C-sections
Stephanie2167
member
If you chose RCS over VBAC...
Stephanie2167
member
in C-sections
Why did you decide RCS over trying for a VBAC?
I'm not expecting #2 yet. DH wants me to just have a RCS next time. I originally wanted to try for a VBAC, then I decided I'd just do a RCS (I'm afraid to try for the VBAC and end up with a c-section again). My first delivery I felt so out of it that I didn't feel present in her birth. I want to feel present the 2nd time around and I feel like a RCS will be the best way to go. But on the otherhand I feel like I may be disappointed if I don't at least try.
How did you decide?
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Re: If you chose RCS over VBAC...
I had a pretty good recovery from my first c/s and preferred to go through something I already knew wasn't that bad. I don't really feel a strong desire to experience vaginal birth. Plus I had my RCS at a smallish hospital and was a little nervous about whether it would be adequate in case I tried for a VBAC and ended up with another emergency c/s. I was happy with my RCS - I did end up going into labor before my scheduled surgery date and it took a few hours for them to get the surgical team together, but even so it was a much calmer experience than DD's birth. I will admit, there was a moment when I realized that I had let go of pretty much any chance to have a vaginal birth, but for me it was more of a "oh well" than any sort of regret. If you think you'll regret not trying for a vaginal birth, though, that's one thing to take into consideration, especially if you want a large family (we don't, but that's one factor my OBs advised me to consider).
Oh, and my DH also wanted me to have an RCS. If I'd felt strongly about it I probably would have tried to convince him that a VBAC was best, and if he'd felt strongly that I should have a VBAC then I might have tried for one, but his feelings did confirm my decision, and considering the first time around was as scary for him as it was for me, I figured he had some say in whether we risked a similar birth experience again.
I chose RCS with #2 because I loved my OB and he didn't do VBAC, so it didn't even cross my mind. One OB I interviewed up here (we moved after having DD) was open to a VBA2C, but in the end, I just am not interested. I've had really great c/s experiences, and will hopefully have a 3rd great experience. My worst case scenario (birth-wise) is to labor THEN need a c/s (and perhaps an emergency one) and I want to avoid that at all costs. Additionally, I'm not totally comfortable with the risks. Sure, there are c/s risks, too - but I just feel like there's a reason so many OBs are against VBAC.
But for me, mainly, it's that I don't feel like I missed out on anything at all. I have no desire to go through labor or to feel a baby coming out of my vagina. I feel confident that my births are every bit as important and beautiful as anyone else's, so I just didn't feel the need to try another method when the c/s method has worked out so well for me in the past.
(read it. you know you want to.)
anderson . september 2008
vivian . february 2010
mabel . august 2012
I was also scared of trying for a VBAC and just ending up with another c/s. But I also knew that if I didn't try for a VBAC, I would regret it. I didn't want to give up my shot at vaginal birth just because I was afraid to take the risk of ending up with another cesarean anyway. I know not everyone feels that way but I did. I think you have to decide whether it is worth that risk or not.
I also wanted to avoid the medical complications that can come with having multiple cesareans. You should think about how many kids you want to have. The more cesareans you have, the higher risk you have of serious placenta complications in future pregnancies, which can be life-threatening to the mom and baby. VBAC carries the risk of uterine rupture so you need to weigh those risks. The bottom line is that VBAC carries a small but serious risk to the baby and RCS carries a small but serious risk to the mother, but both are overall safe and usually end with a healthy mom and healthy baby.
In the end I chose to try a VBAC and I had a wonderful vaginal birth. There is a VBAC board here on the bump if you want to ask questions or just lurk. GL!
Thanks for posting this - I'm not expecting #2 yet either but am curious what other previous c/s moms were planning for the next time around.
I am still a little bummed that I "missed out" on a vaginal delivery. I didn't get the experience of contractions, pushing, baby on chest, etc.. and that makes me a little sad but at the same time - the c/s (scheduled) was safest for both of us and it went great so I have no complaints in that department. Just kinda wish I could have actually labored... or something. I want a VBAC for that experience but highly doubt my doctor is going to sign off on it.
I suppose I need to just be thankful for the experience I had and just let this go but I'm SO curious about what a vaginal delivery is like that I can't help it.
I was induced and after cervadil and pitocin I still had not dialated at all. The dr was going in to break my water and he stopped and said no let's just do a csection now instead of having to do an emergency one later on.
The doctors were able to take their time and I was awake and alert the whole time during the procedure. When my son was delievered I was told that even if they would have broke my water and I would have went through labor I would not have had him vaginally and it would have been an emergency csecion. He was 8lbs 6ozs coming out at 38 weeks, 6 days. They said his head was way too big to pass through my hips.
Knowing that and knowing that my dr then would not have done a vbac I will choose to do another csection. The doctor here suggested it and I said no because of the risks that my previous doctor explained and with the issues I had of my son being big with a big head. The risk isn't worth it to me.