I had a planned c-s w/ DS because the dr. told me that he was going to be over 9 pounds (he was 8.3) and that my plevic bones were too tight. I'm due in May with my second and we have swtiched drs. and hospitals. My new dr. said it's very difficult to determine if your pelvic bones are too close prior to being in labor and told me I could try for a vbac. While nervous, I think this is the way I'm leaning. I've been reading on here a lot about birthing balls, but am confused as to how they increase the odds of a successful vbac. Can anyone explain that and what I would do with it? Also is there anything else I can do to "physically" to make a vbac more successful?? TIA!
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Re: confused with questions
Glad to hear you've found a new doctor. ACOG doesn't recommend c/s for macrosomia (big baby) until at least 10 lbs!
Changing your position during labor can increase your pelvic size by a few inches, which is pretty remarkable considering the average at-rest pelvic width is 11 inches to start with. Squatting is one of the best ways to open up the pelvis, and a birth ball gives you a surface to sit on or lean against while you're in that squatting position. Doing this before labor can get your muscles used to the idea.
That said, don't put all your faith-eggs in one basket.
You might sit on the birth ball while you're in labor and find out you can't stand it! (That happened to me in both labors. I had read so many praises of the birth ball, I was totally thrown by this the first time!) You'll want a whole tool box to draw from, so just know that the birth ball isn't a silver bullet and it's ok to try lots of other positions, or you might prefer a birth stool instead of a ball, etc.
Yep and you can also try different positions when you are pushing. You can push in a squatting position, hands and knees, etc. The position they have you push in at the hospital, where you are on your back, can actually make your pelvic diameter smaller.