VBAC Consent

pepomntpat

I asked for the VBAC consent form today at my appointment so I could review it. It gives pros and cons of both VBAC and RCS which is good.  There are more pros for VBAC than RCS. However, the risks of VBAC are listed with percentages and chances of dying, while there is one tiny remark about a very low chance of dying with a RCS.  And absolutely no mention of risks to baby with an early RCS.  

I was just interested in the way things are worded.  Nothing stated is at all untrue, just presented strangely.  What kinds of forms did others have to sign?

penguingrrl

I did not have to sign a consent for either of my VBACs  (unless he gives me one when I get there tomorrow for my induced VBAC), although I have always had to sign a C-section consent when I entered the hospital to deliver in case of emergency C-section.

RootBeer29

I don't get mine until 36 weeks.

holly321

I signed a consent form at the hospital.  It did have the risks of the vbac, and the pros.  But I remember signing a consent for the csection, which had all its risks too, so  I don't think it is a scare tactic.  

MAprincess

My form had the pros and cons of both.  I don't remember if it has actual numbers, but it was evenly presented on both sides.  You are significantly more likely to die during a RCS.  The risks to baby are slightly higher for a VBAC.

There are multiple risks to a c/s (just like a VBAC) so it's weird that it didn't list all of them.  I remember my form had all of them on there.

cchill01

Legally, it's all about what period of time they are trying to cover with the paperwork. The VBAC consent form is signed early because you'll be laboring at home and they want to be covered in case things go badly.  So, they need to tell you all the scary VBAC stuff on that consent form.

The really scary stuff about RCS is on the release form you sign before they administer the anesthesia - death, loss of urinary function, infection, blood clots, loss of fertility, future miscarriages, hysterectomy, paralysis.   They don't need you to sign that one until you check in for your c-section.

IsaiahGirl

I had to sign a release for both a VBAC and a c-section twice...once at about 32 weeks and again when I was admitted and in labor. I do feel the wording is slightly more harsh for the VBAC -they listed many more risks for it than a c-section.

nosoup4u

I didn't sign a consent form for VBAC. I was supposed to sign one for a RCS when I got to the hospital during labor (standard policy), but I don't think I ever signed it.

pepomntpat

MAprincess:

My form had the pros and cons of both.  I don't remember if it has actual numbers, but it was evenly presented on both sides.  You are significantly more likely to die during a RCS.  The risks to baby are slightly higher for a VBAC.

There are multiple risks to a c/s (just like a VBAC) so it's weird that it didn't list all of them.  I remember my form had all of them on there.

One of the risks of RCS was listed as "the usual risks with anesthesia and surgery." Another was a risk of placenta problems in future pregnancies So maybe it really is just an FYI. I do not have to sign it yet. I just asked so I could have it for my information.

ricki3

Can i have natural after 2 csections?!

SarahRae85

It's been awhile since I signed mine. Doctor had it given to me when I was 14 weeks to sign and bring back. Like others, it focused more on the risks of VBAC, but that's because it's a legal document warning you of the possibilities so they can cover their own behinds. My doctor is actually very pro-VBAC, to the point I can see him trying to talk me out of a RCS if I were to change my mind right now, so I wasn't too concerned about the wording on the paper.

Ceefome

I haven't gotten one yet this time around.  With my 1st VBAC, I got it at the nurse intake appointment at 7 weeks.  I'm pretty sure it listed more  VBAC concerns than RCS concerns, similiar to what you mentioned. 

RumbleLina

My current office hasn't had me sign any consent form but my old office that I recently went back to do a meet and greet with an OB does. It didn't list percentages and was very basic about understanding what a VBAC is what uterine rupture is and the possible outcome...yada yada.

keithsbride

My consent form only had the risks of VBAC - no pros, no risks of RCS 

Geekchick921

MAprincess:

My form had the pros and cons of both.  I don't remember if it has actual numbers, but it was evenly presented on both sides.  You are significantly more likely to die during a RCS.  The risks to baby are slightly higher for a VBAC.

There are multiple risks to a c/s (just like a VBAC) so it's weird that it didn't list all of them.  I remember my form had all of them on there.

I delivered with the same provider/at the same hospital as MAprincess (and cchill08) and I had to sign this same form.  Right above the signature was 3 checkboxes that basically said, "I have read this form and want an RCS," "I have read this form, am a good candidate for VBAC according to my provider and want to attempt a VBAC," or "I have read this form, am not a good candidate for VBAC according to my provider and want to attempt it anyway."