Planning on a VBAC but scared of the risks

tiff012982

Of course I know there are risks with any delivery especially with a section, but this is really getting to me.  I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to the baby.  What were some things you were told by your office?  I was told that I was a pretty good candidate because I went into labor with my first and keep a very healthy lifestyle (teach aerobic class 3X/week) but of course they are staying neutral on the topic as not to sway me one way or another.  I have the consent form but once reading it I got really nervous.  Oh, and my first was breech so it was a planned cs

iris427

It is completely normal to worry about the risks and the "what ifs" about VBAC.  I know I did and I bet everyone else here did too.  I tried to remind myself that the risk was small.  The risk of having a uterine rupture is about the same as the risk of any mom in the general population having an emergency during labor, like an umbilical cord prolapse for example.  Yet we don't do a c/s on every single pregnant woman to prevent those risks.  So that put things into perspective for me.

Of course we have to do what feels right for ourselves.  Some women feel more comfortable with the risks of VBAC and some feel more comfortable with the risks of RCS.  There is no right answer, just what is right for each individual.

anchalmasako

iris427:

Yet we don't do a c/s on every single pregnant woman to prevent those risks.

This especially. Childbirth is risky business no matter how you give birth. If ACOG recommends a TOLAC, trial of labor after cesarean, I felt that was the best decision. Plus, the benefits of an easier recovery, a more natural birth experience, and being able to hold and nurse my baby immediately.

sbevmc09

iris427:

It is completely normal to worry about the risks and the "what ifs" about VBAC.  I know I did and I bet everyone else here did too.  I tried to remind myself that the risk was small.  The risk of having a uterine rupture is about the same as the risk of any mom in the general population having an emergency during labor, like an umbilical cord prolapse for example.  Yet we don't do a c/s on every single pregnant woman to prevent those risks.  So that put things into perspective for me.

Of course we have to do what feels right for ourselves.  Some women feel more comfortable with the risks of VBAC and some feel more comfortable with the risks of RCS.  There is no right answer, just what is right for each individual.

Absolutely this, especially the bolded.

I would encourage you to do your own research on the risks/benefits of VBAC vs. RCS and make your decision from there.  Considering you've never even had a trial of labor since your first was a scheduled C/S you should be an excellent VBAC candidate.  I know that comparing the risks of VBAC vs. RCS vs. normal, vaginal delivery really put things in perspective for me and allowed me to not be scared.  I mean, I think ALL women are scared/nervous to some extent about childbirth and a lot of VBAC mamas have not so great previous experiences to kind of complicate things emotionally, but you just have to decide what you feel is best for you!  Knowledge is power

MAprincess

sbevmc09:

iris427:

It is completely normal to worry about the risks and the "what ifs" about VBAC.  I know I did and I bet everyone else here did too.  I tried to remind myself that the risk was small.  The risk of having a uterine rupture is about the same as the risk of any mom in the general population having an emergency during labor, like an umbilical cord prolapse for example.  Yet we don't do a c/s on every single pregnant woman to prevent those risks.  So that put things into perspective for me.

Of course we have to do what feels right for ourselves.  Some women feel more comfortable with the risks of VBAC and some feel more comfortable with the risks of RCS.  There is no right answer, just what is right for each individual.

Absolutely this, especially the bolded.

I would encourage you to do your own research on the risks/benefits of VBAC vs. RCS and make your decision from there.  Considering you've never even had a trial of labor since your first was a scheduled C/S you should be an excellent VBAC candidate.  I know that comparing the risks of VBAC vs. RCS vs. normal, vaginal delivery really put things in perspective for me and allowed me to not be scared.  I mean, I think ALL women are scared/nervous to some extent about childbirth and a lot of VBAC mamas have not so great previous experiences to kind of complicate things emotionally, but you just have to decide what you feel is best for you!  Knowledge is power

All of this. The risk of UR is SMALL (I am assuming that is the risk you are most worried about). And that risk is there even if you plan a RCS. Also, a woman who has never had a c/s has a risk of UR yet they let those women labor without eve mentioning it. Also, even with a UR, the odds of a catastrophic outcome is a fraction of that.

Also, the risk of your death during a c/s is three times higher than it is in a vaginal birth. For me, I couldn't deal with the idea of leaving my children motherless or that baby growing up thinking they were the reason I died. Morbid, I know.

I agree with everything that was already said above. So many things can go wrong in any labor. Doctors are keen on pushing the negatives on VBAC moms for some reason, but there are equal risks in any labor. Take a look at all the facts and am sure it will reassure you.

tiff012982

thank you ladies.  I plan on doing research as well, but you definitely helped me out here.