What to Expect If You Want ot Have a VBAC

A cesarean section (C-section) is a major procedure most women try to avoid. If you’ve had a C-section with a previous pregnancy, you’re more likely to need another.

A vaginal birth after cesearean, or VBAC, is something you can attempt with a subsequent pregnancy – but it’s not for every woman. At Artemis OB/GYN, Dr. Nicola Pemberton discusses a VBAC, its risks, and if it’s best for you and your baby.

Dr. Pemberton is a dedicated OB/GYN who supports you at every stage of pregnancy, from conception through birth.

What is a VBAC?

A VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean section. It gives a woman the chance to have a vaginal birth after a prior cesarean.

VBAC is an option if you want to go through labor with a subsequent pregnancy. However, it’s not right for every woman. We consider several factors to ensure the best decision for you and your baby.

Many women have a successful VBAC after a C-section, but there are risks. Uterine rupture, though rare, is possible. We may need a C-section if the VBAC does not go as planned or if complications arise.

What to expect with a VBAC

VBAC is important for many women who want to experience labor. But it’s essential to know what to expect before deciding in the delivery room.

Up to 75% of women who attempted a VBAC were successful with a vaginal delivery. That number is very promising if you’d like to try it. However, that number drops to about 50% in women who’ve had more than one C-section.

We discuss a delivery plan with you before labor, so you know what to expect. If you want to try VBAC, we usually attempt it in the second stage of labor. This is when the baby’s head begins to enter the birth canal. 

Or, we monitor you very closely to ensure you and the baby are progressing as planned. We will have an emergency plan for a C-section just in case things don’t progress as we hope.

We talk to you throughout the labor process to see how you’re feeling, while we also monitor the baby’s heart rate on the monitor to ensure their safety.

Benefits of a VBAC

Choosing VBAC is a good option for many women. VBAC has advantages over a C-section, including the following: 

• Shorter recovery time
• Feeling like you gave birth
• Empowering yourself to try again
• Fewer complications for you and the baby

Many women have successful VBAC deliveries and experience the benefits. However, it’s essential to think of all the aspects of your and your baby’s health before making a decision.

Is a VBAC right for me?

Before landing on a VBAC, we take various things into account, including your previous birth history, overall health, and the type of incision you had in your previous C-section.

Your previous birth history provides a good indication of your eligibility for a VBAC. Women who’ve had a successful vaginal delivery in the past are more likely to have a successful VBAC. But those with prior complications are less likely to succeed.

The type of incision also indicates VBAC eligibility. Women with a low horizontal C-section incision are more likely to fare well with a VBAC. High vertical incisions increase the chance of uterine rupture and may eliminate you from a VBAC due to the risk of complications.

Your health is also important. We look at your overall health, weight, and the pregnancy itself to make the safest choice. Advanced maternal age or a high expected birth weight may make VBAC too risky for you and your baby. 

For more information about the VBAC procedure, call or message our Union office in New Jersey, or use our online booking feature.