Hi ladies,
I'm really struggling in deciding between a VBAC and repeat Csection. I'm looking for some advice/experiences of others to hear what others have done and get sons more opinions. I had my first section 3 years ago for failure to progress. I never made it passed a 7. This time around my dr and midwife say I'm a great candidate for a VBAC but I'm nervous that I would just end up right back with a section ultimately. I'm due the beginning of Sept and as a teacher it would be much easier to plan the delivery and my mat leave upfront but I feel guilty choosing a c section only for convenience of planning. I clearly still have time to decide and am discussing pros and cons with my health care team but would love to hear what others would do in my situation. Thanks ladies!
Re: Struggling to decide between VBAC and repeat csection
DS born via unplanned C-section at 40w6d
TTC#1 for 19 months with PCOS and MFI IUI#3 + injectables = BFP!!!! Beta#1-134(13dpiui) Beta #2-392(15dpiui)
#1 born December 2011
TTC#2 - Beta #1 -51@10dpo Beta#2 -1353 @16dpo
#2 born May 2013
TTC # 3 June 2014 BFP 12-1-14
#3 born August 2015
#4!!!!!!! due June 2017
How many kids do you want? VBAC and one RCS carry about the same amount of risks (though the risks themselves are different), but the more CS you have, the risks associated with surgery and any future pg go up. I personally am not comfortable with the risks associated with 3+ CS, so that was a big factor in choosing VBAC with my second.
I dilated fully on my own and then pushed for 4+ hours with DS1 before having a c/s with him. My MW was always very positive about my chances of VBAC, though I had some serious doubts during my pregnancy. VBAC is successful about 75% of the time, which are pretty good odds.
Like a PP said, post this on VBAC or look around - this question comes up pretty often. Good luck deciding!
DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)
Research both and make whatever decision looks best to you. That way if you can be prepared for whatever happens.
I tried for a VBAC with my twins, but researched both VBAC and RCS beforehand. I would have been successful too, except there was a fluke with the epidural not working. After 30 hours of labor (essentially med free) and 2 attempts at flipping Ben (again, med free, so OUCH!), I was too exhausted to continue after 2 hours of pushing. I don't regret attempting a VBAC at all. The recovery from my c/s has been much easier this time.
this is me exactly. K was breech so I didn't have much choice but I had plenty of time read about the procedure, recovert etc. i had a fantastic experience and if we decide to have another one I will def go for another cs.
My first birth was FTP and I went on to have a VBAC two years ago. I'm planning a second VBAC for the fall. My main focus during getting over the grief and disappointment of how things went with ending in a c/s included me realizing how baby's position and labor support really can make a difference. I sought the best support I could find for my VBAC and became very aware of the baby's position and made sure I had someone (in the form of a doula) who knew tricks to help a posterior baby turn. I felt very confident having sorted through all my feelings and fears, wondering if I could do it. Once I objectively assessed the first birth, knew there was nothing wrong with my body, I had full faith I could VBAC. I sought chiropractic care and was pretty proactive to work toward a VBAC, I didn't just wait and see how it would go.
I also continually told myself that every birth is different, because I think it's very natural to be worried that you'd have a repeat of the first experience. Some do, but many, many women don't and do go on to VBAC. I was so thankful because it paved the way for more straightforward births in the future, which was important to us as we desire 3-4 kids. HTH.
If you're interested in pursing it, there are a couple really good VBAC facebook groups that are active.
I haven't read the other responses, but I was in pretty much the same situation. I had an emergency c-section 8 years ago for my daughter, she never dropped and after pushing for two hours, her heart rate was not coming back up after contractions (after having epidural and then pitocin), so was taken in for the surgery. The cord was around her neck!
I healed well and was an excellent candidate for VBAC. For the last 8 years I had been mentally prepping myself for a VBAC. I knew that what happened with DD wasn't guaranteed to happen with this LO. I wanted to try even if I wound up with another section, I would at least have gotten to try.
Well, half-way through the pregnancy, me and FI decided to just have the RCS. I struggled with the decision up to the moment I went into labor (surgery was scheduled for 39w2d and I went into labor at 36w4d). The plan was to go in and have the surgery if I went early. During my checkup 3 days earlier, I was at 3cm. At the hospital I was already at 5cm and fully effaced. We went for the RCS anyway. I regret it every time I think about it. I was progressing well naturally, and was feeling good about it. I still really wish I had tried to VBAC, and now that I may not have more kids, I feel like I really lost out on an experience I may never get the chance to have again.