The Real VBAC Success Rate [+5 Ways to Improve Your Chances]

Having a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a big deal. And you might be getting some conflicting advice about it. One source says your chances are great. Another makes it sound impossible. And somewhere between the success stories and the scary warnings, you’re left wondering: Okay, what are MY actual odds here?

When it’s your body and your birth, opinions can feel terrifying. But here’s the thing—understanding what the research truly says can be incredibly empowering. So let’s break down the real numbers, and more importantly, talk about what you can do to stack the odds in your favor.

What Does the Research Say About VBAC Success Rates?

The overall VBAC success rate falls between 60% and 80%, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Yes, that’s a wide range. But that’s because individual factors matter enormously. Your previous cesarean reason, your provider’s experience, your hospital’s policies, and whether labor starts spontaneously all play a role.

The reality is that most VBACs are recognized as a safe and appropriate choice by obstetric organizations worldwide. The primary risk that makes VBAC different from any other vaginal birth is uterine rupture, which occurs in roughly 0.3% to 1.0% of cases—which is a relatively low risk.

5 Expert-Approved Ways to Improve Your VBAC Chances

1. Find a true VBAC-supportive provider

Not all providers approach VBAC the same way. Some are genuinely supportive and experienced. Others might technically “allow” it but subtly discourage you along the way. And some will be upfront that it’s not something they support.

It’s simple. If you want a VBAC, you deserve a provider who believes in VBAC as much as you do.

Questions to ask your provider:

• What’s your VBAC success rate?
• Under what circumstances would you recommend a repeat cesarean?
• How do you feel about letting labor start on its own?

And here’s something else important: it’s okay to switch providers if you’re not feeling supported—even later in pregnancy. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your birth experience.

2. Let labor begin on its own, when possible

This one’s backed by solid research. Studies show that spontaneous labor (when your body starts contractions naturally) is associated with higher VBAC success rates and lower risk of complications compared to induction.

Remember, the primary risk unique to VBAC is uterine rupture. That specific risk is closely tied to contraction intensity. When labor starts on its own, uterine rupture risk likely sits closer to that 0.3%. And when labor is induced or augmented with medications like Pitocin, that number can climb closer to the 1%. Still relatively low—but the difference is worth knowing.

Of course, sometimes induction is medically necessary, and that’s okay. But if you have the option to wait for spontaneous labor, it’s one of the most effective ways to support a successful VBAC.

3. Hire a VBAC-experienced doula

VBAC births hit different. The planning is different. The emotions during labor are different. Even postpartum feels different. You’re not just birthing a baby—you’re also carrying the weight of your previous birth experience.

A doula who specializes in VBAC understands both the clinical nuances and the emotional layers you’re navigating. As Kristin Revere, certified birth doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, explains, having specialized VBAC training helps doulas add more value to their clients through extra resources, worksheets, and up-to-date research that supports this unique journey.

Gold Coast Doulas is one of only a few agencies in the entire US with multiple VBAC-certified birth doulas—which means our team has the education and tools to support you through every step of planning and laboring toward your VBAC.

4. Do the emotional preparation, not just the physical

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: your mindset matters as much as your birth plan.

Processing your previous cesarean experience—whether it was traumatic, disappointing, or even positive—is part of preparing for this birth. Consider VBAC-specific childbirth education, visualization practices, or working through what birth professionals call “birth baggage.”

It’s completely normal to carry anxiety into this birth. You’re not broken for feeling nervous. But acknowledging those feelings and working through them can help you approach labor from a calmer, more confident place.

5. Explore all your birth location options

Great news—you may have more choices than you realize. Hospitals aren’t the only option for VBAC. Home birth after cesarean (HBAC) and birth center births are possibilities for many candidates.

The key questions are: where do you feel safest? Where will your body be most comfortable relaxing into labor? If you’re a safe candidate for VBAC, you’re typically a good candidate for any of these settings.

Just know that policies may vary by location, so connect with local providers or doulas to understand your options. Having choices is empowering!

What It All Comes Down To

A 60% to 80% VBAC success rate is very encouraging, and there’s so much within your control to improve your personal odds. The right provider, solid education, emotional preparation, and a support team that understands the unique journey you’re on—these things matter.

You deserve care that honors your whole story, including your previous birth. And you deserve support that helps you not just get through your VBAC, but enjoy it.

P.S. Need more support with everything pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? Check out Kristin’s book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby for even more guidance.

Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is a certified birth and postpartum doula and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the co-host of Ask the Doulas Podcast and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.