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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've delivered a baby by C-section, you may have a choice with your next pregnancy — schedule a repeat C-section or attempt vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC).
Years ago, a C-section ended any hope of future vaginal deliveries. But today, thanks largely to changes in surgical technique, VBAC is possible in many cases. In fact, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of women who try VBAC have a successful vaginal delivery.
VBAC isn't right for everyone, though. Sometimes a pregnancy complication prevents the possibility of a successful VBAC. Many local hospitals don't offer VBAC because they don't have the staff or resources to handle emergency C-sections.
- Welischar J, et al. Trial of labor after cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- Grobman WA, et al. Can a prediction model for vaginal birth after cesarean also predict the probability of morbidity related to a trial of labor? American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009;200:56.e1.
- Macones GA. Clinical outcomes in VBAC attempts: What to say to patients? American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008;199:1.
- Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp070.cfm. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- Healthy pregnancy: Labor and birth. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/labor-birth.cfm. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- Healthy pregnancy: Staying healthy and safe. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-are-pregnant/staying-healthy-safe.cfm. Accessed Dec. 28, 2009.
- Baydock SA, et al. Prevalence and risk factors for urinary and fecal incontinence four months after vaginal delivery. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 2009;31:36.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 12, 2010.
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