Quality Statement 1: Access to Vaginal Birth After Caesarean

Resources Quality Statements Advisory Committee About

Access to Vaginal Birth After Caesarean

People who have had a Caesarean birth before can plan a vaginal birth for their next birth, as long as there is no medical reason not to have one.

Background

Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) is safe and appropriate for most people who have had a previous Caesarean birth. When no contraindications to VBAC are present, physicians and midwives should counsel pregnant people and their families to make choices that reflect their values, preferences, and priorities. This kind of supportive care requires the availability of health care professionals and facilities that offer and encourage planned VBAC. Local institutional policies, opinion leaders, and audit and feedback are all potentially effective ways of promoting and increasing access to VBAC.

What This Quality Statement Means

For Pregnant People

You can plan a vaginal birth in this pregnancy, as long as there is no medical reason not to have one.

For Clinicians

Offer VBAC in a supportive manner to all pregnant people who have had a previous Caesarean birth and who have no contraindication to a vaginal birth.

For Health Services

Ensure that health care professionals and facilities have systems, processes, and resources in place to offer and support planned VBAC.

Quality Indicators

Structural Indicator

Availability of facilities that have policies supportive of VBAC

Local data collection

Definitions Used Within This Quality Statement

Access

Pregnant people planning a VBAC have access to a physician or midwife who is supportive of VBAC. This may include referral to a more comprehensive service that can offer planned VBAC.

Evidence to Improve Care