Finally made the decision....trying for a VBAC!

dazidog · May 2011

I had my doctor's appt today and took up a good chunk of her time asking my 1 million questions regarding a VBAC vs RCS. Her and I have been discussing this since day 1 but today I finally feel like I am 100% comfortable with the decision I have made.

I'm not going to lie, I am a bit nervous regarding the pain, failing, and making sure it's the best choice for my baby...but I have more fears regarding a RCS.

I have one question. My doctor said she will most likely strip my membranes around 38-39 weeks to get things going as it could take a week or more for labor to start after stripping. She doesn't want to me to end up 41 weeks pregnant with no signs of labor then have to start talking RCS. Is this normal? Through all my research I haven't really read anything on stripping of membranes being a positive or negative for VBAC's.

iris427 · May 2011

I think stripping your membranes is not necessary but not a bad thing either. There are a bunch of studies showing that it's safe and effective at reducing the number of pregnancies that go postdates, so personally I'd be OK with that.

Also, your fears about VBAC are totally normal, I think we can all relate to them.

GL with your delivery!

papagena · May 2011

I'd be fine with the membrane stripping at that point - honestly, I don't think it's something that will catapult you into labor if you're not ready, but can help hurry things along if you are.

And ditto Iris - I think most all of us have been there with your VBAC fears. There were times where I thought the RCS would just be easier because I knew what it entailed, but I couldn't have been happier with my decision to VBAC. Best of luck to you!!