Do you need a referral for vaginal birth after caesarean?

The referral is not permission to attempt labour. It helps an obstetric team review your previous caesarean, current pregnancy, and the maternity setting available for birth. They may ask about the reason for the caesarean, the type of uterine incision if known, other operations, and any complications. Your scan findings, placenta position, and general health can also affect the discussion.

Tell your midwife, family doctor, or pregnancy care provider that you want to discuss VBAC. Ask whether they will send the referral or whether you should contact the hospital maternity unit yourself. Keep your previous birth records if you have them, and mention any new symptoms or pregnancy concerns. The team can explain monitoring, pain relief, and what would happen if labour does not progress as hoped.

A referral question should not delay urgent help. Contact maternity services promptly for vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, regular contractions, waters breaking, reduced fetal movement, faintness, or feeling acutely unwell. These symptoms need assessment because they may require attention regardless of your planned birth route.

Ask which records are needed, who will lead the assessment, whether the service supports VBAC, how your previous caesarean affects planning, and where to go if labour starts before the appointment.