For many who have had a cesarean birth, future vaginal births are a good, healthy option for birth. It’s not always possible to tell which pregnancies are good candidates for future vaginal births, but for women who might be, a healthcare provider may recommend a VBAC.
A large proportion of those who have had previous cesarean births are strong candidates for vaginal births after cesareans. Of the people who do try, between 60 and 80% of them successfully birth vaginally. This is known as a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean birth).
It’s true that people who had complications from previous cesarean birth may potentially experience complications during labor. However, the vast majority going for VBACs generally have healthy, positive experiences.
There is a chance of uterine rupture
Uterine rupture, or tearing along the scar from a previous cesarean birth, is a rare but serious side effect of laboring on a scarred uterus. Uterine rupture can cause heavy bleeding and potential infection, hemorrhage, and damage other organs and structures in the mother. It can also increase the chances of hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, as well other severe maternal and fetal complications.
However, women in general have a less than 1% chance of uterine rupture, and women who have had previous vaginal births have an even lower risk than that. Uterine rupture is most common in women with vertical cesarean scars or prior uterine surgery that enters the thick part of the uterine wall, which is why these women are generally not recommended to try to labor.
Not all hospitals support them
Hospitals that are not equipped to perform cesarean births at a moment’s notice do not offer VBACs, even to people who would otherwise be good candidates for one. This is because of the risk of uterine rupture, as well as other risks associated with VBACs. If you would like a VBAC, it’s a good idea to discuss it with your healthcare provider early on. If you’re a good candidate for a VBAC, an early discussion will leave plenty of time to switch to another provider or hospital if yours doesn’t offer the kind of birth you’d like to try.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- Mary M. Murry. “To VBAC or not to VBAC?” MayoClinic. Mayo Clinic. February 19 2010. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “VBAC: Insights from a Mayo Clinic Specialist.” MayoClinic. Mayo Clinic. July 2 2015. Web.
- “Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).” BrighamandWomens. Brigham And Women’s Hospital. September 18 2015. Web.
