Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC)

What is VBAC?

VBAC stands for ‘vaginal birth after caesarean’. It is the term used when a woman gives birth vaginally, having had a caesarean section in the past. Vaginal birth includes normal delivery and birth assisted by forceps or ventouse (vacuum cup).

What is an ERCS?

ERCS stands for ‘elective (planned) repeat caesarean section’.

You will usually have the operation after 39 weeks of pregnancy. This is because babies born by caesarean section earlier than this are more likely to need to be admitted to the special care baby unit for help with their breathing.

For more information about planned caesarean section, come along to our planned caesarean section class.

In considering your options, your previous pregnancies and medical history are important factors to take into account.

Overall, VABC is successful 75% of the time when labour is spontaneous. This lowers to roughly 65% with induction of labour. If you have had a previous vaginal birth, either before or after your caesarean section, then 90% of the time women will have a vaginal birth.

Successful VBAC has fewer complications than ERCS.

If you do have a successful vaginal birth:

• you will have a greater chance of a vaginal birth in future pregnancies
• your recovery is likely to be quicker
• your stay in hospital may be shorter
• you are more likely to be able to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after birth and to be able to breastfeed successfully
• you will avoid the risks of an operation
• your baby will have less chance of initial breathing problems
• you may be more satisfied with your birth experience

You may need to have an emergency caesarean section during labour. This happens in 1 out of 4 women. This is only slightly higher than if you were labouring for the first time.

An emergency caesarean section carries more risks than a planned caesarean section.

You have a slightly higher chance of needing a blood transfusion compared with women who choose a planned second caesarean section.

The scar on your uterus may separate and/or tear (rupture). This can occur in 1 in 200 women. This risk increases by 2 to 3 times if your labour is induced.

Serious risk to your baby such as brain injury or stillbirth is higher than for a planned caesarean section but is the same as if you were labouring for the first time.