What is a vaginal birth after c-section (vbac)?

Vaginal delivery: Some women who have had a low transverse or low flap c-section can try to have a vaginal delivery with the next child. This is called vaginal birth after c-section. Whether you are a candidate for a vaginal birth after a c-section depends on the reason for your first c-section, how many c-sections you have had and the type of hospital in which you plan on delivering.

Labor: " once a c-section, always a c-section" is not always true. Vbac means that someone delivers a baby vaginally after having a previous baby by c-section. There are risks involved with attempting this and you should discuss with your doctor whether this is appropriate for you.

Risky for baby.: Vbac is what you get if your gamble pays off - and you avoid a second cesarean section. Keep in mind that this gamble involves an ~10-fold higher risk of fetal/neonatal death compared to a scheduled prelabor second c-section and may only be justified if you plan to have more pregnancies and do not wish the risks of multiple c-sections. Discuss these issues with your obstetrician.