Which specialist performs vaginal birth after caesarean?

The obstetrician reviews your previous caesarean records, including the uterine incision if it is documented, your current pregnancy, and any other births or procedures. They discuss whether labour after caesarean is a reasonable option for you and explain how monitoring will be used during labour. A midwife may provide much of your day-to-day labour care, while the obstetrician remains responsible for medical assessment and decisions. An anaesthetist and newborn-care team may also be involved if their support is needed.

VBAC is planned before labour but remains a decision that can be revisited during pregnancy or labour. The available team should be able to assess concerns promptly and arrange a caesarean birth if that becomes the safer plan.

Ask your antenatal doctor or midwife for an appointment with an obstetrician early in pregnancy. Bring the discharge summary or operative report from your caesarean if you have it, and mention any other uterine surgery, pregnancy complications, or medical conditions. Confirm where the birth would take place, who is available during labour, how continuous fetal monitoring is handled, and how quickly an operating theatre and anaesthesia team can be reached.

During pregnancy, contact your maternity service urgently for vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a gush or ongoing leakage of fluid, fainting, or a marked change in your baby’s movements. During labour, tell the midwife or obstetrician immediately about sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, breathlessness, or feeling unwell. These symptoms need prompt assessment; they do not determine the cause by themselves.

You could ask: Does my previous caesarean history affect my birth options? Which obstetrician and midwife team will care for me? What monitoring will I need in labour? What symptoms should prompt me to call the maternity unit? If labour does not progress or a concern develops, how will the plan change?