If you’ve had a C-section before, you may be wondering if a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) is possible. The short answer? For most people, YES!
Unfortunately, many doctors and hospitals discourage or outright refuse VBACs—even when evidence shows it is a safe and often better option than a repeat C-section.
This guide will cover:
✔️ The real risks & benefits of VBAC
✔️ Who is a good candidate for VBAC
✔️ How to find a supportive provider & prepare for success
Why Consider a VBAC?
Many people assume that after one C-section, they’ll need C-sections forever—but this is not true.
✔️ The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that VBAC is a safe option for most people with one or two prior C-sections.
✔️ 75% of people who attempt a VBAC have a successful vaginal birth.
✔️ Avoiding a repeat C-section reduces risks for future pregnancies.
📌 Pro Tip: The more C-sections you have, the higher your risk of complications like placenta accreta—a life-threatening condition where the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterus.
💡 Related Post: How to Advocate for Yourself in Pregnancy & Birth
VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section: Risks & Benefits
| Factor | VBAC | Repeat C-Section |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery Time | Shorter (2-6 weeks) | Longer (6-12 weeks) |
| Risk of Infection | Lower | Higher |
| Risk of Uterine Rupture | Less than 1% | N/A |
| Future Pregnancy Risks | Lower | Higher risk of placenta issues |
| Hospital Stay | Shorter | Longer |
📌 Pro Tip: The risk of uterine rupture (less than 1%) is often over-exaggerated by doctors. In comparison, C-sections carry higher risks of infection, blood clots, and surgical injury.
💡 Related Post: The Emotional Side of Birth: Processing Unexpected Outcomes
Who Is a Good Candidate for VBAC?
✔️ You had 1 or 2 prior low-transverse C-sections.
✔️ Your previous C-section was due to a non-recurring issue (like breech positioning).
✔️ You don’t have major medical conditions that make labor unsafe.
✔️ Your provider is supportive of VBAC and your hospital allows it.
🚩 Who May NOT Be a Good Candidate?
❌ You had a classical (vertical) incision on your uterus.
❌ You have placenta previa or another high-risk pregnancy condition.
📌 Pro Tip: Many hospitals ban VBAC for liability reasons—not because it’s unsafe. Finding a truly VBAC-friendly provider is key.
💡 Related Post: What You Need to Know About Inductions
How to Increase Your Chances of a Successful VBAC
📌 1. Find a Truly Supportive Provider
✔️ Ask directly: “What is your VBAC success rate?”
✔️ If they say, “We’ll let you try,” but keep bringing up C-sections—find another provider!
📌 2. Avoid Unnecessary Induction
✔️ Spontaneous labor increases VBAC success rates.
✔️ Pitocin and Cytotec increase the risk of uterine rupture (but Foley bulbs are safer).
📌 3. Hire a Doula
✔️ Studies show people with doulas have higher VBAC success rates.
✔️ A doula can help navigate hospital policies and support informed decision-making.
📌 4. Labor at Home As Long As Possible
✔️ Being admitted too early increases intervention risks.
✔️ Stay home until contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule).
📌 5. Trust Your Body
✔️ Your body knows how to birth—even after a C-section.
✔️ Fear and stress can slow labor—surround yourself with positive support.
💡 Related Post: Why Doulas Matter & How They Can Support You
What If You Feel Pressured Into a Repeat C-Section?
🚩 Red Flags From Providers:
❌ “We don’t allow VBACs.” (Unless it’s an actual hospital ban, this is false.)
❌ “You’re not a good candidate because your baby is big.” (Ultrasounds are often wrong about size.)
❌ “Your scar could rupture and kill your baby.” (While rupture is a risk, the chance is less than 1% and doesn’t always require an emergency C-section.)
📌 What You Can Say:
✔️ “Can you show me the evidence supporting your recommendation?”
✔️ “I’d like to wait for spontaneous labor before discussing a C-section.”
✔️ “I understand the risks, and I am making an informed choice to try for VBAC.”
💡 Related Post: How to Create a Birth Plan That Actually Works
Birthify’s Expert Support for VBAC Preparation
💛 Considering a VBAC but unsure how to navigate the hospital system? Birthify’s birth experts provide real-time coaching and evidence-based guidance to help you make an informed choice.
👉 Join Birthify today and get expert-led birth support! Sign up here