HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Even if you had a cesarean birth in the past, it may be possible to have a vaginal delivery in the future. VBAC offers several important advantages:

Talk with your medical provider about the risks and benefits of a VBAC delivery. During a VBAC, you may still have an IV in your arm in case complications arise and you need a cesarean. Your care team will also watch your baby closely for any potential problems.

You may not be able to have a VBAC if: • Your baby is in the breech position • Your baby is bigger than most babies • Your placenta is in the way

• You get out of the hospital sooner • You recover and get back to normal activities faster • You avoid possible infection, bleeding, or trouble healing from a cesarean

Your health care provider will need to see your surgery records to decide if you can try a VBAC. One factor to consider is the direction of the uterine incision from your past cesarean. It may or may not run in the same direction as the scar on your belly, which is why the surgical record is necessary.

78 Your Guide to Labor and Birth