VBAC means vaginal birth after caesarean, and it succeeds about 3 times out of 4.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says that for fit, healthy women, VBAC and a planned repeat caesarean are both safe choices with very small risks. About 3 out of 4 women with one previous caesarean, a straightforward pregnancy, and labour that starts naturally give birth vaginally; a previous vaginal birth pushes success to 9 out of 10. The risk everyone weighs is uterine scar rupture, about 1 in 200 labours, which is why VBAC happens in hospital with continuous monitoring. Around 25 in 100 VBAC labours end in an emergency caesarean. VBAC is usually off the table after three or more caesareans, a prior rupture, or a classical vertical incision.
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Common questions
What is a VBAC?
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after caesarean: giving birth vaginally when you have had a caesarean before. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says that for women who are fit and healthy, both VBAC and a planned repeat caesarean are safe choices with very small risks. The success numbers are better than most people expect: about 3 out of 4 women who have had one caesarean and go into labour naturally with a straightforward pregnancy give birth vaginally, and if you have ever had a vaginal birth, success rises to 9 out of 10. The main risk talked about is the old scar on the uterus separating or tearing, called uterine rupture, which happens in about 1 in 200 VBAC labours and is why VBAC labours are monitored in hospital. About 25 in 100 VBAC attempts end in an emergency caesarean. VBAC is usually not advised after three or more caesareans, a previous uterine rupture, or a classical vertical scar. The right choice depends on why the first caesarean happened, so it is a decision to make with your midwife or obstetrician.