Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery A cesarean birth is the delivery of a baby through an incision (cut) made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It was once thought that if a woman had one cesarean birth, all other children she had should be born the same way. Today, many women who have had a cesarean delivery can safely give birth through the vagina. This is called vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery. VBAC is an option for many women. There are some risks, though. Reasons to Try VBAC Of women who try VBAC, about 60 percent to 80 percent succeed and are able to deliver vaginally. Other women may try VBAC but need to switch to a cesarean birth. Is VBAC Right for You? In deciding if you can try VBAC, a key factor is the type of incision you had in your uterus for your previous cesarean birth. For cesarean birth, one incision is made in your abdomen and another in your uterus. Any incision makes a scar. Certain types of incisions have a higher risk of the scar tearing during the next birth. There are three types of incisions: · Low transverse — A side-to-side cut made across the lower, thinner part of the uterus · Low vertical — An up-and-down cut made in the lower, thinner part of the uterus · High vertical (or classical) — An up-and-down cut in the upper part of the uterus Women with high vertical (classical) scars on the uterus have a higher risk of rupture. Women who have had more than one cesarean delivery also may have an increased risk of rupture. Other Factors to Consider It may not be a good choice in some cases: · Small pelvis/large baby · Problems for the baby · Problems with the placenta · Certain conditions — includes certain serious medical or obstetric conditions Finally ... VBAC can be a safe option for many women. Depending on your needs. VBAC may be a good choice for you. No labor or delivery is risk free. When considering VBAC, you need to know the risks. Weigh those risks against the benefits before you decide. This excerpt from ACOG's Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.