Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a vaginal childbirth after a woman has previously delivered a baby by cesarean section. Although VBAC is a safe choice for most women, it can have some risks for both the mother and the baby.

In rare cases, a cesarean scar on the uterus tears open, or ruptures, during VBAC. This can be life-threatening, causing severe blood loss in the mother and lack of oxygen for the baby.

A woman who chooses VBAC is closely monitored. As with any labor, if the mother or baby shows signs of distress, an emergency cesarean section is done.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerFemi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedMarch 28, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: March 28, 2011
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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