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Two Under 2
Anyone torn between VBAC and scheduled c/s?
I am still very torn about doing a VBAC. I have many reasons for wanting to try for a VBAC and other reasons for wanting to just go with a c-section. VBAC: getting to experience a vaginal birth, not having to deal with recovery from surgery; c-section: having a date set, knowing how I respond to surgery already (recovery went well for me last time), getting my previous raised c-section scar removed (which I have to say is really annoying how much it always itches with it rubbing on my clothes), and getting two extra weeks of STD.
And then of course there are reasons that I'm scared to choose either option: VBAC - potential complications, not knowing how my body will respond to a vaginal birth (since I never progressed on my own previously), the pains of vaginal birth which I haven't experienced fully yet; c-section - another major surgery, missing out on knowing what it feels like to push my child out, once I have another c-section I will have to have a third if we have more children.
I'm also so unsure of going forward with the VBAC because I feel unprepared and unsupported by the doctors at the practice I go to and I think DH is more comfortable with the c/s route because VBAC seems to have to many unknowns for him. The doctors don't really give me a good cozy feeling about attempting a VBAC. Even those who say it is possible to try for a VBAC still make it sound like they'd recommend a c-section. To me, it seems most say this because scheduling a c-section is the easy thing to do. I'm really unsure what to do.
Just curious whether anyone else is going through this internal struggle?
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Re: Anyone torn between VBAC and scheduled c/s?
I could have written this post myself! DH and I just had a conversation about this. I had a c/s with my DD because I never progressed past 6 cm. She was 9 days past her due date and facing up instead of down. She weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. which isn't huge, but too big for my frame. My doctor's office is actually encouraging me to try a VBAC. But Im very nervous about this. I went through a horrible labor with DD, I was vomiting, shaking uncontrollably, had a fever, and AWFUL back labor that felt like someone was stabbing me. Then after 24 hours of labor, they finally decided on the c/s. I just don't want to go through that again, especially if the end result will be another c/s. I'm still undecided, but my DH feels the same as yours. He would rather I went ahead with a repeat c/s than try a VBAC. I guess we'll make a decision when it gets closer. Good luck!
Oh, and I see your due date is Dec. 8th. That was my due date with DD. But she didn't get here until the 17th! Hopefully yours will come sooner!
I struggled with this decision since the day after DS was born and my dr told me that I could attempt a VBAC with the next one if I wanted. However, there were stipulations - baby had to measure under 7lbs by ultrasound, no induction, etc.
When we found out we were expecting #2 we talked to the dr about the pros and cons. After having the discussion we decided on the c/s route as the chances of a successful VBAC for me were not favorable.
I still sometimes struggle with this decision as I too think about not being able to experience pushing my child out (I did have the labor pains previously). However, for the safety of my child and myself I feel that the c/s is the best decision.
For some reason I just do not feel the need to experience pushing a child out. Am I weird??? That is such a common reason to go VBAC for women. I mean if DS were not breech I would have done it vaginally, but since I had a c-sec I was totally on board with another one. Having it scheduled is wonderful so that you can make plans for your toddler. I loved having that reassurance of having a precise plan for DS.
But you need to do what feels right to you. If this is your last baby and you feel strongly about wanting to experience a vaginal birth then it may be worth the risks.
Good luck with your decision!
I was offered VBAC and like you went back and forth.
Then DS #2's head started measuring big and I remembered the perinatologist's lectures from my first pregnancy about the size (super small) of my pelvic area and the probability of labor to only end in section.
It became an easy decision for me.
I wanted the least drama possible. I didn't want a stressful delivery.
I knew I was 100% fine knowing I'd never "push out a baby". I have a couple of friends who had major issues over this and even PPD so I gave this careful consideration before letting go of it.
I hope you find your peace and support regardless of your choices.
Total score: 6 pregnancies, 5 losses, 2 amazing blessings that I'm thankful for every single day.
Not telling you this to scare anyone.
I was a VBAC and scheduled the section just to have the spot. I went with the section at the last minute. In recovery the OB came in and said had I labored I would have ruptured. My ute was SO tissue paper thin they could see all her features through the uterus before they cut. It is a good thing I went with my gut and did not try labor. There is no way to know until they go in. knowing what I know now...there is no way I would risk it if I wanted more children.
I personally am glad that my hospital doesn't allow them so I don't have to decide this one on my own, I can see being torn about it.
I was told after DS that I would be a good VBAC candidate (different hospital, different state) based on the fact that I only had one b/c he was breech. I really liked my experience and although I did have a little disappointment at first about not having a vaginal delivery, I am now fine w/ it and am fine with a repeat c/s, especially b/c of the schedule and my mom will be staying here 3 wks to help with DS while I recover.
I think that Good luck in whatever you decide!
I can tell you that I would have chosen the VBAC - HANDS DOWN!
I had 3 c-sections in 3 years, and while I have amazingly easy sections, and don't take ANY pain meds after (in the hospital or at home), there is a HUGE difference between recovering from a c-section and recovering from a vaginal delivery. Not being able to lift your other child(ren) for a couple of weeks is a big deal (even though I did break that rule twice).
Both girls were breech, so I didn't even have that decision to make, and while DS was in position, I was not allowed to VBAC because I had 2 prior c-sections.
The risks of VBAC are not as great as people think they are. I would really do your research on this. It's a big decision. If you decide to go the VBAC route, please make sure that your OB and your hospital are on board and don't try to pressure you toward a c-section.
Yes, many hospitals and OB's don't do VBAC's and don't like them - it's definitely easier for the OB and the hospital to do a c-section.
GL!
thanks everyone! This has been a much harder decision than I had anticipated. I definitely have done my research and realize the chance of complication from VBAC is very small; it's just that nagging feeling of "what if" that I can't shake even though I know there is a chance for complication from a c/s but that seems more known to me having gone through it before. Luckily I still have time to hopefully come to a decision that sits well with me.
Another option?
What I had originally intended to do was book a c-section on my due date BUT, if I had gone into labour sooner then try for natural.
I changed my mind after doing my research...so I'll be having the baby on the 30th.
The risk of vbac is .05% - 1% greater. You can rupture even if you have a planned c/s (meaning you have a chance of rupture before the c/s without ever going into labor, not rupturing from the c/s). Not to minimize the horribleness of a rupture, but it does not automatically mean no more kids ever.
Honestly, if you're getting mixed vibes from your OB, your chances of vbac are probably pretty slim anyway - but the main risk you run from attempting it is an unplanned c/s, not necessarily an emergency c/s. If your OB starts putting a lot of limitations on it (must go into labor by 38 weeks, not on a weekend, baby must be estimated at no more than X) then you will need to either switch OBs or resign yourself that they aren't going to do it even if they say they will. (This is sometimes called a "cinderella vbac" - sure, you can have a vbac, but only if every condition is textbook perfect and the timing isn't inconvenient for the OB)
A lot of OBs refuse to do vbacs, but this has more to do with lawsuits than true risk. You will have to go into labor on your own, as ACOG does not recommend induction or augmentation, though they did both for years and years and some OBs still augment labor when they feel it's needed.
If you decide you really want it, I recommend contacting a local ICAN chapter for support and advice. https://ican-online.org/
I have a history of PIH, I have GD this time, and right now my baby is breech. But I'm still hoping for a vbac - right now being breech is the most likely thing to ruin that chance. (turn baby turn!)
I hope your baby turns and you get to VBAC! I had 2 stubborn girls that were head up, feet down with nowhere to turn. :-(
At times I feel torn, but I usually go back to opting for a second c/s. I don't want to go through labor all over again and end up with a c/s. I work in L&D as a nurse, and although I am a newer nurse on the floor, I have seen a lot. Some doctors push VBAC's and other push for a repeat c/s. Either way, they will go with what you decide. I asked the doctor the percentage of uterine rupture, and he said it's about 1 in 100. There are so many factors as to why a VBAC would be a good/bad option for someone. If your baby was breech and that was the only reason for a c/s, your chances of a successful VBAC is the highest. That's what the MFM doc told me. There are so many things to consider, but ultimately you need to do what you feel comfortable with.
Personally, I'll probably go the c/s route. Although there are risks with surgery, I don't want another emergency c/s. Planned ones are so much better. It's a very personal decision. Do what you feel comfortable with!
I am currently debating the same dilemma. I had a c-sec w/DD because she did not tolerate labor well. (Her heartrate did not acclerate high enough and then she had meconium in her water). My OB is very open to the idea of my attempting a VBAC and at my most recent appt we discussed many pros and cons to both forms of delivery. I find myself varying daily. I had a relatively easy recovery from the c-section, but I didn't have a 22 month old at home waiting for me the first time around. My OB recommended scheduling the c-sec for around my due date instead of 39 wk. which is commonplace here, and then letting nature take its course. She did tell me she will not use anything to stimulate labor- so basically if I don't go into labor naturally before 40wks then I'm to have another c-sec and she also said we can just play it by ear.
I feel like I have plenty (ha!) of time to make the decision. DH has told me he prefers a repeat c-sec but will be supportive either way.