What is VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

Simply put, if a woman has already delivered a baby via cesarean, she may be eligible to give birth to her next child vaginally. This process is called VBAC or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. It is always said that if a woman undergoes a cesarean once, she can't deliver the next baby vaginally. But this statement doesn’t hold any longer.

Cesarean or C-section is a surgical method to give birth to a child. In this procedure, surgeons cut (incision) on your abdomen and then insert the uterus either horizontally or vertically. Then your baby is born through this incision. Conversely, there is no surgical cut in a vaginal delivery. Since the safety of the mother and baby is crucial, VBAC isn't a safe delivery option for every woman. If your case is riskier, it can cause serious problems for you and your baby. Therefore, a doctor's consultation is essential.

Your health is key

Choosing to have a VBAC is a personal decision. But it needs to be medically backed since your current health is crucial in the whole scenario. After discussing the matter with your health provider and midwife, you can consider a VBAC.

Is a VBAC suitable for you? Well, it depends on your and your baby’s health. Both of you must be in good health. Interestingly, you might also prefer having VBAC even if you are pregnant with twins and all are healthy enough. Meanwhile, your current location and accessibility to medical care are also important for a higher success rate.

Risks Involved

VBAC can be a riskier approach even if both of you are healthy during the entire duration of pregnancy. There is also a little risk of a scar in your womb and abdomen during labor. That’s why doctors monitor labour during a VBAC so closely. When a scar ruptures, it can cause serious concern for both of you. A hysterectomy may be required in a rare situation with severe bleeding.

Various risks include:

Blood loss
Injury and infection
Ruptured uterus (very dangerous)
Labour doesn’t go well

VBAC Benefits

There are plenty of reasons why a woman may want to attempt a VBAC. Provided that it isn't a risky decision for the mother and baby, a successful VBAC can bring forth the following advantages:

Less blood loss
Lower chances of infection
No need for surgery
Shorter recovery time
No kind of injury to your bladder
Experience with vaginal delivery
Fewer problems with your future childbirth

Are you a good candidate for VBAC?

If you are considering having a VBAC this time, talk to your health provider. He/she will help you identify various risks and complications associated with your case. VBAC will be the right option for you if the risks are lower than the success chances.

You are eligible for a VBAC if: