My VBAC attempt (pretty long!) Format Fixed :)

okate0213 · April 2012

My previous delivery 18 months ago ended in a c/s after my induction at 41 weeks. Indication was fetal intolerance to labor and failure to decend. My DS had the cord wrapped all around him!At my six week visit my OB said that she would like me to wait to get pregnant so that there is at least a 18 months space between births and that I would be able to VBAC the next time.

My pregnancy went beautifully again this time, we found out we were having another boy and were overjoyed! I was so excited to be able to VBAC and my OB's (4 of them) were all supportive to let me go to 42 weeks if need be. They would not induce at all.

I held off getting checked until I caved at 39 weeks I was 1cm and 50%. 40 weeks I was the same, I got my membranes stripped at this appointment, had a u/s to check AFI (Fluid Levels) it was very good (14) and the NST went well also. That evening I lost part of my mucous plug. I had been having contractions off and on for weeks. I was told to walk, walk, walk! 41 weeks, we had a another NST and I was checked found to be 2cm and 70%. We scheduled my c-section for Monday at 42 weeks.

Wednesday April 18th at around 4am (41 weeks 2 days) I got awoken by a painful contraction, another one followed and another. I tried resting but became excited, so after an hour I got up. Started timing them, they were 5 minutes apart. I did dishes were they became 1-2 minutes apart, then spaced back to 3-5 minutes. I labored at home until 10 am. At this point, I was moaning and becoming increasingly louder during contractions. They stalled out on the ride to the hospital and I got worried that we left too soon. Walking into the labor and delivery I had some pretty strong ones. I got checked I was 4 and 80%, so I got admitted. I was dehydrated, so I had an IV for fluids. Which spaced my contractions out, but still regular, which was good since I couldn't have pitocin. I was able to labor in any position I wanted. My goal was to not get the epidural.

When I was a 6 I was not handling contractions as good. I asked for Numorphan, best decision for me! I was able to relax, it lasted 3 hours and I even slept in between contractions. Around 6 pm I was at nine cm! (The farthest I got with DS1 was 7cm.) At this point my OB broke my water, DS was at -2 station having come down from -3. Two hours later and DS heart rate became worrisome, I was the same. They said I could try bearing down with contractions, I was also switching positions often (hands and knees, sitting frog legged). My OB gave me an hour to make some change, I didn't make it that hour, for DS was not doing well.

We went back for a c-section. I had a spinal put in, it was so hard staying still and coping with my contractions coming every 30 seconds. It took a little longer to get to him, I apparently had a lot of scar tissue and my uterus had attached to my bladder. DS came out with a tight nuchal cord and had some trouble crying, but after some suctioning he was fine, thankfully. When my OB was stitching me up, he said I could try to VBAC again (!) and I reiterated ACOG recommends it! He said he would support me. But I should wait to get pregnant again until after 12 months.DS was 8 lbs 2.5 oz and 21 inches. Recovery this time has been a lot better and DS2 has been such a blessing to our family and fits right in. Wanted to also thank you all for your support and your wealth of information, making my stand firm on trying for a VBAC. Even though it wasn't successful I am so so so happy I tried!!

cchill01 · April 2012

Congrats on your new addition. I'm glad you got your chance. I'm sure DS benefited from going through labor. I hope your recovery is quick.

Cornflakegrl · April 2012

What a cute pic of your new little boy and his big brother. Thank you for sharing the story of his birth. Our stories are similar. My first was a 41w, 3 day induction with FTP and then spontaneous labor with DS2 (positioning problem 10cm, didn't descend) Like you, I don't regret my VBAC attempt and am going to attempt a VBA2C soon with the same hopes I had last time. Congrats!!

MAprincess · April 2012

Thank you for sharing your story. It was great that you went into labor on your own and made it all the way to the end of that! And it sounds like you had really wonderful providers that had you and your adorable baby's safety in mind.

Congrats! Your boys already look like best friends:-)

Harper'smom · April 2012

Congratulations! I'm glad that you had a provider that supported your efforts and will in the future. People often worry that the recovery will be worse after a TOL and it is good to hear that this is not always the case.