Advanced Women's Healthcare
Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Bloomington, IL
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Just because you’ve had a Cesarean section in the past doesn’t mean every child you have afterward must be born that way. Highly skilled OB/GYNs and the team at Advanced Women’s Healthcare in Bloomington, Illinois, provide obstetric care for women who choose vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC).
VBAC Q & A:
What is VBAC?
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after Cesarean. Even if you’ve had a Cesarean delivery, you may choose to try a vaginal birth the next time you get pregnant.
Experts used to believe that once you’ve had a C-section, you would need to deliver all following children that way. However, studies show that about 60-80% of women who have had C-sections are able to successfully give birth vaginally when they get pregnant again.
The compassionate providers at Advanced Women’s Healthcare carefully evaluate your health and medical history before recommending the safest option for you and your baby.
What are the benefits of VBAC?
The team at Advanced Women’s Healthcare offers VBAC to provide you with an opportunity for an individualized birth plan. Some women consider VBAC simply because experiencing vaginal delivery is important to them. VBAC may also offer benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of surgical complications
- Less pain and bleeding
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster return to your normal routine
The more C-sections you have, the greater your risk for surgical complications. If you choose to have a large family, multiple C-sections can cause scarring that may increase your risk of placental problems in future pregnancies.
Who is a good candidate for VBAC?
If you’re considering VBAC, you may find it encouraging that about 90% of women who have had C-sections are VBAC candidates. You may be a good candidate for VBAC if:
- The original reason for Cesarean delivery doesn’t apply to this pregnancy
- You have no serious medical problems
- Your baby is a normal size and facing head-down
However, VBAC delivery isn’t right for everyone. Your provider at Advanced Women’s Healthcare may not recommend VBAC if you have a history of:
- Uterine rupture
- High vertical (classical) uterine incision
- Certain types of uterine surgery, like fibroid removal
VBAC may not be right for you if you have risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy, including medical conditions like preeclampsia or obesity.
If VBAC is part of your birth plan, it’s important to stay flexible in case complications arise during labor. Your OB/GYN monitors you closely and is prepared to perform an emergency C-section if needed.