Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a vaginal childbirth after a
woman has previously delivered a baby by cesarean section. Although VBAC is a
safe choice for most women, it can have some risks for both the mother and the
baby.
In rare cases, a cesarean scar on the uterus tears open, or
ruptures, during VBAC. This can be life-threatening, causing severe blood loss
in the mother and lack of oxygen for the baby.
Women with any of the following major risk factors for a rupture of
the cesarean scar are advised not to try VBAC:
- A uterine scar that is not low and
horizontal
- Two cesarean scars and no past vaginal
delivery
- Three or more cesarean scars
- Pregnant with
triplets or more
- Pregnant with twins, in some cases
- A
medical condition or problem with the placenta that could complicate a vaginal
delivery, such as when the placenta has grown abnormally low in the uterus
(placenta previa)
There are other factors that can make VBAC unsafe.
A woman who chooses VBAC is closely monitored. As with any labor,
if the mother or baby shows signs of distress, an emergency cesarean section is
performed.
