VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean): Is mechanical induction safe?

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You had a C-section—and now, if everything lines up safely, you may have the option to try a different kind of birth. That’s where VBAC comes in: vaginal birth after caesarean. For many women, it offers a chance at a spontaneous, more natural experience.

VBAC isn’t the right choice for everyone, but your healthcare provider can help you understand if it’s a suitable option for you.

Planning a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean (VBAC) can bring a mix of excitement and questions. One common question is: “Can labour be safely induced if I’ve had a C-section before?” If you’re exploring your birth options and wondering about mechanical induction—this article is for you.

Let’s gently guide you through what to know, how to prepare, and why options like Dilapan-S may support a smoother journey.

Why might labour be induced after a caesarean?

Sometimes, nature needs a little nudge. Whether it’s for medical reasons, timing, or your own birth preferences, induction might be part of your plan. But after a C-section, safety becomes even more important—especially for your uterus, which carries the memory (and scar) of the previous birth.

If you’re wondering whether a VBAC is even possible for you, this article might help:

👉 Once a caesarean section, always a caesarean section?

What is mechanical induction—and how is it different?

Mechanical induction doesn’t rely on synthetic hormones to ripen the cervix. Instead, it uses gentle pressure to encourage your body to prepare for labour naturally.
It’s often seen as a gentler alternative to medications and is particularly worth discussing if you’re hoping for a VBAC. Why? Because hormonal options like prostaglandins may increase the risk of uterine rupture in women with a scarred uterus.

To understand whether your cervix is ready for induction, your provider might assess something called the Bishop score. Here’s more about it:

👉 Bishop score – how it’s used in induction decision-making

Is mechanical induction an option after a caesarean?

With appropriate clinical supervision and careful selection of the method, mechanical induction may be considered for women with a previous C-section. Devices like Dilapan-S are designed with this context in mind: they gradually expand to support cervical ripening without the use of hormones.

The process is gentle and gradual, typically taking place over several hours. Unlike pharmacological methods, mechanical induction minimises the risk of uterine contractions during cervical ripening itself, which can be especially helpful for a body that’s already been through a caesarean birth. Clinical research suggests that mechanical methods may be a suitable approach for those planning a vaginal birth after caesarean, offering a way to support the body’s natural preparation for labour while respecting the rhythm of your body.

Even official guidelines—like those from NICE (UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)—acknowledge that mechanical methods can be considered for women with a previous C-section.
It’s always a good idea to talk through the options with your care provider to find the best fit for you.

image source: DILAPAN-S

What are the benefits of gentle induction methods like Dilapan-S?

🌿 Non-hormonal: Less stimulation to the uterus
🧘 Comfortable pace: The process is slow and steady, allowing your body to respond naturally
📚 Stay mobile, read, relax: Many women appreciate the freedom to move, sleep, or do gentle activities during this phase
🛏️ Outpatient potential For some low-risk patients, it may even be possible to rest at home while the cervix ripens. However, this approach is not suitable for women with a history of caesarean birth (VBAC) due to the presence of a uterine scar, which means keeping a gentle eye on things to make sure you and your baby are doing well. You can read more about how cervical ripening works and what makes it a key part of labour preparation here:

👉 Cervical ripening – how does it affect natural labour?

How can I prepare?

Talk to your provider early about your birth preferences and VBAC options
Ask if mechanical methods like Dilapan-S are available at your maternity unit
Stay informed and supported—knowledge can make all the difference

Final thoughts

Your birth story is yours to write. If you’re planning a VBAC and want to explore induction, it’s reassuring to know that gentle, respectful options like mechanical induction with Dilapan-S exist.
Every body, every birth, and every choice deserves to be treated with care.

💬 Curious to learn more? Let’s talk. Ask your provider about Dilapan-S and how it might fit into your birth plan.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider to address your individual needs and concerns.