VBAC, which stands for “vaginal birth after Cesarean,” is one birth option available to pregnant women who’ve previously had a C-section. But if you’re considering a VBAC for your pregnancy, you must understand the benefits and risks associated with this procedure.

What is a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean?

If you brought your last child into the world via cesarean section, commonly referred to as a “c-section,” you may wonder if vaginal birth is the best option for you during your next delivery. 

When a mother gives birth with C-section and chooses to give birth to their next baby vaginally, it is referred to as “vaginal birth after Cesarean,” also known as VBAC. There’s a common misconception that once you’ve had a Cesarean delivery, all subsequent pregnancies must also be via C-section. For a long time, this was recommended. But now, VBACs are an accepted and safe option for many pregnancies.

Why Should You Consider a VBAC?

There are several reasons a woman may choose to have a VBAC, including the following:

• Avoiding complications associated with another C-section. Women who have already had one C-section are at increased risk for complications if they have another one. These risks can include infection, blood loss, placenta issues, and adhesions (scar tissue that can cause organs to stick together).
• The desire to experience a vaginal birth. Vaginal birth is generally shorter and less painful than a C-section. It also comes with a lower risk of complications for both the mother and baby and, often, a shorter recovery time after labor.
• Setting a precedent for future deliveries. With each successive pregnancy, having repeated C-sections can mean an exponential chance for complications and health issues. So mothers planning on more children after their current pregnancy may prefer to try a VBAC and lower their future risks.

What Risks Are Associated with VBAC?

While there are many benefits to having a VBAC, as with any medical procedure, some risks are also involved. One of the most significant risks is uterine rupture, a rare but serious complication that can occur when the scar from previous C-section tears during labor. Tearing can cause the baby to be born prematurely or even die.

Overall, however, VBACs are tied to fewer complications than repeat C-sections and are successful up to 80% of the time. So if you’re considering a VBAC, discuss your options with a licensed healthcare provider. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of this option and whether it’s a good fit for your pregnancy so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your baby.

Explore Your Birth Plan Options with OB2Me

Making decisions about your pregnancy and childbirth can be daunting for any mother-to-be, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

At 2Me Healthcare, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for you and your family. We are also available to you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2Me provides multiple packages and services to best fit your needs and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Contact our team today to see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!

Carson

Carson Ragan, CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 25 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Neonatal ICU, and women’s healthcare. After becoming a mother at a young age and experiencing the birth of her premature second child, she was inspired to pursue nursing and ultimately midwifery.

She earned her nursing degree from Columbus State University and graduated as an RN in 1999. After years of experience as an L&D and NICU nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinician, she earned her graduate degree from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2010 and became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her personal experiences as both a mother and healthcare provider inspired her vision for a more personal, convenient approach to women’s healthcare. She created a concierge model designed to give women more time, individualized attention, and quality care in the comfort of their home or office.

Outside of work, Carson enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, volunteering with her daughter’s volleyball teams, traveling, and scuba diving.