Reasons for RCS?
valeivegas
member
I had a c/s with DS since he was breech. I went into labor the night before it was scheduled & was having pretty painful contractions that were close together (I honestly cannot remember if I was dilating or what was going on - it went so quick). This time around I'm really on the fence about trying to do a VBAC or RCS. My Dr is on board w/ whatever I chose, but told me he would not induce me - if things were not 'progressing' by 41 wks it will be another c/s...
That said - if you are planning a RCS what is your reasoning? Any reason you wouldn't want to try the VBAC? I'm thinking more about the recovery from the c/s & having DS - I would prob. recovery quicker from the vbac & be able to pick him up, etc. But on the other hand my friends who've had a few kids say recovery from natural birth still takes up to 4 weeks...
Re: Reasons for RCS?
I'm not a candidate for a VBAC. I had a classical incision, on the inside, with Aidan because of his gestational age, my uterus was too small to handle a regular cut.
Because of that type of incision there is a greater risk for abruption. Then with Lucas, they did the same type of cut instead of putting a T on my uterus.
With DD, I had a scheduled CS, but my water broke 3 days before. I labored, but had to be induced, since 8 hours after my water broke I was still just a fingertip dilated. Each doses caused DD's heart rate to drop, and I never progressed more than 5 cm after a total of 18 hours, so they did the emergency CS.
All of this, coupled with DS being due less than 15 months after DD was born, led me to pick a RCS, no questions asked. We are scheduled for 39 weeks exactly (I had IVF, so we are certain of the dates), since my doctor wants it sooner, rather than later, to avoid another emergency CS (DD came at 39w3d, not that it means DS will necessarily come before 40 weeks, but no need to take chances).
IVF #1: 9/11: ER: 12R, 11M, 10F, No Frosties; 5dt: 2 blasts, 1 morula; DD born 6/3/12
IVF #2: 11/12-12/12: ER: 20R, 20M, 16F, 4 Frosties; 5dt: 3 blasts, DS born 8/9/13
With my first CS, I labored for close to 22 hours beforehand. My recovery was terrible and I honestly believe it had more to do with the labor beforehand in combination with the surgery. I chose to do a RCS because I didn't want a failed VBAC to end in a CS, because of the convenience of being able to pick a date, have DH take time off, and arrange childcare for my daughter. If you're worried about the recovery of a CS, I will say that I was also worried abou this because of my previous experience, and it turned out to be a night and day difference the second time around. I was up walking around about 8 hours afterward, and after a week felt about as good as I felt at the month mark with DD1.
Good luck with your decision!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,and He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
That is crazy that they won't support VBAC! Can you give birth at a different hospital? If you have a local ICAN chapter, they may be able to help you out.
OP, I had a VBAC and my full recovery was a few weeks (I had a second-degree tear), but it was an easier/faster recovery all around.
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
My doctor and I discussed the possibility of a VBAC but he also voiced his concern. The reason I had a csection is because my son could not descend down the birth canal at all. After my water broke his heart rate would drop with every contraction due to the cord being compressed with each contraction. He couldn't even drop properly. I have a bicornate uterus and an incredibly narrow pelvis. Alone either of these issues don't present a huge problem but together they prevented the baby from decending.
BFP1: DD1 born April 2011 at 34w1d via unplanned c/s due to HELLP, DVT 1 week PP
BFP3: DD2 born Feb 2013 at 38w4d via unplanned RCS due to uterine dehiscence