What is VBAC?

You've had a cesarean birth. Now you may wonder if you can try vaginal birth with this baby. It's like you can. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) is often a success. To find out more about VBAC, read this literature. Then discuss it with your health care provider.

How Can I Benefit?

When compared with a cesarean delivery, VBAC has certain benefits. These include:

• Less time in the hospital. Because VBAC does not require surgery, you can go home sooner.
• A shorter recovery. With VBAC, you won't have an abdominal incision. This means you should feel better faster than the last time you gave birth.
• Fewer health risks. VBAC reduces the changes of excess bleeding, infection, and death.

Is VBAC Right For Me?

Many women who try VBAC succeed in having a vaginal birth. This is because most reasons for cesarean don't recur. Even failure to progress in labor is not likely to be a problem a second time. VBAC may be right for you if:

• A transverse (side-to-side) incision in the uterus was used for all your cesarean births. (Be aware: your skin incision may not match the incision in your uterus.)
• You have no health problems that would prevent a VBAC.
• The baby is in a normal head-down position.
• You accept that, as with any birth, a cesarean might become necessary if your health or the health of your baby is threatened.

  Is VBAC Safe?

  For women who try VBAC, the risk of rupture (when an incision site pulls apart) can be a concern. Rest assured that rupture is very rare. A transverse incision in the uterus often heals so well that a scar can't even be found.

  During Your Pregnancy

  While you are pregnant, your health has a direct impact on your baby's growth. Do what you can to make sure both of you are in good health for the birth.

  Keep Prenatal Visits

  See your health care provider as often as directed. Your baby's growth, changes in your weight, and your health will be checked. It is normal to have certain tests. Ultrasound is often done to set a due date and check the baby's position.

  Stay Active

  Excercise tones your muscles and keeps them strong. It also sends oxygen to you and your baby. Walking and swimming can be good choices. But check with your health care provider to find out what's best for you.

  Eat Right

  Healthy food gives you energy. It also gives your baby all he or she needs to grow. Each day, eat foods from all the food groups. That way, you are more likely to eat right.

  Prepare for VBAC

  As with any birth, this one will go more smoothly if you are prepared. Make sure the hospital where you will have your baby is friendly toward VBAC. Also be sure your support person is committed to helping you.

• Work closely with your health care team. They support you and your choice to try VBAC. They will do all they can to promote a safe, healthy birth.
• Talk with your doctor about your otpions for anesthesia and other ways of controlling pain.
• Pick a dedicated support person. He or she can help motivate you to help labor progress.
• Refresh your skills. Take a childbirth class. Learn ways to relax, how to breathe through pain, and how to push.

For The Best VBAC

Set yourself up for success. Keep your mind in the present. This labor is the only one that matters right now. By knowing what to expect, you can keep a good frame of mind. Then you can stay focused on helping labor progress.

Know What to Expect

Each birth is unique. But there are a few things you can plan on. With VBAC, you are likely to be told to leave for the hospital as soon as labor begins. After you are admitted, you may have a blood test as well as an exam. An IV (intravenous) line might be started to supply fluids or medications. Throughout labor, you and your baby will be monitored to ensure your well-being.

Help Labor Along

Trust your body. Babies have been born through the vagina for all of human history. The length of labor and the pushing phase vary with each birth. But there are things you can do to help labor progress:

• Keep moving. Walk as much as you can. "Slow dance" with a partner. If you have an intense contraction, lean on your support person, against a wall, or over a table.
• Change position when you need to. Squat, kneel, or sit in a chair. If you've had anesthesia and your legs are numb, sit upright in bed.
• Rest by lying on your side between contractions.
• Push without fear. The old incision in your uterus has healed and is strong. To make the most of your effort, breathe and push as coached by your health care provider. But don't hold your breath for too long. You want oxygen to reach you and baby.

At Home With Your Family

After a VBAC, you're likely to be home within 2 days. You will feel a bit tender and need some rest. But you'll soon recover fully. For now, spend some "quiet" time with your family.

Disclaimer: The articles and information, while with the best effort to be accurate and up-to-date, may not be. Also, every physician and medical professional holds their own views on certain diagnosis and advice. There truly are no textbook cases. It is always best to consult with your personal physician regarding medical/health related problems. The information is to be used as a general resource and not as a substitute for trained medical advice and/or treatment.