first baby c-section, second baby?

zullema25@aol.com · November 2011

My son is 20 months. I was suppose to have a normal delivery but the doctor noticed that each time I had a contraction his heart beat would go down so i had to get a c-section. My DH and I are planing to have our second child around the end of next year. My doctor told me that if I waited at least 2 years after my first baby that he will let me try to have a natural delivery BUT that it is my choice and that I should know that there is a 1% chance of risk; as in the first c-section tearing.

Although he told me about the risk, I really wanted to experience having a "natural" or vaginal delivery with my first one so now I dont know what to do. I've heard a lot of times that "once a c-section, always a c-section" but the fact that my doctor said 1% makes me confused on wether I should or shouldn't have a c-section for my second.

I know I'm not even pregnant yet but I want to get as much opinions and research as I can now

Thanks Ladies!!

cjpreuss · November 2011

I had a c-section with my first baby. I plan to VBAC the one currently in my ute. It is a very personal decision and there are a ton of stats. I say do your research and ultimately, do what your heart tells you to do. There is a VBAC board on here if you want to check it out. I feel very passionately about the topic and will be driving 2 hours to deliver with a very VBAC friendly doctor so I have the best chance. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

Oh & remember, there are risks with BOTH a VBAC and a RCS.. As there are with just being pregnant, the birth process in general and just walking down the street.

zullema25@aol.com · November 2011

cjpreuss:
I had a c-section with my first baby. I plan to VBAC the one currently in my ute. It is a very personal decision and there are a ton of stats. I say do your research and ultimately, do what your heart tells you to do. There is a VBAC board on here if you want to check it out. I feel very passionately about the topic and will be driving 2 hours to deliver with a very VBAC friendly doctor so I have the best chance. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!
Oh & remember, there are risks with BOTH a VBAC and a RCS.. As there are with just being pregnant, the birth process in general and just walking down the street.

I am a rookie to this site (as you probably noticed!) and am just learning the terms but thank you sooooo sooo much for your response and for telling me about the VBAC board on here. I am definitely going to read up on some stories on there and take your advice on researching as well as following my heart. Again, THANK YOU!

nosoup4u · November 2011

The risk of uterine rupture is about .7, so less than one percent. If you're serious about VBAC, your best bet is finding a provider who is truly supportive of it. I had a successful VBAC with my second son. The VBAC board is great!

emma&katiesmom · November 2011

My first daughter was a c-section and I have chosen to not do a VBAC with my other children. I was too afraid of being in the small percentage of instances where there would be a rupture. Too much at hand to risk it in my opinion... Then again I was never tied to wanting a particular birth experience - some women are bent on having a vaginal birth. I just wanted my baby out and healthy, know what I mean?

ghdst1 · November 2011

I had an emergency c/s with DS because his head got stuck in my pelvis and was slightly in distress. This time around I am hoping for a VBAC. That is what I am planning with my Drs but I understand that if needed, I will have another c/s. Whatever is best for me and baby.

iris427 · November 2011

I had a VBAC with my second and I'm really happy with my choice. The risk of a uterine rupture is less than 1% if you've had one low horizontal incision. To put that into perspective, it's similar to the risk of having an emergency in any labor, so VBAC is not that much riskier than any other vaginal delivery. It is a serious risk you need to think about, but there are also serious risks with another c/s. You would have to do over 7000 elective repeat cesareans to prevent one fetal death from uterine rupture.

Of course there is nothing wrong with choosing another c/s. It really comes down to what feels right to you.

We have a VBAC board here, please feel free to post any questions you have there.

goldenleaves · November 2011

My doctor is very pro-VBAC for non-high risk patients!

I'm not a candidate. My first was an emergency c/s because LO's heart rate dropped into the 40's and he wouldn't fit through the birth canal. His head was actually a total conehead and they had to pull super hard to get him out of my pelvic bone during my c/s.

This baby has a serious heart condition and we're afraid that her heart can't handle the stress if the same situation were to occur. And the first one was terrifying for me, we didn't know if we'd be getting a live baby out of the deal. I'd rather feel like I have some control over the situation this time around, which may be flameful.

iris427 · November 2011

goldenleaves:
My doctor is very pro-VBAC for non-high risk patients!

I'm not a candidate. My first was an emergency c/s because LO's heart rate dropped into the 40's and he wouldn't fit through the birth canal. His head was actually a total conehead and they had to pull super hard to get him out of my pelvic bone during my c/s.

This baby has a serious heart condition and we're afraid that her heart can't handle the stress if the same situation were to occur. And the first one was terrifying for me, we didn't know if we'd be getting a live baby out of the deal. I'd rather feel like I have some control over the situation this time around, which may be flameful.

Not flameful at all! Good luck with your delivery and best wishes to your little one.

flutepharm87 · November 2011

goldenleaves:
My doctor is very pro-VBAC for non-high risk patients!

I'm not a candidate. My first was an emergency c/s because LO's heart rate dropped into the 40's and he wouldn't fit through the birth canal. His head was actually a total conehead and they had to pull super hard to get him out of my pelvic bone during my c/s.

This baby has a serious heart condition and we're afraid that her heart can't handle the stress if the same situation were to occur. And the first one was terrifying for me, we didn't know if we'd be getting a live baby out of the deal. I'd rather feel like I have some control over the situation this time around, which may be flameful.

Not that this post applies to me (yet), but I just wanted to say there's nothing wrong with having a RCS, even if it weren't the best thing for you and/or baby. No flames here! GL and I hope your LO is born as healthy as possible!

atc282 · November 2011

I really, really wanted to vbac my DS but ended up with a RCS. I fretted the idea of taking care of 2 toddlers with major restrictions (no lifting, carrying, etc.) for at least 6 wks pp typically. My OB would only allow a VBAC if DS was vertex (which he was) but only let me go a few days past my due date. I went to 40wks and she had me schedule a RCS at 40w, 2d.

I'm very thankful I had a safe delivery and a healthy DS but I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been frustrating at times recovering from a RCS with my twins to take care of, too. It is what it is but and I'm learning to accept that a VBAC just wasn't in the cards.

RaeAnt · November 2011

It depends on whether you know why your LO's heartbeat kept slowing with the contraction. DS was to 0 or -1 when it started happening with us. His heartbeat all but stopped and we were afraid it wouldn't start again if we kept trying. Our issue was that I just wasn't wide enough to allow him full passage through. I automatically will be having a c/s with this new baby.

cottonlily84 · November 2011

If someone told me I would have to have a c/s for all subsequent children I would never have any more. = I'm definitely going for a vbac should we decide to ever have another. 1% seems a very minimal risk. I had a procedure done twice during mid-pregnancy that carried a 1% chance of amniotic rupture and, of course, I decided to go ahead with it. But if you have one of those kinds of doctors who "let" their patients do a or b, who prefers or pushes c/s, or who doesn't really support vbacs you might be treading uphill the whole way. Really get your dr's and hospital's feel for vbac attempting patients. It's kinda the same when drs and hospitals say they're OK with natural birth but then do nothing to help support the mom with birthing naturally.

Mrs_MBed · November 2011

I had DD1 via unplanned c/s in 2007. When I became pg with DD2, I was told that the choice was up to me and we discussed the risks associated with both - which is important as there are risks associated with both. I opted for a repeat c/s, based on my personal history. My BFF, on the other hand, is hoping to have a VBAC for her next child and has already started doing her research as well.

I think that it is awesome that your doctor is encouraging/supporting your decision to VBAC. There are a lot women with success stories. Be sure to also check out the VBAC board, I know that they have a bunch of resources to help you.

GL with your research!

Want a personalized experience?

first baby c-section, second baby?

Re: first baby c-section, second baby?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards