I've wanted to VBAC since DD born 2 years ago. It is hard to find a VBAC supportive doctor around here, and impossible to find a whole practice. At my last appointment the doctor talked to me about VBACing (he is not one of the supportive ones) and scared me. Saying that uterine rupture happens about 1-2% of the time, but they only have 3 minutes to get baby out before their is damage to baby and I would need a hysterectomy because they can never repair the rupture. He also said that VBAC is safer for mom, but a RCS is safer for baby. It just kind of freaked me out, like I'm being selfish and the VBAC is just for me.
Re: Scared
The number I have seen is 0.4% rupture for spontaneous labor. It is true that rupture will lead to a hysterectomy, but I have also read that the rate of hysterectomy with RCS is about 0.4%. As far as the window to intervene, it is small, but I have read more like 10 min that 3 min.
I would spend some time talking to a VBAC supportive provider. It's one thing if someone who actually does them doesn't think that you are a good candidate. Since it was coming from someone who doesn't even do them and so probably doesn't have as much experience, I wouldn't put too much stock in it.
I felt the selfish vibe too and had a doctor telling me these same things. I think for us my plan to attempt a VBAC with my second pregnancy was because I knew we were hoping for 3 maybe 4 kids someday. I couldn't imagine NOT trying bc 3 c-sections seemed like too much for me and I really wanted to attempt to experience labor the way it was meant to be. I say see how you feel as the pregnancy progresses and make a list of your reasons for wanting the VBAC. Talk to your doctor at your next appointment and discuss your fears and see what they say. I also think as much as I hope to avoid the c-section this time I feel better knowing that at least it is only the 2nd c-section so my vbac was totally worth it even if I am not able to do it again this time around. Good luck!!!
Also, he skewed the rupture rate, which is less than 1 per cent, unless you start factoring in inductions. And not all of those are complete "have to get baby out NOW!!!" ruptures.
Good luck in your decision.
https://givingbirthwithconfidence.org/22/awomansguidetovbac/weighingtheprosandcons/
Thank you for sharing this link! I'm early in my research process and hadn't seen this before.