I am dreading having to have a repeat csection and am strongly considering a VBAC. I have read a number of success stories as well as horror stories, and am having a hard time deciding what's best. The small chance of uterine rupture seems very scary! Any advice from any moms who have had, or are planning to have, a vbac?
Re: Dreading 2nd c section, considering VBAC
Do you already have a VBAC-supportive provider? If so, I'd ask them to talk me through the risks of a VBAC & a RCS. I'm just starting to skim the surface myself, but it seems that the risk of uterine rupture with the first VBAC are about the same as the risks of hemorrhage & hysterectomy with the 2nd c-section. BUT, if you have a successful VBAC then the risks for subsequent pregnancies start to diverge: the risks of a 2nd VBAC are much lower than the risks of a 3rd c-section. For the general population, the average VBAC success rate is around 75%. If you find an exceptionally skilled practice experienced with VBACs, your chances will only improve.
It sounds like you would be more at peace with your decision if you do more research. I see you're in Vegas - is there an ICAN chapter there that can put you in touch with supportive providers?
I am also dreading a 2nd csection. I plan on going through with the VBAC because I do not want a 3rd or even 4th csection. I'm only 9 weeks right now, and so far my OB office seems on board. Right now, that's my only concern. Uterine rupture is always in the back of my mind, but at this point, I feel more nervous about the risks of future csections than the risk of rupture after one csection.