Uterus shape = breech baby

CA_EAM

With DS I found out at 35 weeks he was breech and was not given any option but c-section.  At 36 weeks I was diagnosed with pre-e and HELLP and he was taken via c-section immediately (not 100% emergency but had to be done within a few hours).  Turns out the cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times.  While in surgery they told me my uterus was "heart shaped" and that it is likely that all my babies will be breech.

So now with this one, obviously I don't have to worry about being breech for many many weeks.  I do however worry about HELLP since the chances of getting a second time are higher.  I am told that IF the baby is head down, and IF I don't get sick and IF I go into labor on my own prior to/right around 40 wks I could have a VBAC (which according to my doc, VBACs are 60% successful).  That is a lot of "ifs" to me.  They don't induce with a section scar so even if the baby is head-down if I end up getting sick or don't go into labor by 40 wks then I will end up with a section anyway.

As much I would love a VBAC I fear the anxiety of this situation is going to drive me nuts once I am 30+ wks.  Please share your thoughts...

userdeleted

Ugh, I totally feel you on the anxiety! That was one of the toughest parts of my 2nd pregnancy - having everything so up in the air.

That said, I too had HELLP syndrome with my first (developed right around the same time as you) and I did not get it again with #2. My blood pressure started going up a bit towards the end, but I went into labor before it became anything worse. From what I was told, there is a higher risk of having it again if you've had it before, but it's something like 10-25% (depending on who you talk to), so definitely not a guarantee. Also, if you do get it again it will likely be later in your pregnancy than before. 

I can't comment much on the breech situation, but I am sorry that you've got so much to stress about with this pregnancy! I know that for me, the uncertainty was worth it and it did work out. 

sweetgirl82

If only we knew how labor would start...our pregnancies might be more enjoyable .  I also worry about how things will go, but have to remember that there is only so much we can control and just be prepared to deal with the rest.

Enjoy today and try not to worry about tomorrow too much.  There will be plenty of time for that when it arrives. 

Strawberrywine

The best tricks for avoiding Breech are the Webster Technique . .which I believed just worked for me, but am waiting until my dr's appt to confirm.

 If it's important to you to keep your options open, I would start seeing a chiropractor prior to your 3rd Trimester and see one that is specialized in the Webster Technique. 

My Mantra is trusting that my body and the baby will help me to decide what is the safest way for the baby to enter the world. 

See what other advice people offer and try it all. You don't have to make any decisions now, you can just ride the wave and see what happens. Even w/HELP, you won't really know until the end and at that point it will be clear what is best for you and the baby. I hope you have a healthy pregnancy!

Best of Luck!

MissyOlivePants

I also have a heart-shaped or asymmetrical uterus.  With DD, she was transverse throughout my pg, had the cord wrapped 2x around her neck & was never able to descend as she was stuck up high.   When I was pg before her (I had a m/c), they ultrasound tech was pretty sure I had a septum or something, so I went for an HSG & MRI, but no one seemed concerned.   I didn't really push it because they said the MRI looked "normal."   Well - after DD was born, it made me question it again.. but I never did much about it, but then I got pg again and I became super concerned.  I consulted over the phone with a surgeon in Ft. Myers who is VERY skilled at dealing with & resecting uterine anomalies.  He suggested that since I am now pg, to have a detailed ultrasound to really discover what is going on with my uterus and also find out where the baby is located (I have one "horn" that is very narrow, so we're hoping it's not on that side).   With that said, I will be seeing my acupuncturist & chiropractor on a regular basis to make sure that this baby does not sit transverse or breech - and I will be doing LOTS of swimming this summer as well!

With that said, you need to inquire more about about your uterus shape and find out what is causing it to be heart-shaped (septum or bicornuate).  If you'd like more info, there's an awesome group of women on a Yahoo group that have different mullerian anomalies that are very well educated & "experienced."   Many of them go on to have  VBAC's - and I'm really hoping for a HBAC this time around!

andailey

I could have written your post! I am currently 34 wks. pg with DD #2, and I'm shooting for a VBAC! I had DD at 36 wks. via emergency c/s due to extreme onset of HELLP. I was never dilated, never in labor, so I am praying that I am able to try for a VBAC. My doc won't induce with a VBAC, but he'll use pitocin. I am getting really anxious because my magic # of 36 wks. is approaching, and I am fearful of HELLP coming back (although my doc says I have a 30% increased rate of a repeat attack against someone who has never had it).

At 29 wks. DD was frank breech, and I'm about to have another u/s soon to check her position. Doc won't turn the baby due to the risks, so I am doing everything I can to get her to flip! GL to you!