VBAC - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
As a three-time VBAC mom, I know the challenges of the VBAC journey, and the joy in its completion. The keys to a successful VBAC for me were:
- Learning the facts and statistics
- Knowing the right questions to ask
- Finding the right provider
- Developing a strong and specific birth plan
- Having the right support team
“Attempting a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior Cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous Cesareans.”
Click Here to read the entire ACOG Bulletin on VBAC Guidelines
STatement by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
According to the 2010 conference statement by the NIH:
- "Women who have a trial of labor, regardless of ultimate mode of delivery, are at decreased risk of maternal mortality compared to elective repeat Cesarean delivery."
- TOLAC (trial of labor after Cesarean section)/VBAC is a reasonable option for many pregnant women with one prior low transverse uterine incision
- Successful VBAC rates are consistently high, ranging from 60 to 80 percent
- Though the risk is low, at less than 1 percent, a highlighted and often-cited concern with TOLAC/VBAC is uterine rupture
- Women should be provided the full spectrum of information regarding risks of repeat Cesarean section, as well as the risks and benefits of VBAC
- How risk is presented and communicated by providers has a powerful effect on women's ability to make an informed choice about whether or not VBAC is a reasonable option for her
Click Here to read the entire conference statement as published by the NIH