What Is A VBAC? And Can You Have One?

We’re here to reassure you that ‘once a caesar is not always a caesar’.

If you have had a C-section with your first birth, you still have a good chance of having a natural birth with your next baby. This is known as vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC).

VBAC success

While it isn’t possible to predict whether you will be able to have a vaginal birth, or whether you may end up needing a repeat C-section, the statistics show that about 70% of VBACs are successful.

VBAC safety

You cannot have a VBAC if:

• There was a good reason for your first C-section and this reason is relevant to your next pregnancy too
• Your last C-section was done with a vertical cut (this is very rare nowadays)
• You feel pain in your C-section scar or deep beneath it

If you do qualify for a VBAC:

• Your VBAC will be safer if you birth in an upright position, rather than lying down
• It is best to avoid induction as this places abnormal pressure on your uterine muscles 
• An epidural is not encouraged as the anaesthetic could hide any tearing symptoms

VBAC support

If you’d like a VBAC, chat to your midwife or doctor as soon as possible. Remember that they may not have experience with vaginal birth after C-sections, so you may need to find a care provider specialising in VBACs. Many women have had successful VBACs with the dedicated help of a private midwife and an experienced back-up gynaecologist.