Vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC)

Why is this important?

Most women who have their first baby via Caesarean section are candidates for another Caesarean section.  If the reason a previous C-section was required is not present in another pregnancy, a women may be a candidate for a VBAC.  The risk factors and medical guidelines for VBAC must be discussed with the woman’s obstetrical care provider well in advance of labor.

 

It is also important for the hospital to be equipped to handle VBAC procedures and have 24-hour anesthesia providers on site in case of uterine rupture or an emergency Caesarean is needed during labor.

How WellSpan Compares

Last year there were close to 3,000 deliveries at York Hospital.  The following graph shows the percentage of deliveries that were vaginal births after Caesarean section.  A low VBAC rate is preferred.

Unit of Measurement: Percentage

A higher score is better than a lower score.

What we are doing to improve our performance.

WellSpan currently has lower than national VBAC rates as fewer women meet medical guidelines for VBAC across the country and the risk of uterine rupture in labor is increased with VBAC.  For patient safety in obstetrics and for VBAC patients, York Hospital has state-of-the-art labor and delivery and C-section surgical equipment, a highly experienced staff as well as an on site anesthesia team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for all labor room patients.