Vaginal birth after caesarean

There are two standard care pathways for women having childbirth following previous CS - Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) or Elective Repeat CS (ERCS). Attempting a VBAC is a safe and appropriate choice that must be offered to most women who have had a prior caesarean delivery. Approximately 70-75% of women who attempt VBAC will have a successful vaginal delivery. Focused antenatal counselling sessions highlighting the risks and benefits of VBAC vs ERCS may impact upon the pathway a woman chooses. Continued counselling and discussion of relative risks versus benefits will also encourage patient choice and help support the woman throughout antenatal and intrapartum periods.