VBAC

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is something that many women wonder about. Is its safe? Is it for me? Is it appropriate for my baby? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) held a conference to try to help you answer these questions for your situation. Here are the questions they want you to ask your doctor or midwife about VBAC in your pregnancy:

1. What are the rates and patterns of utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery, vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, and repeat cesarean delivery in the United States?

2. Among women who attempt a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery, what is the vaginal delivery rate and the factors that influence it?

3. What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the mother of attempting trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?

4. What are the short- and long-term benefits and harms to the baby of maternal attempt at trial of labor after prior cesarean versus elective repeat cesarean delivery, and what factors influence benefits and harms?

5. What are the non-medical factors that influence the patterns and utilization of trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery?

6. What are the critical gaps in the evidence for decision making, and what are the priority investigations needed to address these gaps?

_Source:

_{NIH Draft VBAC Consensus Statement. March 10, 2010.}