a quick C-section in case you need one.

What questions should my doctor ask to help determine if a VBAC is right for me?
Have you had previous vaginal deliveries? How many C-sections have you had in the past? What was the reason for the prior C-section? What type of uterine incision was used for the prior C-section? Are you delivering multiple babies? Do you have any health conditions that might interfere with a VBAC? Do you plan to deliver at home? Will you be delivering your baby in a facility equipped to handle an emergency C-section in the event complications arise?

A VBAC STORY...

Sally holds her newborn, Samantha. After an emergency C-section with her first baby, Sally wanted a VBAC with her second pregnancy. With her firstborn now an active toddler, the 35-year-old woman wanted a faster recovery. She just did not want to deal with the extended healing time required with a C-section. Her first doctor turned her down flat because she was worried more about the risks of vaginal delivery than of C-section. Sally went looking for a physician who would deliver her second child by VBAC. A few days after her due date, and a lengthy labor Sally gave birth —the way she wanted —to a healthy girl. She would be the first to tell you that you that all her work to find the doctor and hospital to support her decision was worth it.