Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): is it possible?
For most women who've had a cesarean, a vaginal birth remains a safe option worth considering.
Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is possible for most women who've had a single prior cesarean with a low horizontal ('bikini') incision and no other particular complication. Success rates generally fall between 60 and 80%.
The main risk to watch for is uterine rupture at the site of the previous scar, a rare event (under 1% of cases) but a serious one, which is why continuous labor monitoring and quick access to an operating room are recommended during a VBAC attempt.
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Some factors improve the odds of success: labor starting spontaneously rather than being induced, having had only one prior cesarean, and a pelvis whose shape didn't cause problems during the previous pregnancy. Other factors, such as the type of prior uterine incision, can make VBAC inadvisable.
The decision is made together with your healthcare provider, taking into account your full obstetric history, the resources available at your place of birth, and your own preferences. Neither VBAC nor a planned repeat cesarean is universally 'better' — every situation is different.
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This information is general and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, pharmacist). Every situation is unique: always check with them before making a decision. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
