Most women who have had one or more Caesarean births are able to plan a vaginal birth for a subsequent baby, unless there is another medical reason to repeat the Caesarean again. The Caesarean scar will take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal completely with most caregivers considering that a subsequent baby could be conceived any time after 3 months, if there have been no complications (for example an infection of the wound as this may prolong the healing process).
The following are some health issues that are commonly explored by parents when considering a VBAC.
Once a Caesarean, always a Caesarean?
Health factors influencing the choice to plan a VBAC
Health factors that do not exclude a VBAC
Once a Caesarean, always a Caesarean?
The term 'Once a Caesarean, always a Caesarean' was coined by an American obstetrician in 1916. At the time, Caesarean rates were about 1% and the way the operation was performed (using a vertical 'classical' incision, rather than a low transverse incision), meant that attempting a vaginal birth with a subsequent pregnancy was not regarded as safe.
Improvements in medical technology and surgical techniques in the last 30 years have made planning a VBAC a safer, more achievable option. In the last 20 years or so, many research studies have looked at thousands of women who have planned VBAC's. The results of them have shown that a VBAC poses no more risk than the normal level of risks capable of occurring for any healthy woman having a baby.
If the woman has supportive caregivers, her chances of achieving a vaginal birth after a previous Caesarean birth are about 60 to 85%. In other words, for every 3 women that plan a VBAC, about 2 will achieve a vaginal birth.