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VBAC
Only have a few more weeks to decide
My story....1st pregnancy had no complications, went into labor 1 day after due date, labored for 25+ hours, 3 failed epidurals due to scoliosis, DD was posterior, given narcotics for extreme back pain, dilated to 10cm, pushed for 2+ hours, doctor decided c/s was needed as I was unable to make any progress. I was put under general anesthesia due to my scoliosis (they would not attempt a spinal at that point). DD weighed 8lbs 15oz and was healthy. I didn't see her until approx 2 hours after her birth.
Labor was the worst pain I could have ever imagined! I had always planned on getting an epidural and this obviously didn't work. I couldn't tell you who was in the room, if it was day or night, and I wouldn't allow DH to leave me for even a second....I was delirious with pain and begging someone to help me!
Personally I didn't find the recovery from the c/s to be that bad. I went for short walks right away, was able to do stairs, and just kept doing things little by little. It was painful but more annoying, like not being able to sit up from a lying down position by myself.
Now with pregnancy #2 I have the choice between vbac and c/s. My doctor is pushing for the vbac and DH is pushing for the c/s and I have no idea what I want to do. I'm worried about factors from both sides....such as pain control, vaginal tearing, not being awake again to see my baby (if they are again unable to get an epidural), recovery, and on and on.
I have had a pre-consultation with anesthesia and they will only say they can try to get an epidural and/or spinal again but won't gaurentee anything. I've done research and know the pros/cons and statistics. A good friend of mine just had a successful vbac which is now swaying me in the vbac direction.
I only have until 36 weeks of pregnancy to decide, my doctor needs a firm decision by then. I am just looking for opinions and or personal experiences. I know ultimately it's my decision but I always think it's good to get an outside perspective. TIA!
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Re: Only have a few more weeks to decide
I don't have any experience with scoliosis but I can tell you that labor with a posterior baby and labor with an anterior baby are NIGHT AND DAY. My first was also posterior and the pain was all-consuming, unimaginable hell. With my VBAC, I *never* reached the level of pain I already had in pre-labor with my posterior baby. It still gets intense, don't get me wrong, but it was absolutely nothing like the first time. If it had been, believe me, I'd have asked them to take me to the OR. I was NOT willing to go through that again.
I have no experience with scoliosis either. Did the they say why the epi failed so many times? Was it inexperience on their part or is there something about it that makes it particularly difficult to get it right?
I would discuss with my OB and maybe another one for a second opinion on the situation. If they can help determine if baby is properly positioned before all that labor and come up with a plan for effective pain management, I would certainly give it a try. But I would also consider a RCS a completely reasonable option.
This is a tough and very personal call. I agree that posterior and anterior labors are very different. If baby is in a good position, your labor this time could be very quick.
I had a failed epi with my VBAC. I was induced and the pitocen contractions were just too much after 18 hours. The epi took on one side but not the other. In the end, I am still SO glad that I did the VBAC. The fact that I held the baby right away and was fully present, aware of, and participating in the birth were all important to me.
In your case, I can completely see why you would choose either option. You need to remember that every birth is different and can't assume that this labor will go the same way. Do you have the option of going for a VBAC but changing your mind to a RCS if it seems that it is going to be an especially difficult labor like last time?
Definitely discuss pain relief options with the doctor no matter which way you go. Good luck with your decision!
This will be our last child. Also, if I do the RCS then I will get my tubes tied as well and we have already discussed this with the doctor.
Why do you have to choose by 36 weeks? Does your doctor make non-VBAC moms choose "vaginal or c/s" at 36 weeks? If you pick one, can you change your mind later? Theoretically they can't make you do it if you change your mind but I know it's more complicated than that.
I'd probably say VBAC at this point and then see how I feel once I'm closer to the end or actually in labor. I think if you change your mind and want a RCS, it will be easier than if you request RCS now and change your mind and want a VBAC later, if that makes sense.
GL