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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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Femi Olatunbosun, MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised March 28, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: 8/, 011
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