What is Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)?

March 16, 2018 /

Written by Jana Angeles 

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is women that are physically able to give birth naturally despite having a previous caesarean birth. The only difference is that health professionals (nurses, doctors, midwives) will carefully monitor you during labour, ensuring that you are safe and in good health doing so. In addition, they may have special equipment they use that will quickly show the progress of you and your baby’s health and to pick up any problems that may occur along the way. 

Before Considering VBAC 

There are a few considerations to take before deciding on VBAC. These include: 

  • Talking with your doctor about your decision and having them explain the health risks and impacts during the procedure. 
  • Finding the right health professionals that will support you in your decision. This can be a challenge at first as some may seem hesitant at first, especially after you’ve had a caesarean. 
  • Talking to other women about their experience with VBAC. This could shape your decision-making and can help you weigh out the pros and cons. 
  • Attending birth classes and learning more about VBAC.

How does VBAC benefit you? 

 Obviously women who have experienced VBAC all have unique experiences on their own – some good, some bad. Be prepared for the unexpected but also keep an open mind when it comes to the decision-making. Though it can feel daunting to have a vaginal birth after you’ve had a caesarean, there are plenty of benefits too. These include: 

  • Being physically capable of taking care of the baby and other children. 
  • Quicker recovery time from labour and birth. 
  • Less likely to experience further birth complications in the future. 
  • Less likely to return to hospital for further health checks. 
  • Better chance of starting breastfeeding for babies. 
  • Have less dependence on pain relief medication post-birth. 
  • More likely to touch and cuddle babies and provide skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. 

It’s been noted that most women feel pleasant and happy after a vaginal birth and often feel satisfied with their overall birth experience.  

Not only does VBAC have benefits for mothers in general but it can also avoid any health problems in babies. These include: 

  • Less likely to undergo respiratory problems in comparison to a caesarean. 
  • Babies born vaginally tend to have stronger immune systems and are less likely to develop allergies in the future. 

What are the disadvantages?  

Though some women have had positive experiences with VBAC, it’s important to note down its disadvantages. These can include: 

  • Your baby’s heartbeat needs to be closely monitored so you need to use special equipment, which can create an uncomfortable environment for when you go into labour. It’s also difficult to use water as a pain relief as well. 
  • You have a slightly higher risk of developing a scar in your uterus, which could lead to tearing and rupturing while in labour. However, it’s a small risk and 1 in 200 women who have VBACs have it.  
  • Tearing can happen with very little warning and can negatively impact the health of you and the baby. Though the tear can be repaired, in some cases, women have had to undergo a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) if heavy bleeding occurs and poses as a serious risk to the health. 
  • With VBACs, you have to prepare for an unplanned caesarean if required. The labour process may take too long and can distress your body and the baby’s wellbeing. Furthermore, an unplanned caesarean could put you at risk of infection and increased bleeding. 

What can I do to improve my chances of having a VBAC?  

  • If you have given a vaginal birth before, it’s likely you’ll have success with a VBAC. 
  • Creating a comfortable and positive setting for birth and having supportive people (friends, family, etc) and caregivers in the room can encourage you to have a vaginal birth. 
  • When you’re in labour, nominate a person that can closely support you. Whether it’d be a midwife, your partner or a doula, these can help you achieve VBAC through their encouragement and belief in you. 
  • There are special classes for VBAC. Attending these would be beneficial as you’ll know what to expect and be prepared for the outcomes of it all. 
  • Eat healthy and be active while pregnant. This can help boost your chances of having a successful VBAC.