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Cost of VBAC by state

The following estimated costs are based on cash prices that providers have historically charged on average for VBAC and will vary depending on where the service is done. The prices do not include the anesthesia, imaging, and other doctor visit fees that normally accompany VBAC.

StateName Average Cash Price
Alabama $2,863
Alaska $3,874
Arizona $3,240
Arkansas $2,838
California $3,556
Colorado $3,130
Connecticut $3,425
Delaware $3,328
District of Columbia $3,299
Florida $3,144
Georgia $2,947
Hawaii $2,980
Idaho $2,896
Illinois $3,287
Indiana $2,998
Iowa $2,725
Kansas $2,822
Kentucky $2,888
Louisiana $3,204
Maine $2,895
Maryland $3,408
Massachusetts $3,512
Michigan $3,235
Minnesota $3,641
Mississippi $2,912
Missouri $2,878
Montana $2,994
Nebraska $2,926
Nevada $3,091
New Hampshire $3,101
New Jersey $3,756
New Mexico $2,854
New York $3,535
North Carolina $2,837
North Dakota $3,152
Ohio $2,950
Oklahoma $3,157
Oregon $3,220
Pennsylvania $3,323
Rhode Island $3,542
South Carolina $3,023
South Dakota $2,817
Tennessee $2,841
Texas $3,070
Utah $3,200
Vermont $3,141
Virginia $3,055
Washington $3,408
West Virginia $3,058
Wisconsin $3,227
Wyoming $3,142

What is a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)?

Vaginal birth after cesarean or VBAC is when a woman that has delivered a baby by cesarean or C-section becomes pregnant again and delivers this baby vaginally rather than having a repeat c-section. 

Women may want a VBAC for several reasons. These include:

  • Avoiding multiple c-sections with future pregnancies
  • Lower risk of surgical complications
  • Shorter recovery during vaginal delivery
  • Desire for the experience of a vaginal delivery

Has anyone had VBAC after c-section?

VBAC has a success rate of about 70%. Several factors will need to be considered to know if you can safely deliver vaginally after a previous c-section. You may be a candidate for VBAC if you meet the following criteria:

  • No more than two prior low transverse c-sections
  • No additional uterine scars, abnormalities, or previous rupture
  • No problems that would prevent a vaginal delivery
  • A prior successful vaginal delivery

Is VBAC considered high-risk pregnancy?

If you wish to attempt VBAC, your pregnancy will not be considered high-risk; however, there is an increased risk of uterine rupture during labor and delivery. For this reason, VBAC should only be attempted when your healthcare provider is prepared to deliver by c-section if needed.

How long after a c-section can you have a VBAC?

It is recommended that everyone wait at least 18 months between pregnancies. Pregnancies that occur six months or less after a c-section increase the risk of uterine rupture, and complications during a VBAC are higher.

What is the greatest concern in a VBAC?

The greatest concern in a VBAC is the risk of uterine rupture. The scar on your uterus from the previous c-section is a weak spot that may tear open during labor. If this happens, an emergency c-section will be needed to prevent life-threatening complications for both mother and baby. Treatment of a uterine rupture may require a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and you will not be able to get pregnant in the future.

Is a repeat c-section safer than a VBAC?

While the idea of VBAC complications is very scary, the American College of Gynecologists believes that VBAC is safer than a repeat c-section. They state there is no increased risk for women that have had one previous c-section. 

You should discuss your situation with your obstetrician and the reason for your prior c-section when determining if VBAC is possible.

What happens if a VBAC goes wrong?

VBAC that goes wrong is an emergency. Your baby may need to be delivered by emergency c-section. VBAC deliveries should occur at a facility that is prepared and equipped to handle an emergency c-section. You and your baby will be monitored throughout labor and delivery to watch for any complications that would require changing to a c-section.

When is a VBAC not recommended?

There are times when a VBAC may not be possible. You will not be a candidate for a VBAC if you have the following:

  • History of a high vertical (classical) uterine incision
  • A prior uterine rupture
  • History of uterine surgery, such as fibroid removal

Other things to consider that may decrease the success of VBAC include:

  • Stalled labor
  • Advanced maternal age
  • Pregnancy that continues past 40 weeks
  • Maternal body mass index of 40 or higher
  • Excessive weight gain during pregnancy
  • Preeclampsia
  • Previous delivery less than 18 months ago
  • History of 2 or more c-sections
  • Needing to have labor induced

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.