Anyone make a pros/cons list for VBAC vs repeat c/s

smiling76

Just curious.  I was talking to my DH last night about it and truly can't decide what to do.   I guess if I had actually progressed on my own with my DS and had 'true labor' then it wouldn't be an issue--but I made absolutely NO progress---was barely a fingertip dialated at 10 days past due and still very high up.  They never got to even start the induction (went in for one, but never got it)--b/c the baby went in to serious distress--and I wasn't with fighting a c/s because we knew the cord was wrapped at that point.

Pros of VBAC for me:  being able to have my son climb up in to bed with me right after delivery and snuggle--not having to worry about him hitting my incision.  Being able to get up and walk relatively quickly and not being tied to machines for the first 24 hrs.  Getting to go home relatively quickly.  Basically--just an easier recovery than a c/s  with having a toddler and newborn.

Cons of VBAC:  if there is a rupture (yes, I know--rare)--it's serious and will end up in an emerg c/s where I'd be completely put under--and I don't want that.   Tearing or having baby get stuck, resulting in c/s anyways.  My doc will not use pitocin at all. 

Pros of a C/S:  having it scheduled (although not a true pro in my book), knowing what to expect in recovery although still don't want to go through it.   LOL 

Cons of a c/s:  not sure of all complications that can occur as a result of a repeat c/s but I hear they are much higher than the first time.  Knowing what to expect whereas first time it was a shock.  Being tied to machines and not getting good sleep for the first 24-48 hrs.  Not being able to get up right away---catheter--ugh.  Not having my 2 yr old climb up in to bed with me and snuggle.  Recovery sucks. 

 

So obviously a lot to consider--and I wondered what you have on your lists.  My initial thought is to schedule the c/s at 39.5 wks if they can do it---or even wait until 40 wks (although not sure they will).  I'd like to see if my body will go on it's own--and if not, I guess I have no choice. 

OR I could look for a new doctor ---however in my research I'm finding the closest hospital to me that has a good vbac rate and docs/midwives is at least an hour away--more like 2.  That's not good.  So basically I'm having trouble finding midwives/docs near me to even consider vbac.  My docs will do it--but won't help with pitocin and my gut tells me they'll be quick to do a repeat c/s. 

chicsub

It's good to go through the pros/cons for your own peace of mind.  FWIW, I'm traveling from Aurora to West Suburban Midwives in Oak Park b/c of their success rate even though my current midwife "allows" VBACs and is a 7 min. drive away.  Are you super South in the burbs?  I'm expecting it to take at least an hour since it took me 52 min (can you tell I timed it?) during the middle of the day in light traffic. 

papagena

Are you thinking of having more kids after this?  There are quite a few increased risks to pregnancies after multiple c/s that you may want to research.

Also, if your DS's cord was wrapped, that may have been what prevented him from descending and you going into labor - and that's something that wouldn't be likely to repeat itself. 

Strawberrywine

 A con for VBAC for me is the getting excited for VBAC and not having it happen b/c of problems that are out of my control.

 Pro for VBAC is the experience

margeincharge2

My mental list looks much like yours. And add the fear of disappointment of trying for a VBAC and not getting one. But I don't know how much better that is than feeling guilty over resigning myself to a repeat c/s.

The only difference from your list is that I had an emergency c/s where I was put under w/ DS so I feel like having it again wouldn't be any different than before for me. But I know for those who didn't have it, it's scary.

The biggest pro I keep reminding myself of is that the recovery for a vaginal birth has got to be easier than my c/s. And this time I'll have a toddler too.

The fear of rupture weighs high for me. This is my completely illogical, irrational thought but I often don't take comfort in the less than 1% rupture rate. The risk of one getting HELLP is about 1% and I got that. So in the back of my mind there is always that fear of, well you didn't beat the odds before, so why would you beat the odds the next time? I know, it's a horrible thought but it creeps in there a lot.

smiling76

papagena:

Are you thinking of having more kids after this?  There are quite a few increased risks to pregnancies after multiple c/s that you may want to research.

Also, if your DS's cord was wrapped, that may have been what prevented him from descending and you going into labor - and that's something that wouldn't be likely to repeat itself. 

That's the craziest thing----I was a week overdue and they sent me for a bio-physical ultrasound because I was just very nervous----and at that time nothing showed in terms of the cord around the neck----(this was on a Friday)---on Saturday I started getting cramping and a little blood so figured maybe something was happening---and on Sunday went in to be induced (but didn't happen)--so my guess is that Friday night in to Saturday or in to Sunday was when the cord wrapped (I kind of remember DS being VERY squirmy and having trouble sleeping, which never happened).  Honestly--we are SOOOOOOOO lucky that we went in to be induced because if we had not, they wouldn't have realized his heart was about stopped and well....... you know.  I would never go past due ever ever again. 

smiling76

chicsub:

It's good to go through the pros/cons for your own peace of mind.  FWIW, I'm traveling from Aurora to West Suburban Midwives in Oak Park b/c of their success rate even though my current midwife "allows" VBACs and is a 7 min. drive away.  Are you super South in the burbs?  I'm expecting it to take at least an hour since it took me 52 min (can you tell I timed it?) during the middle of the day in light traffic. 

I've heard good things about them.  Have you heard of OMG Women's Healthcare?  They deliver at Hinsdale that has a good reputation for VBACs as well. 

In terms of how far south I am--I'm in the New Lenox area. 

Check this out:  https://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2010/02/compare-illinois-hospital-vbac-rates.html

rena5498

margeincharge2:

My mental list looks much like yours. And add the fear of disappointment of trying for a VBAC and not getting one. But I don't know how much better that is than feeling guilty over resigning myself to a repeat c/s.

The only difference from your list is that I had an emergency c/s where I was put under w/ DS so I feel like having it again wouldn't be any different than before for me. But I know for those who didn't have it, it's scary.

The biggest pro I keep reminding myself of is that the recovery for a vaginal birth has got to be easier than my c/s. And this time I'll have a toddler too.

The fear of rupture weighs high for me. This is my completely illogical, irrational thought but I often don't take comfort in the less than 1% rupture rate. The risk of one getting HELLP is about 1% and I got that. So in the back of my mind there is always that fear of, well you didn't beat the odds before, so why would you beat the odds the next time? I know, it's a horrible thought but it creeps in there a lot.

This. My eaxct thoughts its like I fear I wont beat the odds of uterine rupture. Then I read these stories about people who had uterine rupture and how it was just too late. Just really scares me to death that if that did happen to me what if they dont get the baby out on time..

DonnaMartinGraduates

My list is very similar to yours, adding another pro for c/s: two extra paid weeks off of work!