Vaginal Birth after C-Section

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Women First wants to support you in the birth experience YOU want. If you have had a cesarean section in a prior delivery, it’s very possible you can have a vaginal delivery in your next pregnancy.

You have options if you have had a prior cesarean section. You can plan a scheduled repeat C-section that will be done even if you are laboring. You can also explore Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC), with the goal of having a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, or VBAC.

With VBAC, you may be able to experience a planned vaginal birth with your baby. There are many benefits of a VBAC, but there are also risks. The benefits include no abdominal surgery, usually shorter recovery from delivery, less risk of infection, and less blood loss. The biggest risk of VBAC is that the prior uterine scar may rupture. While this is uncommon, when this happens, it is an obstetrical emergency that can be life-threatening for baby and/or mom.

While 60-80% is the accepted standard success rate for VBAC, Women First is proud of having a significantly higher VBAC success rate. We work with our patients who are pregnant to determine the best candidates to try to labor. So, for our patients who attempt a trial of labor, we have close to 90% who achieve successful vaginal deliveries.

Who can have a VBAC?

Favorable factors for VBAC include prior vaginal delivery and the reason for the prior C-section. When the prior cesarean was done for a non-recurring reason, such as breech position, the baby not tolerating labor, or previa, chances of successful VBAC are best. Recurring reasons would include things such as the baby being too big to fit or labor not progressing. We also do not recommend trying to labor if a mom has had more than one prior cesarean section.

One of the biggest contributors to a successful VBAC is spontaneous labor. Women First doesn’t aggressively induce labor in moms with prior C-sections, so spontaneous labor is a major factor in a successful vaginal birth after C-section.

Use the calculator below to input your personal information and get your individual calculated success rate.

VBAC Calculator

There is always the chance that issues may arise, so Women First spends time with you to review your concerns and expectations, discuss your risks and benefits, and help plan your best delivery experience. Baptist Health Louisville is a VBAC-friendly hospital supportive of your choices. They also have the ability to deal with a VBAC emergency should it happen. Either way, you’ll receive exceptional care throughout your entire labor and delivery.

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and want to explore the options of a vaginal birth after cesarean section, talk with Women First. We’re here to help you make an informed decision that’s best for you and your baby.

Sexual Health Is an Essential Aspect of Women’s Health

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 21 July 2026
 
 
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 12 June 2026
 
 
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 4 June 2026
 
 
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I highly recommend Dr. Oliphant based on the fact that she is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician who truly takes the time to listen to her patients. Throughout my appointments, she and the staff made me feel completely at ease. She thoroughly explained my diagnosis and patiently answered all my questions without ever making me feel rushed.
I had to do bloodwork during my last appointment.  The clinicians and staff were especially friendly and professional as well.
Dr. Oliphant’s, and the staff’s, empathetic bedside manner and clear communication elicit standout medical providers in the specialized field of menopause medicine.
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 12 May 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The care I've received at Women First of Louisville has been outstanding for over 15 years. It is amazing that such a large practice can be so efficient, organized, and caring all at the same time. For my annual checkups, I am able to schedule my mammogram and provider visit together. Pre-check in means I simply sign in and within a minute or two I'm called for my mammogram. Another 2-5 minute wait and I'm with a friendly, knowledgeable technician who completes the mammogram with a smile and a caring attitude. In 10 minutes, I am back in the waiting area and immediately called back for vitals by another friendly professional assistant. Within 5-10 minutes I am in the exam room and my provider, Heather McLennan, arrives. Here is where the appointment is less about efficiency and more about the care she provides to me. Heather always takes the time to speak with me...asking questions about my life, my health and my concerns. These are not just a check list. She listens. She smiles. She looks me in the eyes and participates in a conversation with me that makes me feel like she cares and understands. Her exam is gentle but thorough. I often have a question about recent research or options and she gives me her honest opinion based on facts. I completely trust her and the other women in all aspects of this practice.
**A few years ago I did have a less than stellar experience with an assistant who took my vitals. She was dismissive and sloppy and made me feel uncomfortable when I didn't understand her questions. After I shared this experience with the check out staff, the office manager called me the same day for details, an apology and guarantee that the practice would address this as a training issue that would hopefully correct it. I've not seen or heard anything like it since. I am 100% satisfied with the care I receive at Women First of Louisville. I highly recommend you consider them for your healthcare needs.
  
 
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 11 May 2026
 
 
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