Does a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) increase the baby's risk for cerebral palsy?
Yes, a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) delivery can increase the baby’s risk of developing cerebral palsy and other birth injuries. During a VBAC, women are more likely to experience uterine rupture; this is an obstetrical emergency in which the uterus tears. When uterine rupture occurs, babies may experience severe oxygen deprivation, which can, in turn, cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and…