03 9467 9444If you’ve had a caesarean before, you might be wondering whether a vaginal birth is possible this time around. For many women, the answer is yes. A VBAC – vaginal birth after caesarean – means labouring and giving birth vaginally after a previous caesarean section, and it’s a safe, well-supported option for the majority of women who choose to try it.
You may also hear it called a TOLAC (trial of labour after caesarean) or NBAC (next birth after caesarean) – these all describe the same thing: a planned attempt at vaginal birth following a prior caesarean.
Learn more about Guidelines for conducting a VBAC safely
Is VBAC right for you?
Most women who’ve had one previous caesarean, particularly with a low transverse (side-to-side) incision, are considered good candidates for VBAC. Research shows that 60–80% of women who attempt a VBAC go on to give birth vaginally – and a successful VBAC generally carries the lowest complication rate of any birth option after a prior caesarean.
That said, VBAC isn’t automatically right for everyone. Your suitability depends on things like:
- The type of incision used in your previous caesarean
- The reason your earlier caesarean was needed, and whether that reason is likely to recur
- How many previous caesareans you’ve had
- Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth before (this improves your odds)
- Your current pregnancy – including your baby’s position, your due date, and general health
This is why every VBAC request is assessed individually, after a proper review of your obstetric history and current pregnancy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and that’s a good thing – it means the plan is built around you.
Why women choose VBAC
- Faster recovery than major abdominal surgery, with less blood loss and lower infection risk
- Avoiding the cumulative risks of multiple caesareans, including bowel or bladder injury and placental complications in future pregnancies
- The birth experience many women hope for, when it’s the right fit medically
What to weigh up
VBAC is safe for most women, but it isn’t risk-free – and it’s important you go in with clear eyes. The main risk being monitored for is uterine scar rupture, where the previous caesarean scar gives way during labour. It’s uncommon – occurring in roughly 1 in every 200 to 500 labours – but it’s serious enough that VBAC is only recommended in a hospital setting with immediate access to an operating theatre, continuous fetal monitoring, and a team ready to act quickly if needed.
If a trial of labour doesn’t progress as hoped, an emergency caesarean may still be necessary. This isn’t a failure – it’s simply how labour sometimes unfolds, and it’s exactly why VBAC is planned and monitored so carefully rather than attempted informally.
What good VBAC care looks like
Current guidelines from RANZCOG (the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) and international bodies like ACOG agree on the essentials:
- A thorough review of your previous caesarean and obstetric history
- Open, honest counselling about your individual chances of success and the risks involved
- Birth in a hospital equipped and staffed for emergency caesarean if required
- Continuous monitoring of you and your baby throughout labour
- A shared decision – the final call is always yours, made with full information and support
The bottom line
VBAC is a genuinely safe and appropriate choice for most women who’ve had a previous caesarean – but it works best with careful planning, honest conversation, and a medical team who’ll support the birth you want while keeping safety front and centre. If you’re considering VBAC, the best next step is a conversation about your specific history and options.
