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Maternity Services

Planning for birth after caesarean

For most women pregnancy and birth are healthy normal life events.  For a number of reasons some births may result in a caesarean section.

If you have had a caesarean section you may be thinking of how you may birth this time.  Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is a term used for women who birth vaginally after having had a caesarean birth in the past.

If you have had a baby by caesarean it does not necessarily mean that any babies you have in the future will also be born in this way.

We have a team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals who can provide you with support and information. This will allow you to make your own informed birth choices.  Planning a VBAC or choosing an elective repeat caesarean section has different risks and benefits.

In considering your options, your previous pregnancies and medical history are important factors to take into consideration. 

You will be seen in the birth after caesarean clinic, between 16-25 weeks of pregnancy.  The clinic is held on delivery suite and gives you the option to view a birth room and surrounding environment.   You are more than welcome to bring your birth partner.   A referral will be made for you at your booking appointment, by your midwife; if feel you need to speak to one of the team members sooner then please email vbacclinic@lthtr.nhs.uk

During your clinic appointment you will have the chance to talk about your previous experiences of birth and labour, giving us the opportunity to plan your forthcoming birth.

You do not need to make a decision at this appointment, however, we work closely with a team of obstetricians and if we feel a referral needs to be made to a consultant obstetrician or you would like to discuss this further this can be done on the same day.

Get in touch

Chorley and South Ribble Hospital

Preston Road

Chorley

PR7 1PP

01257 261222

Royal Preston Hospital

Sharoe Green Lane

Fulwood

Preston

PR2 9HT

01772 716565

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