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VBAC
VBAC after uterine rupture during c/s?
My OB said no, but I know how it is... I might be able to get a different opinion somewhere else. We're not even TTC #2, but I have a lot of grief about this... I wanted DD to be a natural birth, but I had pre-e, was induced, blah blah blah and it didn't happen. Then, because I'd pushed so hard, my uterus kind of ripped when the OB cut into it... more than normal. I have a larger-than-normal scar on my uterus (though my external scar looks the same... does that make sense?)
Is this a chance I should take? I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to have a natural birth, and I always have. When I was having DD, I thought it would be okay because we're planning on having more LOs... but that's not what happened. 
Oh - and my midwife/OB said I should limit myself to three pregnancies.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.
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Re: VBAC after uterine rupture during c/s?
As my personal opinion & working high risk OB, I would NOT try to VBAC in your case, and I'm a huge VBAC proponent! I would personally not risk a VBAC, knowing that my uterus tore away so easily with an incision. I've seen many a c/s and I know how hard that uterus is to cut & pull apart during a c/s.
(Sorry this may seem jumbled or bot make sense. I am posting from my phone).
Trevor Calvin 12.10.07 7:26pm 7lbs2.5oz 19.75in
Emerson Claire 07.07.11 11:34am 7lbs7oz 20.5 in
Get a second opinion! I have no idea if you can VBAC, or how serious the "sort of ripping" was, but you might as well see what other doctors have to say. Get a copy of your medical records (especially the surgical report) before you see someone else, bc they'll be able to read them and get a better idea of what happened.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
My first reaction to this is that no, I don't think I'd be comfortable taking what sounds like an elevated risk in this scenario.
However, I don't think a second opinion is going to hurt, and it will probably make you feel more at ease with whatever decision you come to. Also, I would request your records so you can look over them yourself and see exactly what happened during your first birth and what kind of notes the doctor then might have made. Maybe that will shed some light on things
Personally, if I had a rupture, I would consent to future c/s, and I am passionate about VBAC. Obviously the external scar doesn't matter and it's hard to see inside. I really don't know what to tell you, but I do encourage you to keep asking about it and to avoid having your children too close together. Anyone who would take you on would probably want two years between deliveries, just a guess.
And, I am so sorry that happened.
YOU aren't weak. It sucks, but sometimes our bodies can't keep up with our minds. My best friend is dealing with Lyme disease, and those moments when her muscles are too weak to get her out of bed are when she seems the strongest to me. Please don't think that weak uterine muscles make you weak.
I think in your case, I would not attept a VBAC and (like others) I am a HUGE supporter of VBACs. I WOULD get a second opinion anyway, though. I think hearing two independent doctors tell me the same thing would somehow be therapeutic for me. Personally, I know many people who pushed for 3+ hours and none had uterine ruptures. But I don't know if pushing that long could cause it. I have never seen anything like that before in research. The issue for me is there was lady a tear in your uterus and that isn't something that normally happens. I'm not sure if I could get that out of my mind in other pregnancies, you know?
That said, if RC is your only safe route and you will never have that natural birth you crave, you might think about going to talk to someone about it. It really is something that can be traumatic and hard to get past on your own.
You aren't weak at all. You are a strong, capable woman.
I have a friend who had the same thing happen. Her current OB told her she could try a VBAC if she wanted but my friend is worried about the extra risk--so for now she's thinking she will have a RCS. She's not pregnant though so she might change her mind. Unfortunately I don't think there are any studies on this kind of situation so all you can do is guess about how much riskier it would be. It definitely doesn't hurt to get another opinion. I've heard of people with risky pregnancies giving birth in the OR so in case anything happens, they can do an emergency c/s instantly--maybe that would be an option if you found a doctor who thought it would be safe to try.
If you do plan a RCS you can work with your doctor ahead of time to make it be the best birth it can be and a beautiful experience.
GL to you.
I'm sorry you had that c/s experience. Like the others on here, I am a strong vbac supporter. But if I had this experience w/ my c/s I really don't think I would try for a vbac. Instead, I would focus my energy on making a c/s birth plan that works for me and making my rcs experience a happy/positive one.
The fact that your mw said you should limit the number of pregnancies makes me think that attempting a vbac would be more risk than I'd be willing to accept.
GL! I agree with the others that getting a second opinion wouldn't hurt but I'd be surprised if you get a different answer. I'm really sorry. I think the only consolation I can offer is that if you know what the deal is going into it, you'll have your whole pregnancy to plan for your c/s. It will give you time to come to terms with not getting the birth you had hoped for.