ACOG Recommends Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) as Safe and Appropriate

July 21, 2010

In a press release on July 21st The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) announced that "Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery." Stating that the US cesarean rate is "undeniably high", president of ACOG Richard N. Waldman, MD cited this concern as one of the reasons for the organization loosening its restrictive stance on VBACs. ¹

Cesarean rates in the US have been climbing for decades, with recent numbers soaring to over 30% of births. With the risk of uterine rupture at well less than 1% for women having a vaginal birth after cesarean, ACOG now recommends VBAC as a viable option for women who have had one, or even two, past cesareans—as well as woman carrying twins. ²

For the full press release from ACOG read "Ob-Gyns Issue Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines."


References

1. "Ob-Gyns Issue Less Restrictive VBAC Guidelines." The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. July 21, 2010, Accessed July23, 2010. http://www.acog.org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr07-21-10-1.cfm

2. "Cesarean Section Rates in the United States"." The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Accessed July 23, 2010. http://www.acog.org/departments/dept_notice.cfm?recno=20&bulletin=264