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VBACs at Missouri Baptist

Preparing for Vaginal Birth after a C-Section at MoBap

If you previously had a C-section and desire to experience a vaginal birth, you may be eligible for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) with your next pregnancy.

VBACs at MoBap’s Childbirth Center

At MoBap, we have a number of obstetricians who regularly manage VBACs for their maternity patients. In fact, we are one of the few St. Louis hospitals to advocate VBACs when appropriate. That’s because our obstetricians are backed by a team experienced in VBAC deliveries, including trained nurses, 24/7 anesthesiologists and other medical specialists. We take pride in being able to offer this delivery option to our patients. After all, our goal is to help you experience delivery in a way that’s right for you.

For more information about VBAC and other labor and delivery options available at Missouri Baptist, call (314) 996-5751 or email us.

Why consider a VBAC?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a VBAC is a safe, suitable choice for most women who have had one prior cesarean.

A VBAC offers a number of advantages compared to a repeat C-section, including:

Fewer complications, including a reduced risk for infection and less blood loss
Shorter recovery time and hospital stay
Greater participation in the birth process, including holding and breastfeeding your baby sooner than if you undergo a repeat C-section
Impact on future pregnancies, particularly if you’re planning to have a large family. Repeat C-sections get more complicated each time, while repeat VBACs tend to become progressively easier.

Are you a candidate for a VBAC?

In order to be considered for a VBAC, you should meet the following criteria:

Have undergone only one prior low transverse uterine incision (C-section) with no other uterine incisions
Currently experiencing a healthy and problem-free pregnancy. More importantly, the reason your previous child was delivered by C-section is not a factor with this pregnancy.
It is preferable that labor begins naturally on or before your due date

Of course, every case is different; therefore, you must consult with your obstetrician to determine is VBAC is an appropriate option for you.

Finding a supportive OB/GYN and Hospital

For many women, the greatest obstacle to having a VBAC is finding an obstetrician and hospital that support this type of delivery. According to a 2006 national survey, 57 percent of women interested in VBACs were unable to find a supportive care provider or hospital.

We encourage you to talk to your physician about VBAC options. For assistance in locating an obstetrician on-staff at MoBap, please call (314) 996-DOCS (3627).

For more information about VBAC and other labor and delivery options available at MoBap, call (314) 996-5751 or email us.