VBAC v. Scheduled C-Section

Russiandea12

With my DS I went into labor at 39 weeks when my water broke.  After I got to the hospital my contractions slowed and they put me on pitocin. * I also had a Epidural, which could have slowed my labor.  My DS heartbeat fluctated from 80-180, and the doctors were worried that the cord was wrapped around his neck.  So I had an emergency c-section after being in labor for 13 hours.  It turns out he had a short umbilical cord and wasn't even in the birth canal.  I only make it to 7 cm.  This time around my OB is letting me decide whether to try for a VBAC or schedule my c-section.  I am worried that my labor won't progress and I'll end up having a csection anways.  Per my OB VBAC better for me that scheduled, but scheduled csection better than emergency.  My recovery from my csection went pretty well.  I am not planning on having any other children.  On the fence, they're are advantages & disadvantages to both.  Any feedback or past experience would be helpful.  Thanks ladies.

singingirl96

I debated with this question too...  Every pregnancy and every labor is different, so what you experienced last time may not be what happens this time.   I labored for nearly 2 days, pushed for 3 hours and my body gave up.  My contractions flat out stopped, so to c-section I went. 
I'm very afraid the same thing may happen again... but... I'm going to VBAC because I don't want to have to recover from a c-section while taking care of a baby AND a toddler.   However, I am prepared for the possibility of another c-section.  I'm giving myself 2 hours of pushing, and if this baby isn't out, I'll just request a c-section and get it out.   So, at least I know I tried... and who knows, it may just work.   Good luck with your decision.

TurtleMonsters

I'm believe  I have to make this decision too. It still may be made for me, considering some medical things that I'm trying to figure out. While I'd love a definite time for baby's birth (last time things went on and on up to an emergency CS), I don't want to recover from another CS. More so, I don't want to labor and then have an ECS, it was NOT a good experience for me. But the labor wasn't so great either- disorganized and went on for days without any progression.

 A while ago, my OB office didn't do VBAC- that made things easy. I found out they do now and I'm the crunchy non-meds kind- don't want them in my body. I'm nervous about it all with the way the scar feels and the fact that I have a connective tissue disorder. I think if I was really anxious, I could talk to them or MFM and push for a RCS. I have no idea what to do, I almost wish the decision was made for me.

Schell2013

I am sitting here thinking about this too. Here is my 2 cents about it. Each pregnancy is different, maybe this baby will have a longer cord and be in a better position. Not trying and having a CS with a 18 month old to run after with the recovery far out weigh the low risk of uterine rupture. I mean you can rupture when you have never had a CS.

HopeNotLost

I had two vaginal births.  My first was 22.5 hrs with pitocin and an epi that wore off right before pushing, and I pushed for 1.5 hrs.  My second was 10 hrs, with pitocin, an epi that was wonderful (I could still move my legs, but the contractions didn't kill me) and I pushed 3 minutes.  My third daughter was born via c-section due to placenta previa.  I am really leaning towards a VBAC this time as long as everything is ok (no placenta previa).  I really fear having to run around after a 23 month old, while taking care of a newborn, and recovering from a c-section. 

HTBaby13

I had a planned c section as mybaby was breech . It went smoothly . i was breastfeeding in a half hour or so . Bonded well. Recovered fairly easily etc. I can't decide. I am pretty scared of a vaginal delivery . I am also scared if an emergency. C section which seems so much worse . I think I might want to do a planned c section instead of v bac because I'm scared of vaginal delivery and of emergency c section.

Mnerani

While I am concerned about another emergency c-section (DS was cord presentation- very emergency), I found it extremely difficult to care for a newborn while healing from a c-section. MH did everything except for breastfeed for basically two weeks. It is major abdominal surgery and that's what it felt like. I can't imagine having a newborn and a toddler and barely being able to function.

That said, I know several people who had fairly easy c-section recoveries (many on this board), and several people who had terrible vaginal birth recoveries. I just know that for me, I'd really like to have the chance to NOT have surgery before launching into life with 2u2.

GL on your very personal decision.

Russiandea12

Thank you everyone, but my decision ended up being made for me by my placenta.  At my 20 week u/s they found I had placenta previa, so even if it moves, I am no longer a good canidate for a VBAC.  Good luck with your own decisions & births.  Hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you.

Suzette29

I know you have to have a C-Section, and I believe that if you must you must. I am not sure if this is a post only for women who are considering a VBAC, but thought I would share my experience since many C-Sections are necessary (some are, though). I had a C-Section with my first baby (I honestly believe my doctor was annoyed I pushed for three hours and that he wanted to get it over with.....It was around the holidays. He never even came in to see me, just told the nurses I was going to have a C-Section). The second time around I decided to do a HBAC (Home Birth After Cesarean), mostly because no doctor would do a VBAC. I took classes, found a midwife, and did all of my research. I LOVED my home birth experience! It was the best thing for me and from all of my research, any amount of pushing is great for baby in the long run. I know not all are canidates for a VBAC, but if you are and are really considering, I highly suggest taking a Bradley class...even if you don't intend to do it without drugs, it's a great class to really prep you for a vaginal birth. Good luck to you all!!!

Suzette29

Just re-read my post....meant to say many C-Sections are not necessary.

Mrs. Stew

Why wouldn't you be a good candidate for VBAC if your previa moves?  I was also diagnosed with a complete previa at my anatomy scan, and my docs are fine with VBAC if it moves.

bumpuser5078523

I'm at least going to try for a VBAC. I know I would regret it if I didn't. Not all failed VBACs are emergency c-sections. A life threatening ruptured uterus is very very rare, and you would most likely have a RCS for something else, like failure to progress or fetal distress.