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VBAC
Maybe a dumb question, but...
I was just wondering whether this had entered into any of your thoughts in opting for a VBAC, or even considering it. Does the uterus contract better after a Vaginal Birth, even after having had a CS for your first? I know one thing that appeals to me is the idea that recovery is less difficult and takes less time - but...is there any rational thought in the idea that *maybe* my uterus would "snap back" the way it was supposed to the first time, but never had the chance due to my CS?
Sounds vain, I know - but really, I am considering a VBAC for more reasons. I do feel as though I was slightly gypped out of the glorious end to all the labor experience I'd had the first time. I had a successful and uneventful surgery after many, many hours of unprogressive labor - and my scar can barely be seen now, 2 yrs after. But - I do have the CS pooch, and I am also concerned about the recovery time that I'll be in for after a planned CS for my second baby. I may not even be a candidate, as my DS just never dropped - and they say your first birth is pretty indicative of what determines whether you'll be a good VBAC candidate the 2nd time around. I feel the same as I did the first time, in that I do NOT want to go through many, many hours, and then push - only to be wheeled into a OR. My OB was great about leveling with me well before we ever got to pushing stage last time - she had told me, even if I went to 10cm, it would take about 6 more hours of pure pain, and then she likely would not be able to get him out if I pushed - he was just too far up.
Please share your thoughts with me on this (the uterus contracting thing). Thx!
K
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Re: Maybe a dumb question, but...
The c/s "pooch" is not your uterus. That is back where it belongs regardless of c/s or vaginal birth. I know my uterus contracted like crazy and went back to it's pre=preg size pretty quickly with breastfeeding.
Also, that pooch is not a guarantee with a c/s. I don't have one and didn't a few months out after a c/s. Some of that is genetics, like stretch marks and the like.
In regards to whether you should VBAC, that is really your call. I personally was willing to do the labor and pushing even if it ended in a c/s just to know that the c/s was necessary (I was unwilling to agree to unnecessary surgery). So, everyone is different. There is no way to know whether your pregnancy will end in a VBAC unless you try, but if you don't want to take the change of trying and failing, then the rcs is the only way to avoid that.
Thx, MAprincess. I also think much of it has to do with the age I was/am in pregnancy. I was 37 with my 1st, where all my sisters were in their late 20's/early 30's when they had their kids. So although they have some loose skin, they all have their flat tummies back, even after 3 kids each- but for me, notsomuch - I got the classic "apron", albeit modest. I just wonder how much worse it may get this time around, now that I'm 40. I was also lucky enough to have no stretchmarks despite being 10 days late with DS (which all my sisters got), but doubtful I'll maintain that distinction, as my skin's lasticity is quite different now. Not enough to deter me from having my 2nd, of course- but a slight bummer to consider. My Mom also had all her kids very young - she did have a pooch, but only after her last pg at 28 yrs old, (with me), which was twins. She had 6 kids by then - which I can hardly imagine!
Did you find the VBAC recovery much easier? Did it make you more able to enjoy those first few weeks in a noticeable way??
Still hoping I'm a candidate, because I want the full intimate experience, and would like to avoid surgery if possible - but bottom line for me will be what the Doc thinks is going to pose the least risk for my baby, and whether this bean decides to cooperate. If it's not in the cards for me for whatever reason- I can deal with a longer recovery. At least I'm already familiar.
Definitely an easier recovery with my VBAC. Within two hours of delivering, I had showered and changed and really felt like I could have packed up and left the hospital right then. I left 24 hours after delivery and felt great at home. I was able to pick up and cuddle my DS also, which was great. I didn't have an overly terrible c/s experience compared to many, but the VBAC was so much better and easier for me.
And- no stretch marks for me either after either pregnancy-- both babies were born at over 41 weeks. So maybe we are lucky ones:-)