What chance do I have of giving birth vaginally if I had a cesarean section before?

I had a Caesarean section with my first child two years ago. What are the chances I'll be able to have a vaginal birth this time?

Your chances of having a VBAC - vaginal birth after a Caesarean - depend primarily on two things: the reasons for your first Caesarean section and the type of uterine incision made. If you had the Caesarean section because you weren't progressing in your labour, the baby was in foetal distress or there was a problem with the placenta - all reasons not likely to recur during this birth - then a vaginal birth is a definite possibility. Also, if the incision made to deliver the baby was in the lower segment of your uterus, just above the cervix, then a vaginal birth is safe. On the other hand, if the Caesarean section was necessary because your pelvis wasn't large enough for the baby to pass through, or because of some other factor not likely to change this time round, then your doctor or midwife will probably not advise a vaginal birth. Your doctor may also advise another Caesarean section if the Caesarean incision was made in the main body of your uterus. This increases the risk of your uterus rupturing with the contractions of labour. Studies conducted over the past 30 years support the safety of VBAC when they are an appropriate option - and the number of VBACs continues to increase in the United Kingdom. But you'll have to talk to your doctor about your chances of a successful VBAC.