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VBAC
My OB has suddenly turned negative about a VBAC
Had my 37 week appt. yesterday and my OB, who was the one who had informed me from the day I had my C-section that I'd be a great candidate for a VBAC, suddenly turned negative on my chances. She asked me what my plans were for the birth and I said VBAC of course (I've made this clear all along). Then she told me that she thinks this baby is going to be way too big for me to be successful and that because the baby is so "big" that I'm increasing my chances of uterine rupture. Then she asked me how many days past my due date was my son born. When I told her that I was induced at 10 days past my due date, she then basically said - 'oh yeah, you're not gonna be able to VBAC, you're probably just one of those women who doesn't go into labor on their own'. I was stunned! From the beginning, she was very supportive of me having a VBAC. Even though I was induced, I dilated to 10 quickly, but once I started pushing my DS's heartrate kept dropping and I needed an emergency c/s. Oh, and they said he would be "big" too and he wound up being a very average 7lbs 13oz. So, there's no reason I'm not a good candidate. I'm so frustrated right now. I'm really just praying that I go into labor on my own before my due date and am now looking into natural induction techniques to hopefully get things moving soon.
Anyone else find themselves in a similar situation? Also, does anyone have any natural induction methods they'd recommend? Thanks for listening!
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Re: My OB has suddenly turned negative about a VBAC
That is ridiculous. I'm sure other girls can confirm this, but I have not seen anything about size increasing rupture. And in any case, is there anything that says your baby is on the large size?
Are there other OBs with your practice that you might end up delivering you? Do you know their feelings on VBAC? I would prepare myself for what the feeling will be like on that day at the hospital. If you think you will be coerced into have a RCS I would try to find a new doc ASAP. It's a HUGE pain in the butt but if I really wanted a successful VBAC. You are 37 weeks? That might be really tough. I'm so frustrated for you.
I was in that exact situation, but unfortunately I guess I don't have any advice for you. At my 38 week appt my doctor said she just didn't think it was going to happen for me (based on the size of the baby and my pelvis) so I scheduled a c/s for 39 weeks. She did leave it up to me though, and my practice also didn't put a time limit on me- they were willing to let me go past 40 weeks. Honestly I think the stress of the whole thing was way too much for me and the c/s was a breeze. A scheduled c/s is so much nicer than one after 22 hours of labor!!!!
After my c/s my doctor confirmed that my tailbone juts forward really drastically and said that there's no way anything bigger than 3-4 pounds will be able to get past it. I'm going to get a 2nd opinion on that when I get pregnant again, but if it's still an issue I'll be content with scheduling another c/s.
Just fight for what you want and hopefully your doctor will come around!
Ugh.
Have you asked your doctor why she changed her mind all of a sudden when you've been clear about wanting a VBAC and she's known the information about your first delivery all along?
Are there other doctors in the practice who are more supportive? I might look into switching practices if there are no other supportive doctors. I know it's late but you might be able to find someone still. Of course you can always refuse a RCS if that's what you want to do.
The Bait and Switch is so frustrating, because they have you at a point of weakness now and they know you're not likely to change providers Honestly, I would go back next week prepared to set the record straight. Bring a little fact sheet - citing sources - to rebut their 'claims.' Maybe even make a list of all the reasons she said that you would be a good candidate and ask her why she's changed her mind. I'd also consider getting a Doula, so you have somebody in the delivery room to support you with your plan.
This was me with #2. I wasn't 'allowed' to go past my due date and tried every natural induction I could think of (yes, even castor oil). I ended up with a RCS one day after my due date. My suggestion is find a new doc. Contact your local ICAN chapter and see if they can recommend an OB in your area.
This time around I found a doc that would let me try to VBA2C and go past my due date. I made the mistake of not switching OB's last time so I understand what you are going through right now. I thought my practice was VBAC friendly but with all the restrictions they put on me they were setting me up for a RCS. Good luck and sorry this is all happening to you so close to the end.
That is SO frustrating. I did a lot of research on an OB practice that told me they were VBAC supportive before I went to them and lo and behold, there were TONS of women that had this same story you just posted with them. I went with a midwife at a different hospital as a result.
I am so sorry that this is happening to you. I think that doctors that are not going to allow VBAC just be up front about it instead of lying to pregnant women. I would suggest seeing if there is someone else you can switch to even though you are so close to delivery (which is apparently what your current OB is banking on).
FWIW, I know plenty of people who have pushed out 10+ lb babies, VBAC or not. There is no research suggesting that a larger baby is higher risk for rupture. I would ask the doctor to produce the study they are quoting. And while the success rate for VBACs goes down slightly after 40 weeks, it is not enough to not TRY. I delivered at 41 weeks 1 day.
This. Your doctor sucks!
Stories like yours make me so angry - I agree that providers who don't really support VBAC should be upfront about it, so women aren't put in situations like yours. You also have the option of not showing up for any scheduled RCS, and only going to the hospital when you are in full-blown labor. But if you go that route, make sure you have people with you who can help advocate for you. Good luck, and I really hope everything works out for you!!
ETA: I went into labor on my own at 41w and 42w (possibly later, even) with my sons. DS2 was just over 10.5lb - 2+ lbs heavier than DS1.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
I am in the same situation. I am having a sonogram at 2 this afternoon to check baby's weight because there is one doctor in my practice (out of 7) who is "I don't think you're going to be able to VBAC because each of your baby's have been progressively bigger". But, I am meeting with the doc who delivered my son (via a near emergency c/s) and she believes it was his position that caused the problems, not necessarily his weight so we shall see what she says.
It's stinks and I am praying I don't go into labor today/tonight as the one who's trying to steer me away from a VBAC is on call today. I was at 3cm, 50% and -2 last week so I am making good progress on my own *sigh*
this. its so ridiculous and unethical I think. Please don't back down from your hopes to have a VBAC. Stand your ground, arm yourself with information and be prepared for a fight. It will make it so much more worth it in the end to rub it in their faces. I agree with hiring a doula, you will need someone to help you stay home through labor as long as possible so can avoid all the interventions at the hospital.
good luck