03/25/2026
This is another myth I hear time and time again: "It is unsafe to VBAC beyond 40 weeks."
Here's the truth: Going beyond 40 weeks gestation is not a contraindication to labor after cesarean.
While some studies have found lower VBAC odds after 40 weeks, I question the role of provider pressure and birthing parent stress on labor, spontaneous or otherwise.
What about the VBAC odds among those who feel supported during the last weeks of their pregnancy rather than facing the deadline of a repeat cesarean on the books?
As ACOG says, "Gestational age greater than 40 weeks along should not preclude [planned VBAC.]" *
There are no hard stops in terms of gestational age due to prior cesarean.
Want to learn more about VBAC and the evidence on uterine rupture risk by gestational age? Go to vbacfacts.com/courses
* I replaced "TOLAC" for "planned VBAC" in ACOG's quote.
