Vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC)
Vaginal birth after c-section is having your baby vaginally when you’ve had at least 1 baby by
caesarean section (c-section).
After one c-section, about 3 out of 4 women with a straightforward pregnancy who go into labour naturally give birth vaginally.
You're more likely to have a successful vaginal birth for a number of reasons including:
- previous vaginal birth
- previous successful VBAC
- your labour starting naturally
- your body mass index (BMI) at booking being less than 30
If you would like a vaginal birth after c-section you should discuss this with your midwife.
Advantages of a successful VBAC
If you have a successful vaginal birth:
- you will have a greater chance of a vaginal birth in future pregnancies
- your recovery is likely to be quicker
- your stay in hospital may be shorter
- you are more likely to be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after birth and to be able to breastfeed successfully
- you will avoid the risks of an operation
- your baby will have less chance of initial breathing problems
Disadvantages of VBAC
There are some disadvantages including:
- you have a slightly higher chance of needing a blood transfusion
- the scar on your uterus may separate and / or tear (rupture)
- you may need an
assisted vaginal birth using ventouse or forceps
- you may experience a tear involving the muscle that controls the anus or rectum
- you may need to have an emergency caesarean section during labour
VBAC is normally an option for most women but it is not advisable if:
- you have had three or more previous caesarean deliveries
- your uterus has ruptured during a previous labour
- your previous caesarean section was ‘classical’ for example where the incision involved the upper part of the uterus
- you have other pregnancy complications that require a planned caesarean section