VBAC Specialist

What is a VBAC?

VBAC stands for “vaginal birth after cesarean,” which means delivering a child via vaginal birth after a previous child was born via cesarean section or C-section. In decades past, one C-section meant that all future children would be born the same way. Today, however, it’s possible for women to have a vaginal birth even after one or more children were delivered surgically.

Am I a good candidate for VBAC?

You should be in good overall health for a vaginal birth to be a good option. If your obstetrician feels that you have too many risk factors, a cesarean section may be a better approach. Risk factors include:

• Being older than 35
• Obesity
• Pre-eclampsia, or high maternal blood pressure and organ damage
• Previous C-section in the past 19 months
• Carrying a large baby

Your obstetrician can assess your health and determine if VBAC is the right path going forward.

What about my C-section scar?

The orientation of your C-section scar is an important consideration. If your scar is transverse, meaning it runs from top to bottom, it will not be possible to have a vaginal delivery.

That’s because the labor and delivery process places a great deal of strain on your body, and can cause your scar to rupture, placing you in serious danger. Even if your C-section scar is low and transverse, a vaginal birth still comes with a risk of scar rupture, although the risk is only around 1%.

Your obstetrician carefully monitors your condition and the health of your baby throughout your labor and delivery experience. If there are signs of distress, it’s often possible to change course and move to a cesarean section. Your odds are good, however, as approximately 70% of women who attempt a vaginal delivery after a C-section are successful.

Why consider VBAC?

Women consider VBAC for many different reasons. Some feel strongly about having the experience of a vaginal birth. Other reasons to pursue a VBAC include:

• Less blood loss
• Lower chance of infection
• Faster recovery
• Less risk of bladder or bowel injury
• No need for surgery

If you’re thinking about trying for a vaginal birth after a cesarean section, come in for a consultation at North Atlanta Women’s Care. Your obstetrician works with you to find the right birth plan for you and your baby.