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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a vaginal childbirth after a woman has previously delivered a baby by cesarean section. Although VBAC is a safe choice for most women, it can have some risks for both the mother and the baby.

In rare cases, a cesarean scar on the uterus tears open, or ruptures, during VBAC. This can be life-threatening, causing severe blood loss in the mother and lack of oxygen for the baby.

A woman who chooses VBAC is closely monitored. As with any labor, if the mother or baby shows signs of distress, an emergency cesarean section is done.

Last Revised: March 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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