The Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) quality standard (originally published in 2018) has been updated to align with the most recent clinical evidence, which suggests that VBAC is safe for most eligible pregnant people.

Here are some of the key updates to the VBAC quality standard:  

• Quality statement 1:
   
  • Modified the description of what supportive care should include
• Quality statement 3: 
   
  • Modified the Rationale to include additional considerations during shared decision-making and additional options that should be discussed during antenatal counselling  
   
  • Updated the definition of perinatal record to reflect the latest version of the Ontario Perinatal Record  
   
  • Modified the definition of shared decision-making to include equity and person-centred care considerations  
• Updated links, secondary references, and data sources where applicable 
• Revised accompanying resources (i.e., new placemat and revised patient guide, case for improvement slide deck, technical specifications) to reflect changes to the quality standard  

For Clinicians 
There are many opportunities to improve care for pregnant people who areconsidering a vaginal birth after Caesarean. As you review the qualitystandard, please consider which areas to focus on to guide your organization’squality improvement efforts. Please also share the quality standard, placemat,and patient guide widely with your network and with your patients orclients.  

For Pregnant People, Families, and Care Partners 
The quality standard describes what high-quality care looks like for pregnantpeople who have had a Caesarean birth and are planning their next birth. The accompanying patient guide helps people know what to ask for in their care and provides helpful resources.