Induction for VBAC?

BellaKelsey

I haven't spent much time on this board so forgive me if this has been discussed to death. (The search tool, of course, didn't work for me.)

I have a doctor (and practice) who is very supportive of my wishes for a VBAC, with my primary motivation being the possibility of having four kids and NOT wanting four c/s.

In the last week, my pregnancy-induced hypertension has resurfaced (reason for my induction with first baby), and some blood work is showing signs of potential pre-e. There is a developing possibility that I will need to be induced in the next week or two depending on how the blood pressure stuff goes.

My original plan was that if I went into labor on my own, I'd go for a VBAC. If I needed induction, then I'd have a c/s since my first induction was not successful and there were some complications. Doctor (same as last time) encouraged me to consider induction/VBAC rather than going straight to c/s, even if I am induced. He said my chances of a successful VBAC if I go into labor are 75% and VBAC after induction about 60-65%.

I'm totally torn? I really want to try for the VBAC but because my first induction was so distressing to the baby we ended up being separated with he in the NICU and me in recovery. Awful, and something I'd give anything to avoid.

SORRY this is so long. Anyone in a similar situation or had similar decisions to make? 

luvbeingmom

if your doc supports it, i'd give it a shot.

since you've got the same doc, perhaps they can watch for early signs of distress and get you to a c/s without going the terrible route.

fyi, i'm going for my 4th cs and it has gotten easier each time. and hopefully if things go well with this one, we may try for one more baby

MAprincess

I was induced for my VBAC (I was 41 weeks and the hospital would not allow me to go any longer) and I had a successful VBAC.  If your doctor supports it, I'd say go for it.  The fact that your baby went into distress the first time had something to do specifically with that baby and that pregnancy.  I don't believe your doctor would be willing to do it if he felt there was a danger to the baby.

lorryfach

Would you be more comfortable about a compromise like, if you aren't progressed to such and such point after X amount of time, move to c/s? Maybe you could discuss such options with your doctor.

I did not deal with induction, but I had a very long, hard labor that I did NOT want to repeat, so I had this discussion with my doc. Good luck!  

drakee

I had a very disappointing failed induction with DD.  However, I ended up successfully being induced for a VBAC with DS so it is possible.  The induction itself was a long and grueling process.  It began with the first of two Foley catheters on a Tuesday night and my son was not born until Friday morning!  I ended up also needing AROM and once I was at 9cm, I needed to get a little bit of Pit to push me over too.  For me, having the VBAC was totally worth the marathon induction, but if my induction would have ended in a C-Section, I know I would have been devastated.

CA_EAM

Have you any idea if you have progessed at all?  Many people I know, with their second they were already a couple cm dialated by this point...just a thought.

 My DS was taken at 36 wks via emergency c-section due to pre-e and HELLP, so I know where you are coming from.  And he then spent 6 days in NICU and I was pretty sick as well.

I would say go for it.  The success rate of VBAC by induction is not that much lower than VBAC going into labor.  My OB won't even induce a VBAC, period.  It's go into labor or c-section.  So coming from that position, I would take it if I could.

PrimReaper

Your story sounds similar to my last delivery with DD.  I was induced but found to have a uterine constriction ring which prevented me from being able to push DD out and of course that caused her distress. 

I don't know if the induction was the cause of the ring or not and my OB and the surgeon could not tell me the cause.  But, because of that, I am dead set against being induced again.  I'd like to try a VBAC with the option of a c/s if I don't go into labour on my own.  Of course, it'd probably help if I was pregnant first....

bensbabe

I'd agree that if your last c/s was for a basic distress, then you have a good chance for VBAC. I, too, was induced for medical reasons w/DS, and c/s for fetal distress. My current OB (not the same as last time) is very much on board w/me wanting to VBAC. I have worked in deliveries w/her & I am confident in her decisions. At my last appt, we discussed my plan of care & possibility for induction at 39 weeks for medical reasoning. She is super supportive & listened to my wants and concerns. I also asked to have my membranes stripped at 38.6 weeks, but if that doesn't work, then induction at 39.5 weeks.

I am normally not for induction, but I also have medical reasons & do no want it to come down to "we need to induce you now" b/c of something I knew in advance was a possibility. I'd see if you can try membrane stripping (and see if you can find an acupuncturist/acupressurist to try for a "natural" induction. Also, see if foley induction is a possibility.