1st OB appt and some VBAC ?s

CalMum_Momma

I wanted to run a couple things by you ladies to see if they are typical for VBAC. My OB is 100% supportive of me doing VBAC. She did say that they strongly encourage an epidural in case anything goes wrong, so they won't end up having to put me under. I am fine with this, and planned to need an epi anyway, but I'm wondering if it's typical. She also said I would need an IV and to be monitored continuously, which will limit my ability to move about the maternity floor during labor. Thanks for the input ladies!

holly321

I have never heard that, but have heard emergency c sections run a higher rate of needing g/a.

I had a non-emergency c section, and I had to be put under.  I have had a real hard time dealing with this, (honestly, today I started to cry when I realized I had underwear put on me while I was under...) So I would personally listen, to avoid g/a again.

I am not sure about the iv reasoning either, but before I was going to get the c section,(was under the impression I was having a vaginal birth) I think I already had an iv.

Good luck!

CalMum_Momma

holly321:

I have never heard that, but have heard emergency c sections run a higher rate of needing g/a.

I had a non-emergency c section, and I had to be put under.  I have had a real hard time dealing with this, (honestly, today I started to cry when I realized I had underwear put on me while I was under...)

I am not sure about the iv reasoning either, but before I was going to get the c section, I think I already had an iv.

Good luck!

The IV is for antibiotics, I think. I did not have to be put under for my c/s. I had a spinal. I did not get an IV when I was in triage. I only got it after going to the OR. I am asking about VBACs though, no c/s. I'm wondering if the IV, continuous monitoring and epidural are pretty standard for women attempting a VBAC.

rena5498

different hospitals and providers have different requirements or restrictions for vbacs. maybe she is recommending the epidural incase their is an emergency situation then you wont be put to sleep. i guess she is telling you this based off your previous experience with your csection?..was it an emergency? or maybe if they induce (my midwife didnt allow inducing for vbacs) they want the epi in place as being induced does increase your chances of having another csection and can cause other risks to arise, and again if its in place if something goes wrong you wont be put to sleep. I have heard of it being a option but not a requirement because some people do want natural vbacs

lorryfach

I have seen several women post that they had these exact requirements for VBAC, so it is probably common. Continuous monitoring (or close to continuous) is typical. I had a hep-lock instead of an IV. I was not required to get an epi, but I did anyway and such a requirement would not have deterred me.

cchill01

That sounds fairly normal.  I believe you have to have an IV for fluids once you have an epidural.  Or at least that's what I was told.  If you were going to get an epidural anyway, then I wouldn't worry about it.

MAprincess

If they give you the epi as soon as you walk in, that will lower the chances of a successful VBAC.  If they give it to you after you have progressed some, it isn't a big deal if you wanted it anyway.  It was not a requirement for me.  Technically, I was supposed to be continuously monitored but whenever I got up to use the bathroom we took our time getting set up again;-)

.Fancy.

lorryfach:

I have seen several women post that they had these exact requirements for VBAC, so it is probably common. Continuous monitoring (or close to continuous) is typical. I had a hep-lock instead of an IV. I was not required to get an epi, but I did anyway and such a requirement would not have deterred me.

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iris427

Those requirements are pretty standard.  Not sure they are really necessary--I had my VBAC with no IV, no epi and no continuous monitoring--but they are common nonetheless.

As for the epidural, pp is right that getting an epidural too early in labor has been shown to increase your odds of having a c/s.  So you might want to hold off until you are 4-5 cm if possible.

CalMum_Momma

Thanks for the info ladies!