Natural Births for Mothers Who’ve Had a C-section

Women who have had a C-section during a previous pregnancy may still have the opportunity to have a vaginal birth (VBAC). Many moms would like to have a natural delivery as vaginal births require shorter recovery times, may help lessen your risks during future deliveries, involve less blood loss, and lower risk of infection.

About 90% of women who have had a C-section in the past are still candidates for a vaginal delivery, and up to 80% of women who attempt a VBAC are successful. 

Women may not be able to have a VBAC if they:

• Have high vertical scars (the C-section incision was made going down the belly, not across)
• Want to induce labor
• Have a large or breech baby
• Have had a previous uterine rupture

The preparation for a VBAC is the same as the preparation for a regular vaginal delivery, and you can still have an epidural.

Women who have a successful vaginal birth after having had a C-section in the past will have about the same recovery experience as with a regular vaginal birth. However, your overall healing time will likely be much shorter than recovering from a C-section.