Was it a tough decision for you?

tawillers · January 2011

Or did you know as soon as you got pregnant that you were going for vbac and there was no changing your mind?

It's been both for me. At first, I was total pro vbac for this delivery and after doing research and discussing with my doctor and husband at our first appointment I think I'm leaning toward repeat c/s (but at the same time I can't let go of the vbac idea).

There are pros and cons to both deliveries and I just can't make up my mind. The good news is that I don't have to for a while.

chicsub · January 2011

Not a tough decision at all. I actually knew right after my c/s that my first question was going to be about a VBAC. I'm treating this pregnancy like my first and only want surgery if necessary (which I use the word necessary lightly with my first c/s anyways!).

lorryfach · January 2011

Yes, it was very hard for me. My labor was traumatic, not my c/s. I had to work hard to convince myself emotionally what I knew rationally: that it was almost impossible for me to have the same labor experience a second time. Once I felt ok about that, deciding to VBAC was easy. The health benefits to both of us and the quicker recovery, when I have a toddler to come home to, far outweighed any pros of RCS to me.

papagena · January 2011

Not at all difficult. I knew I wanted a VBAC right after my c/s was finished. It's never been much of a question for me.

I hate to be all down on doctors - but I'm curious what it was about the discussion with your Dr. that has changed your mind a bit. Honestly, I know I'm a bit biased, but the only pro-RCS for me personally, is that it's the road that I know. Granted, I know every situation is different, but I would hate for anyone to make a decision to do a RCS or (for that matter) a VBAC solely because of possible scare tactics.

nillian10 · January 2011

papagena:

Not at all difficult. I knew I wanted a VBAC right after my c/s was finished. It's never been much of a question for me.

I hate to be all down on doctors - but I'm curious what it was about the discussion with your Dr. that has changed your mind a bit. Honestly, I know I'm a bit biased, but the only pro-RCS for me personally, is that it's the road that I know. Granted, I know every situation is different, but I would hate for anyone to make a decision to do a RCS or (for that matter) a VBAC solely because of possible scare tactics.

Yes couldn't have said it better!

Jb&Jb · January 2011

No, there was never any question that I would try to VBAC. I knew before I left the hospital stay from my CS that I would find a new doctor and start my research.

roguesmama · January 2011

I am currently 11w6d and I think I have thought about this since the day I found out I was pregnant. With my first I was 11 days late and everything the doctors did, I wouldn't dilate beyond a 1. I have to say I had a wonderful c/s and am now kind of afraid of a vaginal birth. They seem like they are a little more work.

I did however struggle with post-partum a bit and I hear c/s can worsen the effects.

JimsBride08 · January 2011

No-I had my mind made up before I even conceived number 2. I can see how for some it would be a tough decision though.

LiluBee · January 2011

It was tough until I realized a RCS was not only riskier, but would leave me unable to care for my 4 year old. I still think it would be lovely to not have to labor but at what cost, ya know? Certainly if a c/s does end up being necessary then so be it but as far as making the attempt, it's not a tough decision at all.

Lisa and Mickey · January 2011

I am pretty sure I talked with my OB about it before I agreed to the c/s (it's all such blur). I know my mind has been made up since then. Not sure when we'll TTC, but I'll be trying for a VBAC.

iris427 · January 2011

It was not a tough choice for me. In fact, it never really felt like something I had to decide--I didn't want a c/s unless necessary, the same way I felt in my first pregnancy. It just wasn't a question in my mind.

But that's because of my own personal views and experiences. I can completely understand why it might be a hard choice for someone else, and why someone might end up choosing RCS.

GL with your decision.

tawillers · January 2011

papagena:

I hate to be all down on doctors - but I'm curious what it was about the discussion with your Dr. that has changed your mind a bit. Honestly, I know I'm a bit biased, but the only pro-RCS for me personally, is that it's the road that I know. Granted, I know every situation is different, but I would hate for anyone to make a decision to do a RCS or (for that matter) a VBAC solely because of possible scare tactics.

It wasn't just what the doctor said that's got me thinking. He actually wouldn't express an opinion as he didn't want to sway me either way. He was telling us the risks of both methods and wasn't encouraging me to pick one over the other.

DH would prefer I have RCS but will support the decision I make. He's terrified of uterine rupture and can only imagine the worst (losing me, losing the baby, losing both of us).

As someone said earlier, it wasn't the c/s that was bad, it was the whole labor that lead up to it. I had approached the 24 hour period after my water broke so we had an infection risk. DD was also in a position that wouldn't allow me to dilate past 5cm. My doctor was going to allow me to labor for another hour to see what happened but my husband and I just decided it was best to get DD out safely without risking infection.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is having a hard time in making a decision. I don't have to make one until I'm 39 weeks, so I'm going to do as much research as I can. It also helps to read the stories on this board.

ILoveRunning · January 2011

I'm not pregnant yet, and don't plan on it for a couple of years, however I wanted a vbac before I even had my c-section. My c-section was an "emergency" in the sense that I had been in labor and pushed, however I had time to discuss with the midwife and the ob what I wanted with my c/s to give the best possible odds for a vbac in the future. Those things were also written in my birth plan.

After having the c/s and dealing with the complications afterwards (infection, wound had to be re-opened), and knowing that I wouldn't be able to take care of DS, I am even more set on a vbac.

Sazhrah · January 2011

It was not a hard decision for me. I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that I would do ANYTHING not to have another c/s. I didn't know there was a term called VBAC but I knew that I wasn't going to be cut open again. As I did more and more research the risks of a rcs solidified me even more to stand up for what I want rather than letter a doctor do what they want. That, and I am very against giving hospitals/doctors more money for convenience.

ShansBride · January 2011

It wasn't really hard for me. I had a scheduled c/s and talked with the OB about VBAC when we scheduled it. After the c/s I knew for sure I didn't want to do that again.

Like Iris said, I didn't want a c/s the second time unless it was medically necessary, but I also feel that my c/s caused a lot of my son's problems.

I have friends who have chosen ERCS and I totally understand their reasons. It is a very personal choice.

SoxChamps · January 2011

There was never any question about VBAC for me, but I know it can be a very difficult decision for many women. Good luck on deciding what is best for you!

nosoup4u · January 2011

For the most part I wanted to try for a VBAC, but I did definitely consider a repeat c-section during DS1's first year. By the time I got pg again, I was more sure of why I wanted a VBAC and felt like I could do it, but there were definitely times when it seemed like such a gamble to try again when it worked out so badly in the first place (I labored without induction or augmentation and pushed for 4+ hours before having the c-section).

Something that helped me during my pg was reminding myself over (and over!) again that my second pg wasn't the same as the first one, and I wasn't going to have the same labor - and I didn't.

https://vbacfacts.com is a good site to check out, it might help alleviate some of your DH's fears of uterine rupture. Good luck!

papagena · January 2011

tawillers:

It wasn't just what the doctor said that's got me thinking. He actually wouldn't express an opinion as he didn't want to sway me either way. He was telling us the risks of both methods and wasn't encouraging me to pick one over the other.
As someone said earlier, it wasn't the c/s that was bad, it was the whole labor that lead up to it. I had approached the 24 hour period after my water broke so we had an infection risk. DD was also in a position that wouldn't allow me to dilate past 5cm. My doctor was going to allow me to labor for another hour to see what happened but my husband and I just decided it was best to get DD out safely without risking infection.

Understood - glad you have a doctor that is able to give you the facts without bias. I admit, I never had to deal with any labor which I'm sure has made my decision much easier than many peoples (I don't know what I"m missing!). Best of luck with your decision.

cg0112358 · January 2011

Jb&Jb:
No, there was never any question that I would try to VBAC. I knew before I left the hospital stay from my CS that I would find a new doctor and start my research.

Sazhrah:
It was not a hard decision for me. I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that I would do ANYTHING not to have another c/s. I didn't know there was a term called VBAC but I knew that I wasn't going to be cut open again.

both of these

iris427 · January 2011

tawillers:
papagena:

I hate to be all down on doctors - but I'm curious what it was about the discussion with your Dr. that has changed your mind a bit. Honestly, I know I'm a bit biased, but the only pro-RCS for me personally, is that it's the road that I know. Granted, I know every situation is different, but I would hate for anyone to make a decision to do a RCS or (for that matter) a VBAC solely because of possible scare tactics.

It wasn't just what the doctor said that's got me thinking. He actually wouldn't express an opinion as he didn't want to sway me either way. He was telling us the risks of both methods and wasn't encouraging me to pick one over the other.
DH would prefer I have RCS but will support the decision I make. He's terrified of uterine rupture and can only imagine the worst (losing me, losing the baby, losing both of us).
As someone said earlier, it wasn't the c/s that was bad, it was the whole labor that lead up to it. I had approached the 24 hour period after my water broke so we had an infection risk. DD was also in a position that wouldn't allow me to dilate past 5cm. My doctor was going to allow me to labor for another hour to see what happened but my husband and I just decided it was best to get DD out safely without risking infection.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is having a hard time in making a decision. I don't have to make one until I'm 39 weeks, so I'm going to do as much research as I can. It also helps to read the stories on this board.

I can certainly understand your husband's fears. Uterine rupture sounds like this horrible thing out of an Alien movie.

Maybe it would help your husband to know that death from a rupture is rare. Most ruptures end in both mother and baby being OK. I've read that you would have to do over 7100 elective cesareans to prevent one fetal death from uterine rupture.* Maternal deaths are even more rare than that.

This should be considered in the context of repeat cesarean, which also has risks. The mother is 2-3 times more likely to die if she has a repeat cesarean than a VBAC (I only bring this up because your husband is afraid of you dying from a VBAC). She's also more likely to have a hysterectomy if she chooses a repeat cesarean.

The important thing to remember is that whether you choose a RCS or a VBAC, both maternal and fetal deaths are very rare. There is risk in any birth, but the bottom line is that you and your baby will most likely be healthy after the birth with either choice.

* https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10211#factors

ShansBride · January 2011

iris427:
tawillers:
papagena:

I hate to be all down on doctors - but I'm curious what it was about the discussion with your Dr. that has changed your mind a bit. Honestly, I know I'm a bit biased, but the only pro-RCS for me personally, is that it's the road that I know. Granted, I know every situation is different, but I would hate for anyone to make a decision to do a RCS or (for that matter) a VBAC solely because of possible scare tactics.

It wasn't just what the doctor said that's got me thinking. He actually wouldn't express an opinion as he didn't want to sway me either way. He was telling us the risks of both methods and wasn't encouraging me to pick one over the other.

DH would prefer I have RCS but will support the decision I make. He's terrified of uterine rupture and can only imagine the worst (losing me, losing the baby, losing both of us).

As someone said earlier, it wasn't the c/s that was bad, it was the whole labor that lead up to it. I had approached the 24 hour period after my water broke so we had an infection risk. DD was also in a position that wouldn't allow me to dilate past 5cm. My doctor was going to allow me to labor for another hour to see what happened but my husband and I just decided it was best to get DD out safely without risking infection.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is having a hard time in making a decision. I don't have to make one until I'm 39 weeks, so I'm going to do as much research as I can. It also helps to read the stories on this board.

I can certainly understand your husband's fears. Uterine rupture sounds like this horrible thing out of an Alien movie.

Maybe it would help your husband to know that death from a rupture is rare. Most ruptures end in both mother and baby being OK. I've read that you would have to do over 7100 elective cesareans to prevent one fetal death from uterine rupture.* Maternal deaths are even more rare than that.

This should be considered in the context of repeat cesarean, which also has risks. The mother is 2-3 times more likely to die if she has a repeat cesarean than a VBAC (I only bring this up because your husband is afraid of you dying from a VBAC). She's also more likely to have a hysterectomy if she chooses a repeat cesarean.

The important thing to remember is that whether you choose a RCS or a VBAC, both maternal and fetal deaths are very rare. There is risk in any birth, but the bottom line is that you and your baby will most likely be healthy after the birth with either choice.

* https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10211#factors

I agree with this.

I also want to add that H was pretty against VBAC when I first brough it up. He wanted me to have an ERCS. I showed him the facts and he started to change his mind. Now, after having the experience of both a C/S and a vaginal birth, he said vaginal birth is so much better for everyone.

He was scared of rupture, but he also liked the idea that it would be scheduled and it would be easy to have someone to watch DS and it was a road that we knew. He also didn't like the idea of seeing me in lots of pain for hours and hours not being able to help.

After we had DD VBAC, he said it was amazing. I also think just the experience of going through labor together brough us closer as a couple.

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