Ques for those who've successfully vbac'd.

+diana82+

So I'm sure this has been asked in a variety of ways, but the EPO post reminded me that I'd been meaning to ask it recently.

Of those who've already had a vbac - did any of you get induced for being past due and not really dilate/go into labor previously?  Did you go into labor on your own this time?

That's my biggest concern with this whole thing is that I just won't go into labor again. I know there's no way to predict that I'm just having trouble envisioning the whole thing going differently than it did last time, if that makes sense.

iris427

Yes.  I was induced for postdates at 41 weeks with my first, had a looong labor and then a c/s for second stage arrest/CPD.

This time I went into labor on my own at 39w2d, had a super fast labor (less than 6 hours) and had no problems pushing the baby out--no vacuum, no dystocia, etc.

I know it's hard to imagine but things can really be night and day from your first labor.

lorryfach

With my first, I was told I was not in "real" labor, but I demanded they admit me anyway, because their recommendation to "just get some rest" wasn't possible. I couldn't sleep through the contractions, they were coming every five minutes, and I hadn't slept in two days due to excruciating pain. I'm not sure if they called it inducing or augmenting, but after I threw a big fit about them not taking me seriously, they gave me pitocin. After about a day, I was fully dilated, but she was in a screwy position and couldn't come out, so we know how that ended, one week after my EDD.

With my second, I went into labor the day after my due date, dilated on my own tons faster (although it was still not exactly a fast labor by any stretch), and successfully VBACed the next day.

I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for, but the experience was COMPLETELY different. Trust me, if I had any reason to think it was going to go down the same way again, I'd have just asked for a c/s. My first labor was HORRIBLE. So it can definitely be a big change, that's for sure! 

Klmorgan83

With #1 I was induced, but not for being overdue.  But I was 40 weeks, so who knows how long I would have gone.  I went into labor on my own at 37 weeks with #2.

MAprincess

I went into labor at 41 weeks 1 day with my first.  And I was induced with myVBAC at 41 weeks because they wouldn't allow me to go any longer.  My CNM said I was a "late gestator" and some women just go long.  Obviously, based on the above posts it varies and you can't predict, so try not to let it get to you too much (I know- easier said than done!)

StaceFace09

I was not induced, but did not go into labor until 41 weeks, 4 days. I'm so thankful I didn't go for the c-section right at 41 weeks, like I had the option. My first baby was born 3 days early after my water broke and labor never started on it's own, I had to be induced, and then I never dilated past 4 cm.

MsShib

My doctor said he wouldn't induce me because I had a C-section with my first and there is a high risk for uterine rupture. I know several people whose doctors said the same thing... I am almost 38 weeks and waiting, but we scheduled a C-sec for the 15th if I don't go into labor sooner.

+diana82+

Thanks ladies! That helps to hear that!

MAprincess

MsShib:

My doctor said he wouldn't induce me because I had a C-section with my first and there is a high risk for uterine rupture. I know several people whose doctors said the same thing... I am almost 38 weeks and waiting, but we scheduled a C-sec for the 15th if I don't go into labor sooner.

Yes, a lot of doctors say that for some reason.  The actual data suggests differently.  There is a HIGH risk of rupture with Cervadil.  But only a slightly elevated (from the regular) risk with pit.  If you are in the hospital and monitored, it is safe.  Doctors just don't like to do it for some reason.  Never understood why once I read the studies.  Though I guess a lot of doctors don't like to do VBACs in general because of the UR risk.

+diana82+

Yea, my doc won't induce this time either, but honestly since the induction did jack last time I'm not bothered by it. She might, however, give a "whiff" of pit if needed once things get going. 

cynnnabun

With DD1 my water broke at 37 weeks but my body didn't follow suit. I never started contractions on my own. I was given pitocin for contractions but if they turned it down, my contractions would stop. I never fully dilated and eventually her heart rate dropped and I had a c-section.

With DD2 I was 3cm when I was checked at 36w. At 36w4d I had consistent contractions and was 5cm when I got to the hospital. Successfully VBAC'd.