Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) 

Safe, Personalized VBAC Evaluations and Delivery Options with a Board-Certified OB/GYN

At Yunella Women’s Health, we understand how important it is for many women to experience a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean. With the right circumstances and medical guidance, VBAC can be a safe and successful option. Dr. David Seil Kim, a board-certified OB/GYN and Cedars-Sinai–affiliated physician, provides individualized VBAC counseling, risk assessment, and delivery planning to help women make informed decisions about their birth experience.

Our goal is to ensure you understand your options and feel confident in pursuing a VBAC when it is medically appropriate.

What Is VBAC?

A Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) refers to delivering vaginally after having had a prior C-section. Many women are excellent candidates for VBAC and have a high likelihood of success, depending on their medical history, type of previous incision, and current pregnancy factors.

VBAC offers benefits such as shorter recovery time, decreased surgical risks, lower infection rates, and the opportunity for a more natural labor experience.

Who Is a Candidate for VBAC?

A detailed medical evaluation is essential to determine safety. You may be a good candidate for VBAC if you have:

• One prior low-transverse (horizontal) cesarean incision
• No history of uterine rupture
• No contraindications to vaginal delivery
• A clinically normal pregnancy in the current gestation
• Adequate spacing between pregnancies
• No major complications such as placenta previa or certain fetal conditions

Successful VBAC is highly individualized. At your consultation, Dr. Kim will review your operative reports, medical history, and ultrasound findings to determine your personal likelihood of VBAC success.

Benefits of VBAC

Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean may offer:

• Faster postpartum recovery
• Lower risk of surgical complications
• Reduced blood loss
• Decreased infection risk
• Lower chance of complications in future pregnancies
• Opportunity for immediate bonding and mobility after birth

Many patients choose VBAC to avoid repeat surgery, especially when planning for more than one child.

Risks and Considerations

While VBAC is safe for many patients, it requires careful monitoring and a hospital prepared for emergency intervention. Potential risks include:

• Uterine rupture (rare but serious)
• Need for an unplanned repeat cesarean
• Maternal or fetal distress during labor

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where Dr. Kim delivers, advanced obstetric teams, anesthesia, neonatal specialists, and operating room support are available around the clock, providing the safest environment for VBAC attempts.

What to Expect with VBAC Care at Yunella Women’s Health

Your evaluation and delivery plan will be individualized and evidence-based.

Our VBAC services include:

• Detailed review of your prior C-section records
• Ultrasound evaluation of fetal positioning, growth, and estimated weight
• Discussion of risks, benefits, and success probabilities
• Personalized labor management strategies
• Continuous monitoring during labor in a hospital setting
• Supportive counseling to help you feel confident and prepared

We offer comprehensive prenatal and intrapartum care to maximize both safety and your VBAC success rate.

Predicting VBAC Success

Several factors can increase the likelihood of a successful vaginal birth:

• Prior vaginal delivery (especially a prior VBAC)
• Low-transverse uterine incision
• Spontaneous onset of labor
• Normal fetal size
• Normal pregnancy without complications

Dr. Kim will review these variables and discuss a personalized success score with you during your consultation.

Why Choose Yunella Women’s Health for VBAC Counseling and Delivery

• Individualized, concierge-level prenatal care
• Board-certified OB/GYN with extensive VBAC experience
• Delivery exclusively at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• State-of-the-art ultrasound for ongoing evaluation
• Thorough counseling to support patient autonomy
• Private, supportive, boutique practice environment

Your birth experience should be guided by both evidence-based medicine and your personal preferences. Our practice is committed to creating a safe, informed, and empowering pathway for women seeking VBAC.