I've made up my mind!

Sami78 · November 2010

For most of this pregnancy, my attitude about having a VBAC has been - if it happens, it happens. My OB and I talked about this, and I had decided I was going to schedule a c-section as back-up, hoping that labor would happen on its own before then. Well, last week I was getting DS out of the car, and we fell. My knee broke the fall, so thankfully DS and baby are fine. Unfortunately, my knee cap is broken. I'm in a thigh to ankle leg brace and on crutches for the next 5 wks (yeah, it's pretty miserable). I'll then move on to a less restrictive leg brace but still on crutches right until my due date. I hate being immobile and helpless. I am counting down the days until I can walk again, chase after DS, and be my usual independent self. I can't bear the thought that if I have another c-section, I would spend more time needing help as I recover. So I've made up my mind that I will do everything I can for that VBAC, and I will cancel my scheduled c-section, even though it was supposed to just be my back-up plan. Ah, it feels really good to put this out there. I will be talking to my OB about this on Tues. He had said before that he didn't want to let me go past 40 wks. Have you heard the same from your OBs? Are there more risks involved with a VBAC if you go past your due date? Thanks, ladies!

Sazhrah · November 2010

I am so sorry to hear that you are hurt although glad everyone is ok.

I wish all the best and send you all of my positive thoughts and prayers on a positive and successful VBAC experience.

chicsub · November 2010

Ouchie!!!

I know some OBs hold to the 40w "rule" but there are no studies about extra dangers going past 40w, just reduced success. However, the reduced VBAC successes also take place b/c of inductions, etc. My midwife would only let me go to 41w since one of the OBs in the practice is old-school and still believes in the 40w thing, so I'm switching to a practice that lets you go to 42 as their standard.

Best of luck with your VBAC!

nosoup4u · November 2010

What chicsub said - there's no medical reason not to go past 40/41 weeks if you're a VBAC. Frankly, though I was officially 41w5d when I had DS2, I think I was more 42w1d, but I had a very fuzzy due date with him anyway.

You can request non-stress tests every few days if you go past 40 or 41 weeks (for me, it was standard to have NST past 41 weeks). And if your OB won't do it, look for another provider!

Get well soon!

kate081206 · November 2010

I had my VBAC at 41w2d. They were willing to let me go until 42 weeks then would induce me. But all practices (even dr. within practices) are different, so I would ask these questions waay in advance.

tmp-406157062502221 · November 2010

Sorry about your injury! My OB was going to let me go past 40 weeks. He was pretty open to a lot though because I was scheduled for an induction as well. I ended up going into labor on my own a few days after my due date (thankfully, I didn't want to be induced!).

Ladydianna · November 2010

My OB will let me go to 41 1/2 weeks past my due date. They will not induce me but will use minimal amounts of pitocin to help labor progress.

Strawberrywine · November 2010

The biggest thing past due date is the decreased chance of success. The later you go past due date, less chance of successful VBAC.

The biggest challenge I faced and failed with my VBAC hopeful turned c/s was that post due date, they were on the hunt for everything and anything that could send me in for a c/s. I had to pass both the NST and the u/s test. I was borderline on both and I was c/s. With no progress and the baby not being engaged, I can live with it, but it was disappointing.

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