Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)

The C-section, also known as cesarean delivery, is one of the most important developments in obstetric care. It has allowed many women to safely give birth and avoid health risks. Many women who have received a C-section, however, may still wish to give birth vaginally.

In the past, this was thought to be impossible. But due to recent advancements, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is now possible for many women. Request more information about VBAC today: call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

What is VBAC?

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) refers to the process of a woman giving birth vaginally after having delivered a previous child via a C-section. This was not always possible; the phrase “once a cesarean, always a cesarean” was often used to describe the situation that C-section mothers were in.

Now, VBAC provides those mothers with the chance to experience vaginal birth, even if a C-section was previously used. There are many reasons why a woman may want to attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean, including:

• Fewer Complications: Repeat C-sections may be more susceptible to infections and blood loss than VBAC.
• Reduced Recovery Time: A regular C-section requires additional hospital time and recovery for the scar to fully heal. Initially this can mean a larger gap before breastfeeding and holding the baby can begin.
• To Experience Vaginal Birth: Some women wish to experience vaginal birth at some point in their life. Often, these women were given a C-section due to unforeseen circumstances or risks.
• Future VBACs: Every time a C-section is performed, it increases the chance that VBAC will fail. If a woman intends to deliver more children vaginally in the future, VBAC will likely be recommended.

How does VBAC Work?

It's important to understand that not every woman is right for the vaginal birth after cesarean procedure. If the issue that necessitated the original C-section is still present, then a vaginal birth will not be recommended.

Other factors that negatively affect VBAC success rates include:

• Induced labor
• Particularly large baby
• Two or more C-sections performed in the past
• Post-due child
• Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes
• Twins or triplets

If vaginal birth after cesarean is recommended, the procedure itself is very similar to traditional vaginal birth. More intense monitoring is required to ensure that labor and birth is progressing normally. Around 25% of VBAC attempts end in a C-section, so it is important to temper expectations.

Request VBAC Information Today

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) provides many women with the chance to experience vaginal delivery, even if a C-section has been performed. Request more information about VBAC today: call (408) 946-9453 or contact us online.

Author

Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG As an expert in preventive care, innovative treatment solutions, and laparoscopic surgery, board-certified OB/GYN Gul A. Zikria, MD, FACOG, is a trusted practitioner who’s been in private practice since 1985. Dr. Zikria earned his doctor of medicine from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark. He went on to complete a competitive surgical residency program at Georgetown University in Washington. Dr. Zikria then went through a comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology residency program through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center at the Magee-Women’s Hospital. He welcomes new and existing patients to his practice in Milpitas, California.