Questions for OB

holly321

At my last 2 appointments, my OB has brought up VBAC-ing... explaining what the hospital does and does not allow, which they are not as strict as I thought!  Anyways, he said that we would discuss things in more detail at my next visit, which is Monday.  Any particular questions I should ask him? 

And as far as I can tell, there is no bait and switch going on, but I am paranoid, so anything I need to look out for?

emme+3

Ask how long he'll let you go before forcing a c/s. My 1st dr said he was proVBAC, but if I hadn't dilated or progressed by 38wks he'd schedule the RCS for 39wks. My truly supportive dr said he didn't have any problem waiting to determine a RCS date until after my due date passed. Luckily I had changed drs from my first because my VBAC baby came at 41w3d.

Ask the hospital requirements on fetal monitoring, IV requirements, positioning options during labor lay down only, tub, birthing bar, walking, etc. Those answers will give you some insight on his position on each too.

Ask if all drs he trades call with are also VBAC friendly, and what happens if one isn't and you go into labor.

Find out his guidelines on interventions on labor. Induction an option, membrane stripping, breaking water, pitocin, epidural, etc. Some are helpful in the right circumstance, but just feel out if he's someone that jumps to interventions or tries to work with the body, but is willing to use them in order to avoid a RCS if necessary.

If you plan on going natural, ask him about that too. My first dr blew me off saying I didn't know what I wanted since I never labored with my first. My good dr said he had no doubt I could do it if I wanted to, and didn't see any reason I couldn't try.

I'll see if I can find my list that I asked before my VBAC and add any I missed!

anchalmasako

I would ask how long he'd let you go past due date, if he induces at all whether by only breaking water or by pitosin, and what happens in the hospital if uterus were to rupture and the precautions they have in place. For example, I had an oncall ob in the hospital watching me closely when my Dr was upstairs doing appointments. Second ob was present during delivery in case something bad happened.....

holly321

Thanks for the ideas!  I know I can go to 41 weeks, and I can be induced, but not "from scratch" as he put it.  I am allowed some pitocin.  Which I was really shocked to find out, because before, he had me under the impression that I was not allowed to be induced.