VBAC or vaginal birth after cecarian is becoming more and more common. Gone are the days of once a c-section, always a c-section. However, there are many different factors that you and your doctor need to look at to decide if you are a good candidate for a VBAC. Thanks to new surgical innovations, 60 to 80 percent of women who have previously had a c-section have successful vaginal deliveries and may be an option for you.

One of the first factors that your doctor will want to consider is what type of uterine incision was used for your previous c-section. Depending upon what type will help determine how risky a VBAC will be for you or even if you are eligible as a VBAC candidate.

Here is a quick overview of possible incisions and risk factors:

• Low Transverse Incision: Most common incision and is made sideways across the lower part of the uterus where the uterine wall is the thinnest. This incision forms stronger scars and presents about 0.2 to 1.5 percent chance of rupture during a VBAC making you a good candidate.
• Low Vertical Incision: Also made low on the uterus, this incision is used if/when baby isn't in a good position or your doctor may think that the incision may need to be extended. Risk factors for this category are 1 to 7 percent of scar rupture. Though the risk factors are higher than with the low transverse incision, your doctor may still consider you a good candidate.
• Classical Incision: This incision is a high vertical incision that was once the one and only way c-sections were performed. It carries the highest risk for bleeding during labor and subsequent uterine ruptures. VBAC is not recommended for women with this incision.
• T-Shaped, Inverted T-Shaped, or J-Shaped Incision: These incisions are used during emergency c-sections and are not very common. Women with these previous incisions will not be considered for VBAC as it is much to risky for both mother and baby.

Other aspects that your doctor will take into consideration to weigh your risk factors are things such as what prompted your prior c-section, how many have you had, if you've ever had a vaginal delivery and if you've ever had a previous uterine rupture. Women pregnant with multiples are also eligible for looking into VBAC. However, if you are expecting more than 2 providers generally will not offer VBAC as an option and work with you to plan a c-section.

Keep in mind that even if your doctor agrees that you are a good candidate for VBAC you still have the risk factor of needing an emergency c-section, so don't rule it out. Prepare yourself and your significant other for both a vaginal delivery and c-section. Healing times are very different for vaginal deliveries and c-sections. As you have had a c-section before, you already know how long the healing process can be. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor and if it seems too risky for you, don't feel bad opting for the c-section.