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VBAC
New to the VBAC board (long)
Hi Ladies,
I have been lurking for quite some time now. DH & I have decided to TTC next month, YAY!
My first pregnancy with DS was somewhat stressful as we found out he had a mass in his chest and scoliosis at my 20 week ultrasound. We had to see a perinatologist and have ultrasounds every 2 weeks to make sure everything was okay. He is doing great now with no problems, just have to have annual checkups for the mass and another check up every 6 months for his spine.
At 30 weeks I was put on bedrest due to high blood pressure and was then induced at 38 weeks. I went in at 1 cm and was given cervadil at 8PM on a Sunday night, then started on Pitocin around 8AM the next morning. I had been having contractions for 3 weeks and the Pit made them a little more intense but bearable. That night I was still at 1 cm and was given another round of cervadil, an hour after they placed that my contractions stopped. The nurses didn't bother me at all that night because it was a full moon and the floor was full with women in labor. I was the only one not in active labor.
The next morning (Tuesday) my doctor came in and realized they had not started me on Pit again at 6AM like they were supposed to and was not happy. She informed us that she was leaving the next day and it didn't look like I would be having the baby that day by the way things had progressed (I was still at 1 cm.) So she gave us the option of waiting to see how labor progressed with the possibility of having another doc (who we didn't know) deliver or doing a c-section that day. We opted for a c-section (not knowing any better at the time) and I was in the OR an hour later.
The cord was around DS' neck one time, which the doc said was the reason he wouldn't drop down and I wasn't dilating.
My question is, does it sound like I would be a good candidate for VBAC? I would really like to have one, DH is even supportive! I had a fairly easy recovery with DS, I just feel like I missed out on the opportunity to have a vaginal birth.
I would be delivering at a different hospital (which is VBAC supportive) with my OB, not the high risk OB that did the c-section. I am not sure about her view on VBAC but I have an appt with her next week so I will be asking.
What are some good questions to ask? I have done research about VBAC, but I would like to know some specific ones to ask.
Thank you in advance! Sorry this is so long!
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Re: New to the VBAC board (long)
It sounds like the main reason for your c/s was because of your baby's cord? When a c-section is because of an issue with the baby (breech position, fetal distress, etc.) the mom has a higher chance of having a VBAC because the problem that led to her c/s is not likely to happen again in a future birth. But even moms who had a c/s because of a "problem" with their body like failure to progress or cephalo-pelvic disproportion have a 60% or higher chance of VBAC, so that is encouraging.
Do you have a low, transverse incision? That's important to know for VBAC because classical (vertical incisions) have a higher risk of rupture than a low, transverse incision.
I would ask the doctor what her VBAC success rates are and what her overall c/s rates are. Ask about any restrictions she places on VBAC mothers. Discuss the circumstances that led to your first c/s and whether there is anything you could do this time around to prevent that problem or handle it differently should it reoccur. Then post her answers here so we can discuss them hehe.
HTH
Iris has given some good ideas for questions. I'd add that their overall attitude toward VBAC (positive, neutral or somewhat negative) can be a big indicator. For instance, if they only want to discuss the risks of a VBAC with you but not cover the greater chance of a complication or problem stemming from recurrent c-section, then this is a bad sign. You want an OB or midwife who will go over both the risks and the benefits of both options, and ultimately let you and your DH make the decision that's best for you. You shouldn't feel scared leaving the office if it's a pro-VBAC practice.
I think based on your first birth story you have great odds for a VBAC. Truth is, most women have great odds. Sometimes it is just a matter of finding a supportive provider, place of birth, doing your research and finding the confidence to go for it.
Let us know how it goes when you see your OB! Also, I hope you have a less stressful pregnancy this time. I bet that was tough. Glad your little guy is doing so well.
Thank you Ladies!
Iris - I do have a low, transverse incision. I plan on getting my medical records from the high risk OB that delivered DS.
I will definitely let you know what my OB says next week!