Am I crazy for wanting a VBAC??

llara21

I am really wanting a VBAC, scared to feel all the after pain of having a surgery!! Is there anyone else having one with this pregnancy!?

WifeofaComposer

You're not crazy at all!! I will definitely be trying to have a VBAC this time, and our doctor highly recommends it. Have your prenatal provider check your records to see what kind of C-section you had before. My doctor explained that it all depends on your internal incision. Most C-sections now have horizontal external scars, and if the internal scar is also horizontal then that makes prime candidacy for a VBAC. Occasionally, the surgeon will make the internal cut vertical (even with a horizontal external cut) because it is necessary at the time of the procedure. If your internal scar is vertical, that puts you more at risk for rupture during pushing of labor and delivery. It is ALSO important to find out if you dilated to the full 10 centimeters during your previous labor. That is a good indication as to whether or not you could opt for a VBAC.

Talk with your doctor. I hope we can have our successful VBACs in April. Best of luck!!

mrsstillotson

I think the big question is why did you have a c/s the first time???
If it was a baby thing: breech, baby had a worrisome heart rate, etc then I would say go for it! This is a new baby and hopefully you would be successful.
But if it was a you reason, you never really went into a good labor, couldn't dilate or move baby down with pushing ( and baby wasnt like 11lbs) then I would say just go for a repeat c/s. You haven't changed and most likely if you had a rough time doing it the first time then that would most likely happen again. So you could put yourself in a lot of pain and put baby and you at higher risk ( not a whole lot more if you've only had 1 c/s vs 2 or more) but will most likely still end with a c/s.
but this is really a serious talk to have with your dr. Some drs just don't do a vbac no matter what or only Under certain rules. And you need to make sure that call partners will do a vbac. Sometimes YOUR dr will do it but if you go into labor when another dr is on call then they wont and your plans go down the drain. Plus they can go over all the risks and benefits for you personally.
But if it is something you really feel strongly about and you want 2 or more kids beyond this then fight for your rights girl!!!

bingbongsmama

I understand your reasoning. Staying in the hospital longer, the recovery and not being able to care for baby on your own right away...it sucks. It's too risky for me so I'm going for a RCS. Have you discussed the possibility with your doctor?

sweetmelissa0707

It's not crazy. I've done it, and I can say for me, it was the best choice. Again, your situation may be very different from mine, and likely will be with every pregnancy. Research the risks on your own, not just the list the doctors roll out. Major surgery is also quite risky. You have to decide how hard you are willing to fight for it as well, because it may take quite a bit of self advocacy to go that route. I could give you more details of what I did/ went through, if you want to PM me. Good luck in making your decision.

kwolslager

I begged my doctor and she said no. Because I've had 2 C-sections. She said it wouldn't be an issue if I'd only had one, but the more you have the more risk and danger that comes with doing VBAC.

smushi

I'm a FTM but my sister had her first child via c-section, and her second child vaginally.  She was pleased to have been able to have her VBAC.  I think the down time after her c-section was what was the worst, not being able to do all the things immediately that she wanted to as a new mom.

llara21

Thanks for all the helpful answers!!! I'm having to change doctors due to mine leaving his practice and I called the doctor he refered me too and asked about VBAC, he told me the risks, and to be honest now I'm scared since I do want 2 more kids but I will still talk more to him about it and hope to make the right choice!

Bees Everywhere

I'm really hoping for a VBAC. I had a scheduled CS the first time around and the hospital I'm delivering at won't induce mothers who have had a previous CS so I have to schedule one and just hope I go into labor before I reach that date, which I'll make as late as I safely can. 

smushi

My sister never dilated for her first child, but had no problem dilating with baby #2.  I wouldn't let that weigh in on the decision, but definitely talk to your doctor about all of your options.

llara21

I have 2 kids, my first pregnancy, I was in labor for 24 hours, I slowly dilated, but I had a great dr who has retired he really worked well with me to avoid csection, but I finally delivered 24 hrs later, with my last one, again I dilated slowly, and was into 13 hours of labor and dr convinced me to having a csection, of course I was super drugged up at that time so under the knife I went

DemoDoll

ColleenSwerb said:

^i disagree. Every baby and every pregnancy is different. So unless you have a physical reason why you can't deliver vaginally (ex, someone on the board has a curved tailbone that doesn't leave enough space for baby to pass), then there's no reason not to try for a VBAC.

I'm trying but with stipulations. If I go late again and am not favorable for induction, then I'm just going to go for the RCS. I don't care that much about absolutely having to have a VBAC, so I'm ok with attempting to listen to my body but knowing it might not happen.

I'm doing the same as Colleen. I'm going to schedule a RCS (hospital policy is to have one scheduled) for a couple days overdue. I feel like that will give her enough time to come on her own. If I need a full induction, I'm just going to get the RCS. I won't be heart broken with a RCS but I also want my chance at a VBAC. I had a c-section after 30 hours of labor and DD's head getting coned just trying to enter the birth canal.

myschlove

I don't blame you for being scared, I'm worried to… There's really no good way to have a baby LOL! There are risks both ways!
But remember if you're having a VBAC they will monitor you extra close to make sure everything is going well and that helps me feel better about trying for one!

My DS measured big (he measured 11 lbs 1 oz... He ended up being 9lbs 7 oz) and when your baby is measuring big there's a greater chance of massive tearing (like csection on you hooha) and shoulder dislocation and even permanent inability for him to use his arm... I actually know someone that that happened to and several friends who labored and ended up with emergency C-section because their babies didn't want to come out so I chose have a csection. I don't regret my decision but I really want a vaginal delivery this time for the experience and the recovery but a lot of it will depend on how things look at the end of this pregnancy!

AcaAwkward

What about your doctor's comments scared you?  If you are a good candidate, the risks with a VBAC are extremely low. 1% chance of uterine rupture, which sounds super scary, but the vast majority of those are not at all life threatening.  A good VBAC candidate has about the same chance of a catastrophic event during labor as a non-VBAC woman laboring vaginally. 

I am definitely going for a VBAC.  I had a scheduled c-section with DD because of rare-ish complications with my placenta and the umbilical cord. She also ended up breech. I am hopeful, but I am also managing my expectations since my OB won't let me go past my due date and also will not use Pitocin to induce labor (Pitocin increases the chance of uterine rupture in VBAC; she will use a Foley ball if she feels my body has begun the "ripening" process on it's own).  So I'm hoping this little guy decides to come early or right on time so I can experience vaginal birth! 

llara21

Thanks for all the responses!!!

JoelleOK

More Business of being Born had a good segment on VBACs.
Did you take some sort of labor class with your previous pregnancy? Not just a 1 day session like at the hospital. I really clicked with the techniques I learned through the Bradley Method classes I took with my husband. Plus make sure your OB really supports your VBAC decision. The attitude your doctor has really impacts how likely you are to be successful.

Medic99

I wanted to do one this time. My first was vaginal and second was c-section. We are waiting to see if I am a good candidate for a VBAC. We will hopefully find out soon.

Hotmama410

Is every state different with VBAC laws in wa after January 2008 if u had a c section u are required to have another no choice

beautifulstr13

I wish I could do it but my dr doesn't allow it. I would just do your research and be confident in what your dr recommends.

BuggasMom

Why would you be crazy? If you choose VBAC or C-sec they are both ways to get your baby here! Do what you feel is right for you. It's your birth your choice

llara21

The risk or the uterine rupturing and possibly needing to have it removed.. And I still want more kids after this one!! I have an appt on the 12th, and will discuss it more and see if I would Ben be a candidate.

homediva

I am not a candidate due to complications with my previous csection. However, I don't think I would attempt a vbac even if I could. My first birth was fairly traumatic and I'm happy to be able to have a controlled environment this time, plus I hate the stigma attached to csections- any birth that results in a healthy baby and mama is a wonderful thing in my opinion! I respect everyone's choice but personally I have no qualms with having an RCS! However, I'm not looking forward to recuperating after with a 2.5 year old at home, but it is what it is and they say the second one isn't as bad usually. Good luck making a decision!! I hope your doctor supports you in whichever direction you choose to go.