Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
If you have delivered a baby by C-section and pregnant again or thinking of getting pregnant again, you may be able to choose between scheduling a repeat C-section or having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Our team including midwives, OB/GYNs and other health care experts are here to help you decide what is best for you and your family.
A trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), is a plan to go into labor with the goal of delivering vaginally. Benefits of VBAC include:
- Avoiding additional scarring around your uterus area
- Less pain after delivery
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower risk of infection
- Less blood loss
- A more active role for you and your birthing partner
As with any labor, if it becomes too difficult to deliver or if circumstances change, you and the birth team at MercyOne Waterloo Birth Center may opt for a repeat c-section.
You have choices. As you begin to discuss delivering your baby with your MercyOne provider, talk about whether you want to try labor after c-section.
