Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is the successful vaginal delivery of a baby after a previous cesarean section.
VBAC is the successful outcome of a Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC). For carefully selected women, VBAC can be a safe alternative to a planned repeat cesarean section and may reduce the risks associated with multiple abdominal surgeries.
Whether a woman is a suitable candidate depends on factors such as the type of previous uterine incision, the reason for the first cesarean section, and the circumstances of the current pregnancy.
A prior cesarean does not automatically mean that all future births must be cesarean deliveries, but the decision about mode of birth requires individualized clinical assessment.
QUICK FACT
VBAC is an outcome; TOLAC is the attempt to achieve that outcome.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- TOLAC: an attempt to labor after a previous cesarean with the intention of vaginal birth.
- Repeat cesarean section: another cesarean delivery after a previous cesarean.
SEE ALSO