Understanding the VBAC Success Rate
 

If you’re thinking about a VBAC delivery, you’re probably wondering how likely you are to succeed at a vaginal birth. You may also be worried that a lower chance of success at VBAC means a higher risk of uterine rupture and other serious consequences. You are probably also wondering if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Fortunately, most VBAC procedures are successful, although there are things that may reduce your chance of success.

VBAC Success Rate
The VBAC success rate is somewhere around 70% for women who are a good candidate for VBAC, but the chance of success is still just above 50% if you aren’t a good candidate. There is no single factor that determines if you will be able to deliver vaginally but you will go through a trial of labor if you want to attempt VBAC. If you aren’t able to deliver vaginally, your doctor will perform another C-section.

Factors that Affect VBAC Success Rate
Here are some things that may affect your ability to have a successful VBAC:

• Diagnosis of cephalo-pelvic disproportion, or CPD, in the past, which means your baby’s head will not fit through your pelvis
• Gestational diabetes may reduce your chances for successful VBAC
• A previous low transverse C-section improves your chances
• A classical C-section cut, which is a long vertical cut into your uterus, makes a VBAC very dangerous and your doctor will likely not recommend a vaginal birth