Expert Q&A: Vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC)

Readers Question
My first baby was born by caesarean and now that I’m pregnant again I’m determined to have a vaginal birth. Is there anything I can do to prepare for a vaginal birth after a caesarean the first time around? And what do you think the chances are that I’ll be successful?
Tara, via email



Expert Answer
Your chances of having a vaginal birth after caesarean (or a VBAC) are great, Tara. Between 60 and 80 per cent of ladies attempting to have one are successful. The best thing you can do to improve your chances is to go into your labour healthy, without high blood pressure or problems with the baby. So this might sound a bit pedestrian, but look after yourself even more than you would have ordinarily. Get regular exercise, enough sleep (which can be hard if, as it sounds, you’ve got a toddler running around!), eat healthily, don’t give into those pregnancy junk food cravings, drink plenty of water, bin any cigarettes and stay away from smokers altogether. Other than that you’re in the hands of nature. Best of luck!

• Dr Ginni Mansberg is a GP, medical journalist and mum of three