In the past, many patients that delivered via C-section would need to have one with their following pregnancies. Vaginal birth after a Cesarean section (VBAC) is possible with the right circumstances and precautions. Your OB/GYN will evaluate your needs and determine whether it is safe for you to proceed with a VBAC.
A VBAC delivery is a vaginal delivery after a previous C-section. A TOLAC (trial of labor after Cesarean) is a term that describes an attempted birth in a patient that has had a previous C-section. A TOLAC may result in a successful vaginal delivery, or it may result in a repeat C-section. In about 60-80% of women are successful in VBAC.
The two most important factors in determining whether someone is a good candidate for a VBAC are:
Plano Women’s Healthcare takes great care to review your history and medical records to see if a safe, healthy vaginal birth is possible.
We recommend that you bring in your C-section operative report and records to your appointment if your C-section was with a different provider.
Please note: It is the policy of Medical City Plano that only patients with one prior C-section are eligible for VBAC/TOLAC.
A VBAC delivery is not without risks, and those risks are something you should carefully consider when discussing your options.
The most common and serious risk with this type of delivery is uterine rupture, which occurs in about one in 1000 patients. A uterine rupture is when the prior C-section scar on the uterus tears open during labor or pushing.
The rupture can lead to internal bleeding, which requires immediate, emergency C-section delivery. It can also result in a possible hysterectomy, hemorrhage, and maternal or fetal injury or death.
If you’re unsure which option is best for you and your baby, we can assure you that we will continue to review your delivery options as your pregnancy progresses. And we will support you in your choice. Our main goal is always the health of you and your baby.
The question of whether you should have a VBAC, or a repeat C-section is an important one. You should have a frank, open, and honest discussion about it with your OB/GYN as the answer is not the same for every patient. Our team is here to help guide you in that decision to determine which choice is the safest for you and your baby.
Your Plano OB/GYN wants what’s best for you and your baby. We also want to work along with your wishes, both for your pregnancy and delivery. If you want a VBAC delivery, we will absolutely take the time to discuss VBAC versus repeat C-section options with you.
There are specific criteria that need to be met for you to have a safe, healthy, and successful vaginal delivery. Your doctor will discuss your medical, obstetric, and surgical histories as part of this shared decision-making process.