---
title: Thirteen Myths About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
date: 2023-04-12T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/thirteen-myths-about-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Thirteen Myths About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

There is much confusion surrounding vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Is it a safe option? Why do hospitals “ban” VBAC? What is the risk of uterine rupture? This article, written by former Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Jen Kamel, responds to these and many other frequently asked questions.

> Many people believe, 'once a cesarean, always a cesarean.' This prevailing conventional wisdom is greatly influenced by persistent and pervasive myths about VBAC. It’s time for some clarity.

[Read the full article ](https://vbacfacts.com/2022/08/03/13-myths-about-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean/)

SOURCE: VBAC Facts • AUTHOR: Jen Kamel • LAST UPDATED: August 3, 2022

![vidal-balielo-jr-3376788](data:image/png;base64,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) Vidal Balielo Jr./Pexels

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birthing options](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birthing-options)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [cesarean section](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cesarean-section)
- [vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) Basics

An overview from Childbirth Connection to aid you in determining whether a VBAC or C-section will be best for you and your child.

![jonathan-borba-3259627](data:image/png;base64,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)

An overview from Childbirth Connection to aid you in determining whether a VBAC or C-section will be best for you and your child.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/vbac-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-basics)

[ResourcesListen

## The Evidence on Vaginal Births After Cesarean or VBACs

This podcast episode looks at the research on vaginal births after cesarean, arguments for and against VBAC, and resources to learn more.

![The Evidence on VBA Cs scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This podcast episode looks at the research on vaginal births after cesarean, arguments for and against VBAC, and resources to learn more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/vaginal-births-after-csection)

[ResourcesRead

## Vaginal Birth after Three or More Cesareans

After someone has three or more prior cesareans, is vaginal birth an option? What does the evidence say?

![mart-production-7089015](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEMUlEQVRIiV1WW7LrNgwDIGX/u+t0pgtprAfQD8p2bn0cRfFJCIIPiPznr78BggBJkiJESnzXe0OQBACAQOqvLjtJXO9OkqBeAgDkXpN3/6z1+Jg7D5D760E9zLHwYykA+vObc7le+lkJEWZEhuDP93Nf5bh/2BwW6IkBIAQRkmJMIoSIEGTEkCLD3FHibR//AzixOlFC0m0fd0gQx0YI+86BaVKVIoJPIk4cfgDsPzEAdO/9CwAQAk3wNnoyfD4+ADwhAnJbtG3Hzp1qBH0/AA/zokLixy6ld/9D4ZA4dn8xXOT6Xusl/BQhwbtwDxXpRtH51w2QBA/A3rbjXTyQ9LXmTw39WVLHviBKDwkd3DcNj/s7e2fvPBh/AFRSzpLKx3H2uK/KR9F40nAD3Nb3yt4FgKSvOU+TPK2Up91APJnQDaDDgS8D/Fpf68VI+pojvwV3bw4E70tiOxj6jVKMON441qcLYK14w+5zjldWfJfECwDi0SWptcNAlf0ggTd8+75m1vCaxQN2n+M6kU9ObfklcRd+WX8wblqo+Bgu6yNrZg7XZi149zHG25M3gyN6eUL0437bTyEB4YnP8T1zeF6ZI3NkT+zd5xi4pTEJHDiPqr4JULOtJls3QN4Mr5k1My/PK+PKvDKvrJG9+xhXdUyRYB4drnYu90NFrSWhQhl3hhM/7nteGd+Mr8c345s1sFcxOIXKAAERphqgOgsMFNqu7mWOeZzyX1kj8/K4Mi6Pb65/M75ZV/Y8OSCOzuvWCFFEdIvzw4t5iq76a2VNz5k5PYfHlevy+Gb8m/nNmodBiRvBCnCTcssRSFDgga6DK0hse2dv7+W9vKZn3SNjeFyZF/bsY8zbZUqCALUjyhIktsa7h0sNzxFQGbD3tvfeL9Ly6YmVPfscs3pJUm/AUZlq3abW1ZqaSvIqVnHiGDBSorMLYe9C867TLTH6nLOUprVGikHIcly9qxdAq44LgJg0EITe2MBOVrLv+9R5VQbU51wk1VpAtjTghKWsfz6tN6lRlYBsm95AEkUMsYENLKQ2G/Sp656gz7VFNpBKK/d5u//5tM+n9V4hCu+hYYExrJAmfTC4gAWaMpv1iQCor7klhlJLAFBoja3zAfj0ClEpFPYOQpjeaIoKg5tc1KY2ZTWrpzN239sOIZ/AVaH2pt5b7z8ACGD7zDcxmiCGLIxdGNJWc+sGshvkvrYVqcWPOqixnQTo09vno6ZigHIGoUUJUiRTPrHSZtutOTEYOk73doB21JOgIEmq4lHv6q21hgKo+GSzNTRBggjRoqktuRgIDsNA6dsRccak5wRWYwGcVhCOeIKx1GoIqCYPGVZF0aoMw2DsBL0O7bwMCD4D9rnYRNKJEEbc1eeECDIkiJzqZCQnLms1/OYdi98jmM84dM9CxDsp/dylxS9M7UOVOP8HwHrp2YKe5qYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

After someone has three or more prior cesareans, is vaginal birth an option? What does the evidence say?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/vaginal-birth-after-three-or-more-cesareans)

[ResourcesRead

## Choices in Childbirth

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.

![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth)

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)