C-Section or VB

Vortex80 · December 2011

My doctor has given me the option of course to try for a vaginal birth but after hearing all of the stories of getting one baby out and then having to get an emergency c-section, I am a little confused on what to think. I have always wanted a VB but I don't want to have to heal in both areas if something goes wrong after the first baby is out. Did any of you have a VB with multiples and how was it? Sorry, I know I still have a long way to go and by then it may not be my decision but I want to discuss a birth plan as soon as possible.

090106 · December 2011

Twin A was breech so I had to have a c-section. I had it scheduled but 2 weeks before my scheduled c-section, I had to have an emergency c-section due to an accident. It all worked out in the end!

macchiatto · December 2011

The dreaded "double whammy" only happens in about 5% of twin births so for me, the risk was low enough that I was willing to take it. I delivered both babies vaginally, even though Baby B flipped to breech during labor and had to be delivered by breech extraction. I was glad the vaginal birth worked out; it was my first choice because of the health benefits (barring complications) to both babies and mother.

emschott · December 2011

It's a tough choice. I think I am going to attempt vaginal, because my doctor really wants me to. However, unlike some doctors, he won't do a breech extraction. So I feel like that ups my chances of the double whammy. It might be a last minute decision for me, I don't know.

s270453 · December 2011

Vag birth here! I had a wonderful experience and an easy recovery. Cant imagine doing it any other way!

Vortex80 · December 2011

macchiatto:
The dreaded "double whammy" only happens in about 5% of twin births so for me, the risk was low enough that I was willing to take it. I delivered both babies vaginally, even though Baby B flipped to breech during labor and had to be delivered by breech extraction. I was glad the vaginal birth worked out; it was my first choice because of the health benefits (barring complications) to both babies and mother.

Congrats to you! I have never heard of someone delivering vaginally with multiples! It makes me feel better to acutally here it from someone that they made it through! I definitely want to try but everyone I know opted for C-Section automatically.

Vortex80 · December 2011

s270453:
Vag birth here! I had a wonderful experience and an easy recovery. Cant imagine doing it any other way!

YAY! Thanks!

Vortex80 · December 2011

s270453:
Vag birth here! I had a wonderful experience and an easy recovery. Cant imagine doing it any other way!

YAY! Thanks!

Vortex80 · December 2011

Thanks ladies, it is really helpful to hear from both sides of the spectrum! I had major ankle surgery this year and couldn't walk for 3 months so I am realy not ready to have another few months of recovery and have 2 little babies to love on at the same time!

macchiatto · December 2011

Vortex80:
macchiatto:
The dreaded "double whammy" only happens in about 5% of twin births so for me, the risk was low enough that I was willing to take it. I delivered both babies vaginally, even though Baby B flipped to breech during labor and had to be delivered by breech extraction. I was glad the vaginal birth worked out; it was my first choice because of the health benefits (barring complications) to both babies and mother.

Congrats to you! I have never heard of someone delivering vaginally with multiples! It makes me feel better to acutally here it from someone that they made it through! I definitely want to try but everyone I know opted for C-Section automatically.

Thanks! And actually about 50% of twins are delivered vaginally nationwide (and on this board, judging by polls we've done) so your odds are pretty decent that it will work out if that's your preference.

SpinningJess · December 2011

I was all for a vag birth until I did more reading up on it. Just got kinda freaked out about B possibly being breech extraction so I decided on a c/s. However, both girls were breech when I went into labor so it was a moot point!

leecrystalwed08 · December 2011

Had a C-sec and hated it!

Wish I could have had them vaginally but my little man was breech.

brody8336 · December 2011

We decided that we would do a vaginal birth, but I ended up with a (somewhat) emergency c-section due to pre-e at 36 weeks, so we didn't have the choice. But, from what the doctors told me, we would have had a c-section anyway because the cord was wrapped about Baby B's neck. I totally wish I could have tried for a vaginal birth. Good luck with your decision.

ninjabridemom · December 2011

I super want a vag birth, for the reasons mach pointed out, but I do want to say that recovery from a c-section -- barring complications -- is not months. From what I've heard it's been about 2 weeks before you feel pretty good! Drs only give 8wks recovery, too. So it's not months!!

I've heard more horror stories, I think, from botched epis than c-sections gone awry!

Fancy3Face · December 2011

C-section. Both babies were head down, I was just afraid of the "double whammy". I sort of wish I would have attempted a vaginal, but I'm happy with how things went and I healed amazingly fast.

macchiatto · December 2011

SpinningJess:
I was all for a vag birth until I did more reading up on it. Just got kinda freaked out about B possibly being breech extraction so I decided on a c/s. However, both girls were breech when I went into labor so it was a moot point!

The breech extraction honestly wasn't bad at all (thanks to the epi)! I had an OB who was experienced with breech extractions, which is key. And safety-wise breech extractions are a good option for a breech second twin:

https://rootbeertwins.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-if-baby-b-is-breech.html

You'll hear horror stories of both types of births but I think the most helpful thing can be to read the actual statistics and risks of each for yourself so you can weigh them for yourself and discuss them with your doctor.

jlefief · December 2011

s270453:
Vag birth here! I had a wonderful experience and an easy recovery. Cant imagine doing it any other way!

Same for me. I did hemmorhage, but that wouldve happened no matter the method.

luckygirl07 · December 2011

I had a vag birth with my twins and I'm glad I did. I was worried about the double whammy too, but both babies were head down when my water broke at 36w2d, so I thought I'd try for a VB. All twin mommies deliver in the OR at the hospital I delivered at, so it made me feel better. After baby A came out, one of the nurses put pressure on my belly so baby B wouldn't flip.

E&RMommy · December 2011

Had a c-section from breech baby A. Hated it. Still would have loved to have a vaginal delivery. If I ever have more I'll certianly VBAC.

I still have some incision pain 17 months later and it sucks.

macchiatto · December 2011

MrsLee04:
The "double whammy" stat is more like 1%, so not a huge risk. I had a c/s out of medical necessity but I would've gladly delivered vaginally. Less risk for mom and babies, and easier recovery. Don't let people's vaginal horror stories scare you.

Interesting! Do you have a link for that? I've always read and heard 5%. 1% is certainly more encouraging though!

MrsCali_Bride · December 2011

If given the choice, I would have loved to have attempted a vaginal birth. I had one with our oldest and I had a great experience. I had a c-section with the twins because Amelia (Baby A) was breech for pretty much the entire pregnancy. Owen (Baby

flipped from breech to transverse and back again and was vertex on the day that I delivered but since A was breech, I had no choice. It wasn't a terrible experience but I would never electively choose to have major surgery if both babies were head down even with the chance of a double whammy.

Haven1 · December 2011

I had a c/s and loved it. No guilt and no regret what so ever. My recovery was simple and quick.

sarahvarno · December 2011

Great question. Both babies are head down right now so I plan on attempting a vaginal birth, it is great to hear success stories!!!

JosiePosy · December 2011

I had an emergency c-section and recovered very well. That said, if I actually had a choice in the matter i would have attempted a vaginal birth. Both girls were head down, but I was too sick to continue the pregnancy and they had to come out quick. Even with emergency surgery, I recovered well. It's still major surgery though and took me the full 6 weeks to recover.

Vortex80 · December 2011

Thanks ladies! I had an appt. with my doctor yesterday so we discussed everything and she made me feel a lot better about my options. The moment she told me it was twins, she pretty much said plan on a c-section no matter what. She definitely had a different outlook after we talked about again so that is great! Good luck to you all!

Mrs_MBed · December 2011

Mine will be born via c-section, but that is because my singletons were born via c-section. If they had been VB, then I would want to try for a vaginal birth as well. GL!

JayandTay09 · December 2011

I had my boys vaginally...Twin A was head down and low but had to be delivered with forceps because he got stuck and Twin B was a breech extraction...My dr said as long as twin a was head down I could delivery vaginally and I am SO glad I did and was able to...

Want a personalized experience?

C-Section or VB

Re: C-Section or VB

Choose Another Board

Search Boards