Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC): Exams And Tests
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Exams and Tests
Besides the usual prenatal tests, your doctor will take additional measures to assess whether vaginal delivery is likely to be a safe birthing option for you. (For more information on standard prenatal tests, see the topic Pregnancy.) These additional measures can help you and your doctor make a well-informed decision about your delivery.
Assessments done sometime during the pregnancy to help determine whether vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe option may include:
- A review of surgery records to verify the type of incision used for a previous cesarean.
- A fetal ultrasound.
- Fetal heart monitoring, which is also used during labor and delivery to watch for fetal distress. Fetal heart monitoring can also help detect a sudden uterine rupture. A rupture is typically followed by a sudden and then ongoing drop in fetal heart rate. The mother might notice bleeding and pain.
| Last updated: | April 20, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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