We want to make the birth of your baby a safe and empowering experience, whether they are born by caesarean section or vaginally. If you have a baby by caesarean, any babies you have in the future will not necessarily need to be born the same way.
Many people who have a Caesarean section go on to have vaginal deliveries for their next baby. This is called a Vaginal Birth after Caesarean (VBAC). The other option is to have an elective or planned Caesarean section.
If you have had one or two caesareans, your midwife will refer you to our Birth Options Clinic. We will send you an appointment letter to see us at around 22 weeks.
What to expect
At our Birth Options clinic we will give you the opportunity to discuss your plans and preferences for birth. We will talk about your previous birth and explain the options for your current pregnancy.
If you would like to have a vaginal birth after having had a C-section, then our midwives will support you and give you all the information you need.
A referral can also be made to a consultant obstetrician if we feel it’s needed, or you would like to discuss your preference further.
We do not recommend trying for a VBAC if you have had two or more caesareans. You will be automatically referred to a consultant obstetrician if this is your wish.
You don’t have to decide on how you want to have your baby at your 22-week appointment, but most people find the discussion helps them to make their decision. If you are still undecided, we will invite you for another appointment with the consultant obstetrician at 34 weeks.
If you have decided to have a VBAC your antenatal care will continue with your community midwife as normal.
If you haven’t had your baby by 41 weeks, we will invite you back to the clinic to give you another opportunity to talk about your birth. At this appointment we will discuss your options and possible induction of labour. Induction in people who have had a previous caesarean section has limitations.