VBAC Counseling

If you’ve had a cesarean birth in the past and are now considering a vaginal delivery, you may be a candidate for VBAC: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. For women eligible, VBAC offers a safe, empowering birth option with a shorter recovery time and fewer surgical risks.

VBAC counseling provides the information and support you need to make the best decision for your health, your baby, and your birth experience.

What Is VBAC?

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. It refers to delivering a baby vaginally after having one or more previous C-sections. While not every woman is a candidate, many are, especially those with a low-transverse uterine incision and no contraindications.

Benefits of VBAC

If successful, a VBAC can offer several advantages compared to a repeat cesarean:

  • Shorter recovery time
  • Lower risk of infection or surgical complications
  • Reduced blood loss
  • Greater involvement in the birth experience
  • Decreased risk in future pregnancies (especially if you plan to have more children)

It’s a personal decision, and counseling with your OB/GYN provider will help you weigh your options with accurate, individualized guidance.

Are You a Candidate for VBAC?

Your provider will review your medical and surgical history to determine whether VBAC is a safe option. You may be a candidate if you:

  • Had one previous C-section with a low-transverse (horizontal) incision
  • Have no history of uterine rupture
  • Had a prior vaginal delivery (before or after a C-section)
  • Are carrying a single baby in a head-down position
  • Are otherwise experiencing a low-risk pregnancy

You may not be a candidate if you:

  • Had a classical (vertical) uterine incision
  • Have had multiple prior C-sections without vaginal births
  • Are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
  • Have a history of uterine rupture or other complications

What to Expect from VBAC Counseling

VBAC counseling is typically part of your prenatal care. During this conversation, your provider will:

  • Review your medical records and operative report from prior C-sections
  • Explain the benefits and risks of VBAC vs. repeat cesarean
  • Discuss the likelihood of success based on your individual health
  • Outline what labor and monitoring will look like during a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC)
  • Answer your questions and help you create a flexible birth plan

This visit ensures that you’re making an informed, confident decision with a provider who supports your birth goals.

Understanding the Risks

While VBAC is considered safe for many women, it’s important to understand the potential risks, including:

  • Uterine rupture (rare but serious): A tear in the scar from a previous cesarean
  • Emergency cesarean if labor doesn’t progress or complications arise (such as the placement of the placenta)
  • Slightly higher risk of infection or bleeding if a C-section is needed after a failed VBAC

Your provider will closely monitor labor to respond quickly if needed. Having VBAC in a hospital setting ensures you have continuous access to immediate care and monitoring if complications occur, ensuring the safety of both you and your baby.

Planning Your Delivery

If you choose to pursue VBAC, your birth plan will include:

  • Labor and delivery in a hospital setting with continuous monitoring
  • Timely access to surgical support if a C-section becomes necessary
  • Support from your OB/GYN and care team throughout the process
  • Flexibility, with a focus on safety and comfort

Whether VBAC is successful or not, the goal is a safe, healthy delivery for you and your baby.

Personalized, Respectful Care

Every pregnancy is different, and every woman deserves a voice in her birth experience. We’re here to help you explore your options with clear, compassionate support.

If you’re considering VBAC, schedule a counseling appointment today to learn more about your options and create a plan that fits your needs.