
If you have delivered a baby by C-section and you are pregnant again, you may be able to choose between another C-section or a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
VBAC may be attempted if the previous C-section was performed more than 18 months before the current pregnancy. However, there are risks associated with VBAC, especially if there is uterine scarring, a history of uterine rupture, or complicated delivery during the previous cesarean delivery.
Risks associated with VBAC delivery include:
- Uterine rupture
- This is a life-threatening complication for both mother and baby. If a uterine rupture occurs, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be required. Following a hysterectomy, a woman would not be able to get pregnant again.
- Blood clots in the blood vessels
- Extensive bleeding
- Infection
- Fetal distress
Some hospitals may not have the resources to perform VBAC or emergency cesarean deliveries. It is therefore important to discuss your options with your doctor to understand the pros, cons, and risks of natural birth after C-section.
Why is VBAC done?
Reasons for choosing VBAC may include:
- Positive effects on future pregnancies: If you are planning to have more children, VBAC can help reduce the risks of multiple cesarean deliveries in the future.
- Lower risk of surgical complications: A successful VBAC is associated with a lower risk of complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or formation of blood clots in one or more deep veins in the body (deep vein thrombosis). These blood clots in the veins can travel to the lungs, heart or brain, causing fatal complications. VBAC may also reduce the risk of surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), as well as injury to surrounding abdominal organs (such as the bladder or bowel), muscles, nerves, and other tissues.
- Shorter recovery time: The hospital stay following VBAC is shorter than a repeat cesarean delivery since the recovery time is often shorter, allowing the mother to resume her normal activities sooner.
- Personal choice: Some women may simply want to experience a vaginal delivery.
Who is VBAC ideal for?
You may be a candidate for VBAC if you are:
- Pregnant with one baby and:
- Have a history of cesarean delivery with low transverse (horizontal) incision without complications
- Have no other contraindications
- Pregnant with one baby and:
- Have a history of cesarean delivery and an unknown uterine incision
- Have no other contraindications
- VBAC may not be done if it is suspected that you had a high vertical (classical) uterine incision in the previous cesarean delivery
- Pregnant with twins or triplets and:
- Have a history of low transverse cesarean delivery
- Are a candidate for twin or triplet vaginal delivery

SLIDESHOW
Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See SlideshowWhen is VBAC not done?
VBAC is not recommended if you have a history of:
- High vertical (classical) uterine incision during the previous cesarean delivery
- Cesarean delivery with an unknown type of prior uterine incision or suspected classical incision
- Uterine rupture due to scarring from previous uterine surgeries
- Certain uterine surgeries, such as fibroid removal
- More than 2 previous cesarean deliveries
Other factors that may mean you can’t have a VBAC include:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 kg/m2 or higher at the time of delivery and you have never had a single vaginal delivery in previous pregnancies.
- Labor is not progressing.
- You are at an advanced age.
- Your pregnancy continues longer than 40 weeks.
- You have preeclampsia (a dangerous complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure).
- You have had previous cesarean delivery within the past 18 months.
- You have a closed cervix requiring labor induction.
Latest Pregnancy News
Daily Health News
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Guise JM, McDonagh MS, Hashima J, et al. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC): Summary. 2003 Mar. In: AHRQ Evidence Report Summaries. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 1998-2005. 71. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11968/
American Pregnancy Association. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: VBAC. https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-669
Top What Are Risks of Natural Birth After C-Section? Related Articles
Childbirth Delivery Methods and Types
There are various childbirth delivery methods and types such as the Lamaze method, the Bradley method, water birth, and assisted births. Options for where a woman can deliver her baby include home birth, a birthing center, and a hospital. The method and type of labor and delivery options should be discussed with a woman's doctor.C-Section (Cesarean Birth)
C-section (cesarean birth) is surgery to deliver a baby. C-section options, what to expect before, during, and after the delivery of your baby are important considerations for birth. Reasons for a C-section delivery include multiple births, health problems, problems with the pelvis, placenta, or umbilical cord. Vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC) is also an important issue to discuss with your doctor if you have had prior C-section deliveries.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT, Blood Clot in the Legs)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the deep veins, and can be caused by broken bones, trauma to a limb, immobility, medications, smoking, cancer, genetic predisposition, and cancer. Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis in a leg are swelling, tenderness, redness, warmth, and pain. Treatments for DVT include medications and surgery.DVT Quiz
Take the Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Quiz to learn causes, symptoms, and treatments for these two dangerous conditions.DVT Slideshow
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a dangerous and sometimes fatal blood clot that occurs deep within the lower leg or thigh. Understand the symptoms, treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).How Long Does It Take to Recover From Delivery?
Your body spent months preparing to give birth, and you’ve gone through a lot of physical and emotional stress during both pregnancy and delivery. It makes sense that after your baby’s arrival, your body needs time to heal and recover.Why Is Normal Delivery Not Possible After Cesarean Delivery?
A vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) is possible for many women, but it depends on many factors. Insisting on VBAC may put both you and your baby at risk; hence, you need to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.Pregnancy: Multiple Births, Twins, Triplets, and More
Multiple births occur when a woman bears twins, triplets, or even more babies during pregnancy. More multiples are born today thanks to assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization using fertility drugs. Women carrying multiples often give birth via C-section.Pregnancy Flu Shot Side Effects and Safety
The flu shot is safe for pregnant women and protects both mother and unborn baby from illness. Pregnant women should not, however, receive the nasal-spray flu vaccine.Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Forceps Delivery?
During a normal vaginal delivery, the doctor may apply an instrument, called forceps, to the baby’s head to aid in the delivery of the baby through the birth canal. This is also called forceps-assisted vaginal delivery. Forceps look like two large salad spoons together. This procedure augments the process of delivery, helps reduce the risk of injury to the baby, and helps avoid cesarean delivery because it has a high risk of maternal morbidity.Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.Pregnancy: 7 Common Third Trimester Tests
Testing is often recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy. These tests are designed to ensure the health and safety of both the child and mother. Common tests during the third trimester of a woman's pregnancy include:- group B streptococcus screening,
- electronic fetal heart monitoring,
- nonstress test,
- contraction stress test, and
- a biophysical profile.
Uterine Fibroids Picture
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterus (the womb) and the single most common indication for hysterectomy. See a picture of Uterine Fibroids and learn more about the health topic.What Are Uterine Fibroids? Symptoms, Treatment, Pictures
What are uterine fibroids? Who gets uterine fibroids, and how can you prevent them? Learn about uterine fibroid treatments, from endometrial ablation to hysterectomy, find out what if any foods can ease symptoms of uterine fibroids, and discover what cancer risks fibroids present.Uterine Fibroids: Test Your Medical IQ
What causes uterine fibroids? Are fibroids serious? What is the best treatment for uterine fibroids? Could you be at-risk? Take this quiz to learn all about fibroids.What Is More Painful C-section or Natural Birth?
Ultimately, a natural birth may be more painful than a cesarean section. However, the pain after your cesarean section combined with the heightened risks to you and your baby may outweigh the initial pain of childbirth.