Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is when a woman gives birth vaginally after having had a previous cesarean delivery. To have a VBAC, certain health conditions must be met.

After a cesarean birth, attempting a vaginal delivery for the next baby can carry some risks. For this reason, women who had a cesarean delivery in the past were often advised to have another cesarean for their next delivery.

The main concern is that the incision made in the uterus during a cesarean may not heal as well as natural tissue. The scar tissue formed after a cesarean can tear during labor contractions, posing a risk to both mother and baby. However, this risk is estimated to be between 1% and 3%.

After assessing this risk, VBAC has become increasingly common. However, each woman’s individual risk varies, so the mode of delivery should be determined after consulting with a doctor.

Is VBAC Safe?

There are several factors that can increase or decrease the risk of VBAC. If the mother has had a previous vaginal birth or a successful VBAC, the chances of another vaginal birth are higher.

If a woman had a vaginal delivery once, a cesarean for her second child, she can have a vaginal delivery for her third child.

When parents attend childbirth education and are supported by a midwife during labor, the likelihood of a successful VBAC increases.

When Can VBAC Be Attempted?

There should be a certain amount of time between the cesarean and the VBAC. While this varies individually, the average recommendation is 2 to 2.5 years, as tissue healing after a cesarean takes time.

Attempting VBAC sooner than this increases the risk of uterine rupture, making the waiting period critical.

When Is VBAC Not Recommended?

• If a cesarean is deemed medically necessary or there is a health condition preventing a vaginal birth.
• If the uterine incision from the previous cesarean was made vertically.
• If the mother has had previous uterine surgeries (such as myomectomy or hysteroscopy).
• If the mother has diabetes or hypertension, as these increase risk.
• If the birth canal is anatomically unsuitable or has congenital narrowing.
• If the expected birth weight of the baby is over 4000 grams.
• If proper conditions cannot be guaranteed after detailed consultation with the parents.