Safe, Supportive Care for Vaginal Birth After C-Section
Your birth plan doesn’t have to follow the same path as before. Since no two pregnancies are alike, every labor and birth is different. If you’ve previously had a C-section, you may be a candidate for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Many women go on to have safe vaginal births after a C-section and our compassionate birth team at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies is here to care for you every step of the way.
Am I a Good Candidate for VBAC?
A vaginal birth after a C-section could be a possibility if:
- You’ve had no more than two previous low transverse cesarean deliveries
- You have no additional uterine scars, anomalies or previous ruptures
- You have no major medical conditions that would affect delivery
- Your baby is in a head-down position
How Our Care Team Supports Your VBAC Plan
The earlier you bring up VBAC with your healthcare provider, the better — so don’t wait to start that conversation. Together, you’ll review the benefits and risks, talk through your personal birth goals, and build a plan that feels right for you. Sharing your complete medical history — including records of your previous C-section and any uterine surgeries — helps your care team give you the most personalized, informed guidance possible. You deserve to feel confident and supported in every decision you make.
What Are the Risks of VBAC?
A successful VBAC is associated with fewer health concerns than a repeat C-section. Like any birth, there are potential risks, including the possibility of serious bleeding or, in rare cases, uterine rupture. It’s also important to know that an emergency C-section carries additional risk when labor has already begun.
Uterine rupture — where the prior C-section scar opens during labor — is rare, occurring in less than 1% of VBAC attempts. While it is a serious complication that requires an emergency C-section and, in some cases, further surgery, our expert team is trained and fully prepared to respond quickly to keep you and your baby safe.
