I am hoping/preparing for a VBAC and in some of my research I see that ACOG recommends continous fetal monitoring for VBACs. I have a fantastic doctor and I haven't broached this with her yet as I want to do some of my own research, but for those who have attempted or succeeded were you required to do continous fetal monitoring?
Also, this may be naive, but when doing continous fetal monitoring are you able to still move around? My understanding was that it was better to intermitent monitoring because of the limits on mobility and therefore less opportunity for gravity to do its work.
I would love this insight and any pep talks or insights from those who successfully had a VBAC with a baby over 10.5 lbs!! My son was 10.5 lbs and my 36 week ultrasound was only 2 ounces off. I actually "feel" like this kiddo is already A LOT bigger. I am trying not to be discouraged, but would love to hear any stories for those with really large kiddos.
Re: Continous Fetal Monitoring
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I showed up at the hospital pushing during my VBAC, which is what I had hoped for. They still monitored me while I was pushing, but I didn't really care at that point. My VBAC baby was 10lbs, 10oz. I had no idea he was going to be that big! I did stay upright for most of my labor, which I think really helped. And I pushed for two hours, which is still a normal for a first time vaginal birth.
Good luck! How supportive is your provider?
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
My hospital required CFM, but they had telemetry monitors, which was awesome. I was able to make a million laps around the floor, go in the tub/shower, etc.
They did only have a limited amount, but they saved those for the moms laboring without an epi. I did end up getting an epi, and they switched me to a wired one. At that point, I was happy to give it up in hopes that another mom could use it and walk around.
The doctor who delivered my VBAC baby required CFM. I labored out of bed on a birthing ball, standing next to the bed, or in a rocking chair the until it was time to push. The doctor who went off call (but who was there when I was admitted) said that I didn't have to be monitored continuously, but I had to be close to the monitor, as in I couldn't leave the room to walk the halls.
My VBAC baby was smaller than than my c/s baby by half a pound.