VBAC

Information on VBAC's from women who have had them...

I ended up having a c-section with my first child (4 years ago next month). My husband and I are currently TTC number two and I have my heart set on a natural water birth. I feel that I really missed out on what giving birth should really be like, and I never want that to happen again.

I spoke to my doctor 2 weeks ago and she told me that she doesn't recommend VBAC because there is a possibility that my uterus will rupture. I asked her what the likelyhood was for that to happen and she said less than 5%.

I still want my natural birth, but I can't help but think " what if I am in that 5%"

Could those of you who have had VBAC's please post your stories/experiences here for me? I think that would help a lot!

Thanks

Re: Information on VBAC's from women who have had them...

  • Let me start off by saying that 5% is not correct. The rupture rate for most woman is less then 1%. That being said I am attempting a VBAC with my next birth because I believe it is much safer then a repeat c/s.

    This website provides great information regarding the comparisons of a VBAC vs ERCS.

    https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2-2/a-womans-guide-to-vbac/weighing-the-pros-and-cons/

    (Sorry not clicky) 

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  • imagepinkmoonlight:

    Let me start off by saying that 5% is not correct. The rupture rate for most woman is less then 1%. That being said I am attempting a VBAC with my next birth because I believe it is much safer then a repeat c/s.

    This website provides great information regarding the comparisons of a VBAC vs ERCS.

    https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/2-2/a-womans-guide-to-vbac/weighing-the-pros-and-cons/

    (Sorry not clicky) 

    This!! I can't believe she told you "less than 5%!" IMO, she's not the right Doctor for you. Any OB who doesn't have their facts straight about their own profession would tell me to run! My OB gave me a ton of information on VBAC's it had the risks as well as the benefits, one of the very first things it read was: I understand that having a successful VBAC is safer than a RCS. That right there tells me my chances of trying for and actually getting my VBAC are higher with that kind of thinking in a hospital. Please look into finding a different pro VBAC OB, your chances of having a successful one depend on it! 

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  • If you've had one low horizontal incision, the risk of uterine rupture is around 0.7%.  So yes, that's less than 5%--a lot less!  UR is a serious risk and it does need to be considered.  But RCS also has serious risks, like an increase in maternal death, emergency hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and infection.  Furthermore, if you plan on having more kids, each cesarean increases the risk of serious placenta problems in future pregnancies.   Whether you have a VBAC or RCS, the most likely outcome by far is a healthy baby and healthy mother, so that is important to remember.

    I had a VBAC a few months ago and it was great.  A supportive doctor is essential so I would recommend you find a new doctor or a midwife.  Your doctor is obviously not a VBAC supporter.

    We have lots of VBAC and RCS stories on this board, just look back through for posts and you will find a lot to read.  GL. 

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  • Wow, holy misinformation! 

    You're at risk of uterine rupture if you have a rcs, too.  I would find a more supportive provider if you're set on trying for a vbac.  Provided there's nothing wrong with you physically (small pelvis, etc), then I see no reason why you couldn't try.

    I had one 2 yrs after my c-section and it went perfectly, despite my dr at the time claiming I'd never do it.  I'm so happy I've found a dr who totally believes in vbac for this go around.

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  • imageMcSquishy:

    Wow, holy misinformation! 

    You're at risk of uterine rupture if you have a rcs, too.  I would find a more supportive provider if you're set on trying for a vbac.  Provided there's nothing wrong with you physically (small pelvis, etc), then I see no reason why you couldn't try.

    All of this!!!  I had a successful VBAC with a very supportive and knowledgeable CNM.  She gave me the straight facts on the risks of both a VBAC AND a RCS.  There are risks either way.  Heck, there are risks of giving birth in general.  But your doctor is either lying or has never actually read a scientific article.  Either way, not good.

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  • I agree with everything the pp's have said but wanted to add that you should find a new provider asap.  Contact your local ICAN chapter and see if they can help you with names of VBAC friendly providers in your area.
  • First, I can't believe she recommends a RCS if she's worried about tiny risks.  You have more risks having a RCS than having a VBAC, and the previous posters are right about the risk of UR being closer to 1%--do some googling, you'll find lots of information!

    Second, I can't believe she just quotes some bogus number of "less than 5%"!  She probably read one book, report, etc and stuck with that number, even though it isn't right.  I would ask her where she got that number from, and if she can show it to you.  Also ask if she's ever seen a UR, how many VBACs she's attended, and what their success rate is.

    I agree with the other posters that you should at least talk to some other OBs and midwives about having a VBAC!  Having a 100% supportive care provider is sooo important!

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  • I wanted to add, even if you decide that a RCS is right for you, I'd still find a new provider.  The fact that she quoted such a bogus number to you just gives me the creeps.  Not trustworthy at all.
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  • imageMAprincess:
    I wanted to add, even if you decide that a RCS is right for you, I'd still find a new provider.  The fact that she quoted such a bogus number to you just gives me the creeps.  Not trustworthy at all.

    I don't necessarily agree with this.  She was right, the risk is less than 5%... it's just closer to one than five :)

    Anyway- VBAC is still a scary procedure for physicians, mainly b/c uterine rupture is such a severe and life threatening event, for both mother and baby.  I think it's best for you to do your research and make an educated decision from there.  There is no right or wrong, but what you feel most comfortable with.  GL

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  • My VBAC birthstory: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/25074583.aspx

    Personally I would change providers a well, even if you opt for a c/s.

    If you do go back to her, ask her why she doesn't recommend vbac and then ask her to explain it again in light of the ACOG recommendations supporting VBAC. ACOG states: "Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists".

    I'd love to hear her explanation of her policy vs. ACOG recommendations.

     

    - Jena
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  • imagejen5/03:

    My VBAC birthstory: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/25074583.aspx

    Personally I would change providers a well, even if you opt for a c/s.

    If you do go back to her, ask her why she doesn't recommend vbac and then ask her to explain it again in light of the ACOG recommendations supporting VBAC. ACOG states: "Attempting a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate choice for most women who have had a prior cesarean delivery, including for some women who have had two previous cesareans, according to guidelines released today by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists".

    I'd love to hear her explanation of her policy vs. ACOG recommendations.

     

    Yes, I would love for someone to do this and report back. :) 

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