9 Pregnancy Myths That Might Surprise You - Myth 9

Claim #9: Once you have a C-section, you can’t have a natural birth. 

Response: Mothers who have had C-sections should be evaluated for natural childbirth if they want it. Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) has a success rate of about 70 percent. In fact, a successful VBAC is associated with fewer complications than a repeated C-section.

There can be complications. The most serious, a uterine rupture, occurs only in about 1 percent of vaginal childbirths after a previous C-section, but it can be life-threatening.

Women can who usually have successful vaginal births after C-sections:

• Have had one or two C-section births with low transverse or low vertical incisions
• Do not have other uterine scars or abnormalities
• Have had no previous uterine ruptures

If you’ve had a vaginal delivery at least once before or after your prior C-section, the odds are you’ll have a successful VBAC.

Of course, talk to your obstetrician about having a vaginal birth after a C-section so you understand whether you are a good VBAC candidate. Ask questions, and make sure you know the benefits and possible risks.

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