VBAC: How To Predict Your Chance Of Success

Published: 19 February 2020

by Dr. Meghan A. Nichols, MD

Cesarean sections can be a life-saving procedure for mother, baby or both. However, there are many reasons why vaginal birth is preferable when possible. More and more women are able to successfully give birth naturally after a cesarean (VBAC), however, there are many factors that go into calculating the odds of success.

Benefits and Risks of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean

C-sections account for almost a third of all first births in the United States. The success rate of VBACs is between 60 to 80 percent. VBAC often carries fewer risks than a repeat cesarean and offers a shorter recovery time and hospital stay, better bonding with your baby, and a higher chance of successful breastfeeding. If you plan on having more children, being able to have a successful VBAC will also decrease your risks of placental problems associated with multiple c-sections.

However, a failed trial of labor that results in an emergency c-section is often riskier than a repeat planned c-section. Emergency c-sections carry a risk of uterine rupture, which can be life-threatening. The risk is low, occurring in about 1% of women attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean.

Deciding if Vaginal Delivery Is Right For You

If you are interested in attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean, the conversation should begin with your ObGyn. Risks vary between individuals, so before making any decisions you should talk to your care provider to assess your specific risks to make an informed decision. Successfully having a VBAC depends heavily on the reason for your initial c-section.

Your chance of successful VBAC improves significantly if you’ve had a least one vaginal birth before your cesarean, it’s been over 18 months since your c-section and if you have no obstetric problems such as placenta previa or fibroids that could make vaginal delivery risky. Your chance of VBAC success may be lower if you are over 34 years old, you are overweight, your baby is large, and if you go over 40 weeks.

Preparing for a VBAC

There are several ways to increase your chances of successful VBAC. Generally, the healthier you are, the greater your odds of a vaginal delivery.

First, you need to be vigilant about weight management. Big babies tend to have long labors, increasing the risk of cesarean. Achieving a healthy weight gain and eating healthy can help you avoid gestational diabetes and keep your baby’s growth on track. When you are preparing for a VBAC, it is also important to have an accurate due date so that size predictions are reliable. An early ultrasound is the best way to determine an accurate date of conception and due date.

It’s important to keep your blood pressure down. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase your chance of c-section. Keeping active and getting exercise each day can help keep blood pressure down.

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