For those who chose RCS over VBAC

UberBiz

For those of you who are choosing, or have chosen, to have a RCS over a VBAC, what were your reasons? I can't help but feel like I've asked this here already, or maybe it was a VBAC over RCS question on the VBAC board... What was the deciding factor?

ConnieRob

For me it was because I didn't want to labor for 22 hours again and wind up with a c-section anyway. I'm hoping that my recovery from an RCS will be easier than trying to recover from a long labor and a c-section.

With DS a portion of my cervix never softened (I only got to a 9) and my body started pushing anyway. I pushed for 2 1/2 hours before the Dr said it was time to have a c-section. Every woman in my family (going back 3 generations) has had this exact same problem and wound up with a c-section.

 

mamabisme

The decision was made for me. I had planned to try to vbac. I never went in to labor or dilated at all. If I had dilated a bit my OB would have tried pitocin but wouldn't induce from nothing so I ended up with an rcs. That said, I am so happy it ended up the way it did. My reason for trying to vbac was that I had a tough recovery with my first c and a bad epi, which resulted in a terrible delivery experience. Basically, I didn't want to repeat all that. My rcs could not have been better. My spinal was perfect so I was never in any pain during surgery and my recovery was a breeze. I had a wonderful birth experience and have absolutely no regrets. I have no desire to try for a vba2c.

UberBiz

LucyD1029:

To be honest, I was huge and uncomfortable and really just done being pregnant.  I scheduled my RSC for 39w4d, but if I went into labor before then the plan was to try for a VBAC.  I ended up making it to my CS date, so I went ahead with the surgery.  In hindsight, I wish I'd waited it out a little longer.  DD ended up being 2lbs smaller than DS and I think there's a good chance I would have been able to deliver her vaginally. My OB was fine with either option, so there was no resistance or pressure there.  My RCS recovery was easy with no complications, so I can't complain about that, but it would have been nice if I'd at least attempted a vaginal birth.  Not many providers are open to VBA2C, so I'm probably out of luck if we have a 3rd.

Maybe I will do this, schedule it, but if I go into labor before the date, then I'll try VBAC... I can't even explain how torn I am on what to do.. *sigh*

SarahRae85

UberBiz:

LucyD1029:

To be honest, I was huge and uncomfortable and really just done being pregnant.  I scheduled my RSC for 39w4d, but if I went into labor before then the plan was to try for a VBAC.  I ended up making it to my CS date, so I went ahead with the surgery.  In hindsight, I wish I'd waited it out a little longer.  DD ended up being 2lbs smaller than DS and I think there's a good chance I would have been able to deliver her vaginally. My OB was fine with either option, so there was no resistance or pressure there.  My RCS recovery was easy with no complications, so I can't complain about that, but it would have been nice if I'd at least attempted a vaginal birth.  Not many providers are open to VBA2C, so I'm probably out of luck if we have a 3rd.

Maybe I will do this, schedule it, but if I go into labor before the date, then I'll try VBAC... I can't even explain how torn I am on what to do.. *sigh*

This is my plan. I'll schedule a RCS for around my EDD, but if I go into labor before, do a VBAC. Of course, I have had a successful vaginal birth with my first, so I know what I'm walking into (mostly), and therefore am comfortable with either situation.

thehauffamily

I've had 2 c/s and this one is scheduled at 39.5 weeks, which I *plan* on going into labor before then.  Were going to hold out as long as possible at home, b/c if I come in at anything over a 6 or 7 I get to try for a VBAC, if not, I have to have a RCS (which I'm prepared for).  Since I have had 2 c/s my dr isn't liking me wanting a VBAC, but I really have my heart set on one.  BUT again, I'm preparing myself for my 3rd c/s. 

My other feeling about having a RCS planned is that with my first (emergency) I don't remember alot of anything b/c they pumped me with drugs so quickly to get him out I don't remember alot; and I DO NOT want that to happen again.  This may be our last and I want to remember her birth.  I only remember bits and pieces of our first.

But, I have to say, I had an AMAZING team of nurses and hubby who snapped over 50 pics JUST in the OR b/c they knew I was floating in and  out of consciousness and wanted to capture as much of it as they could!  

GL in whatever you choose.  I keep trying to tell myself that whatever my body does, as long as I get a baby in the end, it doesn't matter  

drewiekc

I really surprised myself deciding on a RCS.  With DD1, I had planned to go natural, we took Bradley classes, hired a doula, the whole 9 yards.  Then DD was stubbornly breech, so CS it was.  It was actually a GOOD experience for me.  My recovery was great, I didnt feel "cheated" in any way like I had feared I would, breastfeeding was great, etc etc.  But if you had asked me before I got pregnant this time, i would have bet money I'd be going for a VBAC.

What it came down to for me was just comfort level.  I am very Type A, I like to have things planned out, I like to know what is happening and when.  Having been through the CS, I knew I was comfortable with it, and felt like attempting a VBAC would have caused me a lot of undue anxiety and stress leading up to the birth.  I do NOT want my birth experience to be like that.  My OB was very open to a VBAC for me (though she would have had to refer me out since it is practice policy not to do them), but has also been supportive of my RCS decision.  There is really no right or wrong, just whatever YOU PERSONALLY are comfortable with. 

jno712

I labored for 19 hours and my cervix actually started swelling SHUT. (Yeah, they never tell you that can happen!)  My emergency c-section was so scary and overwhelming and I just remember being completely exhausted and caring more about sleep than almost anything else after the long, long day.  I have a new doctor now since we moved to a different state, and they measured my pelvis and told me it was small and most likely I'd have the same situation but I was welcome to try for a VBAC if I wanted to.  There is no way I'm going through that situation again!  I am excited to be in charge of the situation this time (as much as you can be for an operation) and I feel much more peaceful about the whole thing.  

sweetiebird726

I'm not even close to the point where we are looking at #2, but I already know I'm just going for a RCS.

My delivery with DS wound up being under general anesthesia since it was literally an emergency, so I missed EVERYTHING.  I was so out of it leading up to the c/s due to really, really low BP that I wasn't even fully aware of what was happening.  

I am not taking the chance of anything like that happening again, and I want to actually hear my baby cry the next time, and get to meet him/her before my family does, like what happened with DS.

Physically I'm sure I could try for a VBAC, since I healed well and quickly, and I had dilated to 5cm before all hell broke loose.  I'm just not sure I, DH, or my family can handle another experience like the one I just had.  

bridein08

I will be having a RCS for the next LO. My cesarean and recovery were so easy and simple, I don't desire to have it any other way. I think sometimes women feel like they lost out on something if they have a CS, but that is not at all how I felt- unless it's missing out on the incontinence/hemorrhoids that my vaginal birth friends tell me about. in all seriousness, though, my view for myself is why fix something that isn't broken? We don't want a ton of kids, so having one or two more CS will not be a problem.

UberBiz

Thank you everyone for your perspectives. It's given me a lot to think about!

xDanniellex

I'm also in the group that if I go into labor before my RCS date I'll try for a VBAC, but won't be upset if that doesn't happen.

Also what really pushed me towards the RCS was hearing from some girls I know on my anniversary board that a girl on their local board (confused yet) had done a VBAC and during the delivery she ruptured and lost her daughter.  And while I know there are risks for either way, and that scenario is extremely rare, it still makes me feel selfish to try a VBAC when my only aversion to the RCS is the necessary needle in my spine.  With my c-section the experience was fine and I recovered great (except for the pain at the injection site).  

anvloveskme

Like others, I labored for 18 hours, pushed for 5 of them without success.  I started running a fever and there was a risk of infection.  I recovered amazingly well and breastfed/had skin to skin as quickly as possible after surgery.  I was so exhausted after labor ing I could barely open my eyes to see DD.  I'm electing to do the RCS his time because I think it is he best decision for me. 

magdalina.h

I didn't choose a RCS because medically I'm not a candidate for a VBAC.

crucifiedlullaby

I had a failed induction for my daughter and chose a C-section instead and this time I'm also choosing a CS because

A.) I hated the induction process. I had to have cervadil and it didn't work. Foley balloons didn't work. I didn't dilate or soften at all and I don't want to go through all that again.

 

B.) I had an excellent CS and recovery last time. I hope it will go the same this time.

 

C.) I am high risk and had specific health issues that allowed me the option to have a CS instead of having to worry about my baby even longer with the possibility of several days in hospital and not getting anywhere.

 

I honestly can't wait. Mine is scheduled for Friday and I'm a bit nervous but not too much. I just can't wait to finally meet my baby!