VBAC
In a Nutshell
A VBAC is a vaginal birth after cesarean birth, also called a "TOLAC" (trial of labor after cesarean). If you are healthy and have a low transverse incision, the odds of complications like uterine rupture (where the scar opens up on your uterus during labor) is very small (.38-.87%). Some care providers may say, "Once a cesarean, always a cesarean," but having a repeat cesarean poses significant risks to you and future pregnancies. You must weigh the options and decide what is best for you and your baby.
Dig Deeper
History of VBAC
Cesarean rates in the US have fluctuated over the last 50 years. In 1970, the cesarean was only 5%, only used in the most life-or-death situations. In a mere 18 years, the cesarean rate increased by 5x to almost 25% in 1988. As more people were having cesarean birth, the medical profession became alarmed and decided to change the recommendation from "once a cesarean, always a cesarean" to encouraging VBAC to reduce the illness and health issues that come from cesarean birth
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