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Can I Have a Vaginal Birth If I Had a Previous C-Section?
I had a C-section with my first child. Now that I’m pregnant with my second, I’d really like to try to have a vaginal delivery. But is that safe — for me and my baby?
– Danae
If you had a cesarean section (or C-section) with your first pregnancy, it's natural to want to have a vaginal delivery for your second or later births. For years, many women who'd had a C-section were encouraged to forego vaginal deliveries altogether and schedule C-sections for all future births.
But these days, a vaginal birth after cesarean (or VBAC) is considered a safe option for many women and their babies. In fact, with a vaginal delivery, there's less chance of infection and you can come home sooner and recover quicker.
The reason for your first C-section and the type of incision made on your uterus will determine whether or not you can have a VBAC:
- A tranverse incision (also known as a horizontal incision) cuts across the lower, thinner part of the uterus. It is used during most C-sections and makes a VBAC much more likely.
- A vertical incision cuts up and down through the uterine muscles that strongly contract during labor, and is usually considered too risky for a VBAC because it might cause uterine rupture (a tear in the uterine muscle). Usually, a vertical incision is used only during an emergency C-section (such as for placental problems) because it allows quick access to the baby.
Also, if you've had more than one C-section, a VBAC might not be an option.
Of course, not all women who try to have a VBAC succeed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that about 60% to 80% are able to deliver vaginally, while the rest try but ultimately have to undergo a C-section.
Although a VBAC does come with risks, many women are able to have one with no complications at all. If you're interested in having a VBAC, talk to your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits. And check with your hospital well in advance to make sure they’ll allow it — if they don't and you have your heart set on a vaginal birth, you may need to change hospitals.
For more information, check out these articles:
Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)
Dealing With Pain During Childbirth
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: July 2006
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