Vaginal birth after c-section

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