Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) carries risk due to uterine scarring. Which statement is true?

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) carries risk due to uterine scarring. Which statement is true?

• A. It has higher risk of uterine rupture
• B. It has no risk
• C. It is always unsafe
• D. It guarantees vaginal birth

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a prior cesarean leaves a scar on the uterus, which can weaken the wall during labor. That weakened area is more prone to rupture when contractions are strong and labor progresses. Because of this, vaginal birth after cesarean does carry a higher risk of uterine rupture compared to a uterus with no scar. This doesn’t mean VBAC is unsafe for everyone or that it always occurs, nor does it mean there’s no risk or that VBAC guarantees vaginal birth. With proper selection, monitoring, and readiness to perform an emergency cesarean, many people have successful VBACs, but the risk of rupture remains a real consideration.

The key idea is that a prior cesarean leaves a scar on the uterus, which can weaken the wall during labor. That weakened area is more prone to rupture when contractions are strong and labor progresses. Because of this, vaginal birth after cesarean does carry a higher risk of uterine rupture compared to a uterus with no scar. This doesn’t mean VBAC is unsafe for everyone or that it always occurs, nor does it mean there’s no risk or that VBAC guarantees vaginal birth. With proper selection, monitoring, and readiness to perform an emergency cesarean, many people have successful VBACs, but the risk of rupture remains a real consideration.