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Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

 

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couple in field, man holding pregnant woman's belly

 

There used to be a common belief that once you’d had a caesarean birth, you'd have to take the same approach to any future deliveries.

That's not true.


Experience has shown that most women who've had a caesarean can have a vaginal birth for their next baby.

You should be offered a "trial of labour" or an attempt to give birth vaginally if:

  • your hospital has timely access to perform a caesarean section if needed
  • your pregnancy is healthy, with no identified risks
  • your reasons for having the previous caesarean no longer apply
  • your caesarean incision is across your uterus, not up and down

If you have questions about what’s possible for your next delivery, talk to your healthcare provider.

The Power to Push

The Power to Push Campaign provides trustworthy, up-to-date resources for pregnant women and their families in B.C., encouraging them to know their options, advocate for their choices, and push for the safest and best birth possible. The campaign also offers research-based information and resources to maternity care providers across B.C. to help them support women's childbirth choices, including vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and breech birth.


Resources and Links:
HealthLink BC: Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

Last Updated: August 3, 2013