Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) refers to giving birth vaginally after having a cesarean section (C-section) for a previous pregnancy. VBAC may follow a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), during which time a person will attempt a vaginal birth. If the labor does not progress, a cesarean may be necessary. A person's medical team can discuss the benefits and risks of VBAC with them to help them make an informed decision about the delivery.

What are the benefits of VBAC?

Benefits of a successful VBAC can include a shorter recovery time, a lower risk of infection, and less blood loss. A VBAC also helps reduce the risk of problems that can occur with multiple cesareans, such as hysterectomy, bladder or bowel problems, and issues with the placenta in any future pregnancies. It is important to note that VBAC may also present with risks. A person can discuss these with their medical team beforehand and ask any questions to determine which method of delivery is best for them.

Is vaginal delivery birth painful?

Many people report that vaginal delivery is painful. However, according to a survey by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, just over half of people said that contractions were more painful than the delivery. There are various options for pain management during labor and delivery, such as a labor epidural with or without a spinal anesthetic, intravenous pain medications, and nonpharmacological options like relaxation and distraction techniques.

When does bleeding stop after a vaginal delivery?

Bleeding after vaginal delivery typically lasts around 4 to 6 weeks. However, some people may experience bleeding for up to 12 weeks. The bleeding will usually be heavy to begin with. As the flow becomes lighter, it will also appear lighter in color, changing from a bright red or reddish-brown to a paler red or pink. Passing clots is normal after vaginal delivery. However, if a person passes a lot of large clots, it is important to make a medical professional aware of this.

Discover Top Vaginal Delivery And Vbac Doctors in Needham, MA

Insurance

Gender

Distance

Specialty

Age

Availability

Language

Patient Satisfaction

Affiliated Facility

Dr. Rebekah Viloria, MD

Dr. Maia Sharuk, MD

Dr. Renee Goldberg, MD

Dr. Jill Berger, MD

Dr. Cristina Diaz, MD

Dr. Adriana Freeman, MD

Dr. Sarah Ingham, MD

Dr. Christopher Morrison, MD

Dr. Payal Srinivasa, MD

Dr. Laura Michelis, MD

Dr. Maria Fradinho, MD

Dr. Elaine Metcalf, MD

Dr. Julia Logan, MD

Dr. Mary Vadnais, MD

Dr. Jane Magida, MD

Dr. Molly Clark, MD

Dr. Charlotte Page, MD

Dr. Sarah Cryer, MD

Dr. Georgia Vasilakis, MD

Dr. Valencia Miller, MD

Dr. Kara Deaver Chang, MD

Dr. Stanislava Portnoy, MD

Dr. Elisa Jorgensen, MD

Dr. Saba Berhie, MD

Dr. Lisa Dunn-Albanese, MD

Dr. Shay Erisson, MD

Dr. Peter Movilla, MD

Dr. Andrea Jaresova, MD

Dr. Carey York Best, MD

Dr. Hong-Thao Thieu, MD

Dr. Danielle Orourke-Suchoff, MD

Dr. Katherine Economy, MD

Dr. Alyssa Trochtenberg, MD

Dr. Hope Yu, MD

Dr. Wenjia Zhang, MD

Dr. Yael Hoffman Hoffman Sage, MD

Dr. Elizabeth Yoselevsky, MD

Dr. Afarin Yaghmaee Greiger, MD

Dr. Emily Reiff, MD

Dr. Stephanie Hanson Guseh, MD

Dr. Sarah Easter, MD

Dr. Virginia Simmons, MD

Dr. Katherine Johnson, MD

Dr. Sarah Catlin, MD

Dr. Emily Newton-Cheh, MD

Dr. Marna Beth Dolinger, MD

Dr. Amy Ottensmeyer, MD

Dr. Sruthi Sakamuri, MD

Dr. Elizabeth Konig, MD

Dr. Kathryn Davis, MD

Dr. Thomas Beatty, MD

Dr. Ann Dolloff, MD

Dr. Henry Lerner, MD

Dr. Karie DeVries, MD

Dr. Cara Attanucci, MD

Dr. Rachel Mann, MD

Dr. Jessica Rosenstock, MD

Dr. Jinhee Oh, MD

Dr. Megan McDowell, MD

Dr. Gail Guzelian, MD

Dr. Alice Vincent, MD

Dr. Diane Kaufman, MD

VBAC: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of VBAC? Chevron Icon

Is vaginal delivery birth painful? Chevron Icon

When does bleeding stop after a vaginal delivery? Chevron Icon

What are the benefits of VBAC?

Is vaginal delivery birth painful?

When does bleeding stop after a vaginal delivery?