04/09/2025
You read that right.
Per the American College of OB/GYN's 2019 VBAC guidelines, the risk of maternal death during a planned vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is 0.0019%.
Expressed another way, that is a risk of 1 in 52,600.
Did you have any idea the risk was that low?
Whereas the risk of maternal death with an elective repeat cesarean after one cesarean is 0.0096% or 1 in 10,000.
Again, both really small numbers but the risk of maternal death is five times higher in a repeat cesarean.
This is why when pregnant people are threatened with "you could die if you plan a VBAC," it falls flat.
But it is often really successful in coercing someone into a repeat cesarean... as well as eroding patient autonomy and any trust when the birthing person learns the facts.
As a L&D nurse told us, "There is no real informed consent anymore."
This is just yet another example.
ETA: Some people asked in the comments about the risk of fetal death. We discuss that here: https://vbacfacts.com/2012/04/03/confusing-fact-only-6-of-uterine-ruptures-are-catastrophic/
Others have asked about vaginal birth after classical cesarean: https://vbacfacts.com/2021/08/10/vbac-after-classical-t-j-incision/
… or after two cesareans: https://vbacfacts.com/vba2c
… or after three or more cesareans: https://vbacfacts.com/vba3c
Also, you can download our free resources including:
- a report debunking the top 5 uterine rupture myths: https://vbacfacts.com/report
- a handout busting the top 3 VBAC myths using national guidelines: https://vbacfacts.com/acogmyths
- and a VBAC planning checklist: https://vbacfacts.com/checklist
VBAC Facts
