Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) OBGYN in Austin, TX

VBAC Q & A

What is VBAC?

VBAC stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. It’s a method of helping women who wish to have a vaginal delivery when they’ve previously had one or more cesarean sections.

A C-section is open surgery requiring a large incision through your abdomen and uterus to deliver a baby who can’t be born naturally. After a C-section, you can choose to deliver your next baby the same way or opt for VBAC. If you want to experience natural birth, VBAC gives you the opportunity.

Is VBAC a good choice for me?

Your OB/GYN at Women’s Health Domain can help you decide if VBAC is a good choice.

You might be a suitable candidate for VBAC if you had a low transverse C-section. That means the cesarean incision is just above your groin, going across your body between your hips. If you’ve given birth vaginally before or after your cesarean, that increases your chance of success with VBAC.

If you have a vertical C-section scar running from your upper to lower abdomen, VBAC is less likely to be possible. Other things that could stop you from having VBAC include a previous uterine rupture and other uterine surgeries, like fibroid removal.

What benefits does VBAC offer?

VBAC offers several benefits compared to having another C-section, including:

• Lower infection risk
• Faster recovery
• Reduced blood loss
• No post-surgical pain

There’s also a reduced risk of complications like bowel or bladder injuries.

What can I expect from VBAC?

Each woman who opts for VBAC at Women’s Health Domain has a personalized care plan. The specifics of your plan may vary, but your OB/GYN is likely to recommend a hospital or birthing center delivery rather than giving birth at home. This is because there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll need another C-section than a woman who’s never had a cesarean.

In most ways, VBAC progresses like a vaginal delivery. When you go into labor, your OB/GYN  monitors you and your baby closely so they can step in if you have any problems. Otherwise, labor progresses until you successfully deliver your baby.

If you or your baby does have any problems, your OB/GYN can perform an emergency C-section.

To find out more about VBAC and see if you’re a suitable candidate, call Women’s Health Domain today or book an appointment online.