VBAC: Know the pros and cons
Can you put the risk of uterine rupture into perspective?
Why consider VBAC?
What are the risks of VBAC?
Who's eligible for VBAC?
How does labor and delivery during VBAC differ from labor and delivery during a routine vaginal birth?
What other advice do you offer women who are considering VBAC?
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Why consider trying for a VBAC?
What are the risks of attempting a VBAC?
Who can try to have a VBAC?
How does labor and delivery during a VBAC attempt differ from labor and delivery during other vaginal births?
What else should a person thinking about VBAC know?
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Many people who have given birth by C-section in an earlier pregnancy can try to have a vaginal birth after cesarean, also called VBAC. Trying to give birth in this way is referred to as a trial of labor after cesarean. You also might hear it called TOLAC.
The overall success rate for people in the U.S. who try to have a vaginal birth after one C-section is about 70%. The success rate is higher for some people, such as those who have given birth vaginally before. The success rate is lower for people with certain risk factors. For example, your chance of success is lower if you had a C-section in an earlier delivery because labor didn't progress. That's called labor dystocia.
The choice to try for a VBAC or to schedule another C-section can be hard. Here's helpful information to know as you think about your options.
