St. Albert & Sturgeon Primary Care Network

Vaginal Delivery After C-section

I had a Cesarean Section with my last baby, can I have a traditional delivery this time?

Many women who have previously given birth through Cesarean section (C-section) safely give birth to a child through a normal vaginal delivery. Attempts at vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) have a high success rate and have many benefits.

In cases where a vaginal birth attempt is unsuccessful, a repeat cesarean section is performed.

Occasionally, medical history or circumstance can make VBAC a poor choice for women - a repeat cesarean section would be recommended in this case. Ask your health care professional if VBAC is right for you.

Why are C-sections performed?

Cesarean sections are performed for a variety of reasons:

  • concern about the baby's well-being
  • lack of progress in labour
  • the mother has already had a cesarean section for a previous birth
  • a breech birth

What are the benefits of having a vaginal birth?

There are several benefits to having a vaginal birth instead of a repeat cesarean:

  • there is less blood loss in a vaginal delivery
  • there is less risk of injury and risk of infection
  • all surgeries have a certain amount of complications
  • recovery is faster and usually the hospital stay is shorter
  • there is less risk of death and less risk of harm to the baby (fewer admissions to NICU)

What are the risks of VBAC?

A C-Section leaves a scar on the uterus. This is a weak area and can tear during labour. This is called a uterine rupture. If this occurs you would require an emergency C-section. You could need a blood transfusion or a hysterectomy and the baby could be harmed.

I have had more than one C-section, can I still have a vaginal delivery?

VBAC is still an option if you have had more than one previous birth by cesarean, though the risk of complication is slightly higher.

What else do I need to do?

  • To reduce risks, spontaneous labour is preferred over induced labour for VBAC.
  • Your healthcare provider will review your surgery record and discuss whether a trial of VBAC is right for you.
  • Your doctor will get your previous surgery records.

Primary health care is the first point of contact with the health care system, where people receive care from family physicians, and from nurses, pharmacists, therapists and others for most of their everyday health care needs.