Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in Boston, MA

Many women prefer to have a vaginal birth in comparison to a cesarean for a wide variety of reasons. A majority of those who have already delivered by C-section can still opt for a vaginal delivery with a later pregnancy, which is known as a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC. The board-certified obstetricians at Brigham-Faulkner OB/GYN Associates have extensive experience performing VBAC deliveries. Call (617) 983-7003 to request an appointment at our OB/GYN office in Boston, MA today!

What Are the Advantages of a VBAC?

Some simply prefer to try for a vaginal delivery rather than scheduling a C-section, but there are several other attractive factors to consider about a VBAC, such as:

• Quicker recovery time.
• Lowered risk of complications during delivery.
• Better outlook for future pregnancies.
• Keeping the baby’s lungs clear as they pass through the birth canal.
• Being able to avoid potential blood clots in the legs or pelvis.

Who is a Candidate for a VBAC?

Approximately 90% of women who previously had a C-section are candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean. The necessary characteristics of such patients include women who:

• Are carrying a baby of average size who is facing with their head down.
• Have no serious medical problems.
• Have had 2 or less low transverse cesarean deliveries.
• Will have a medical professional available during the delivery to monitor their labor and be able to perform an emergency cesarean if necessary.
• Do not have uterine scars, previous uterine ruptures, or any other abnormalities of the uterus.

Who is Not a Candidate for a VBAC?

The other 10% of those who have undergone a cesarean delivery and are not ideal for a VBAC usually include women who:

• Have a history of 2 or more prior cesareans and no vaginal deliveries.
• Experienced a uterine rupture.
• Need to be induced.
• Are of a more mature age.
• Had a prior surgery involving the uterus such as fibroid removal.
• Gained an abnormally large amount of weight during their pregnancy.
• Recently gave birth (up to 18 months ago).
• Previously experienced preeclampsia.
• Have had a prior high vertical uterine incision.