XP: High risk VBAC? (Diabetic)

Mattel · June 2013

Hey ladies.

I haven't been active on TB since my daughter was born, but we have just started TTC #2 so I'm back at it With DD, I had a non-emergency C-section. I am diabetic and that had a lot to do with out decision to go for the C/S. My diabetes was pretty well managed throughout my pregnancy and I was followed very closely by my perinatologist. LO was completely healthy. The more I think about it, the more bummed I get that I never experienced labor and would really like to with our next LO. I've been reading a lot about VBACs and most of what I read says the same - that in order to have a VBAC you have to have a healthy, normal pregnancy. Almost everything I've seen says that a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, pretty much means no go for VBAC. Does anyone have any insight or information on this?

cinderin · June 2013

I have a friend who has had three c-sections. She wanted a VBAC with her second child, she tried but ended up with another c-section.

You cannot be induced for a VBAC (or at least most doctors won't do it). So you would have to have a doctor who would be willing to let you go long enough to go into labor on your own.

I know with my OB (and I am GD) she is going to induce me between 39 and 40 weeks. She says she may let me go as long as 40. I have been really bummed about that because I think the chances are slim that I will go early, so chances are good I am going to have to be induced.

I am also upset that I feel like I am going to be missing out on going into labor (since I will be induced).

Do you know if your doctor will let you go to 40 weeks? Do you think you would go into labor on your own before or at 40 weeks?

boymamaco · June 2013

I know that a lot of people do VBACs successfully but my own experience in my family would completely dissuade me from going that route. The risks are real and the consequences (if anything goes wrong) to both you and your little are serious. One of the complications with my cousin's VBAC was that she creates larger babies. The prior scar on the uterus simply couldn't withstand the pressure, so it burst during labor and the domino effect and outcome for their LO will traumatize them for life. He has pretty serious cerebral palsy, all due to complications from trying to deliver a larger baby via VBAC.

I hate to provide a doom and gloom angle, and I have actually never said anything to mothers considering VBAC. But in your case with diabetes and the known risk of larger babies, I thought it would be relevant to provide context to consider. Ultimately, its up to you and your doctor. Best of luck TTC#2!

a2003tiger · June 2013

Please post on the VBAC board! I'm high risk, though not diabetic, and that does not preclude me from trying to VBAC. You need to have the right midwife/OB for any VBAC. Both my OB and my MFM docs are very supportive. There's tons of info out there, so do your research. Also look into ICAN, if you have a local chapter. Good luck, from a fellow March 2012 momma and VBAC hopeful.

andthatmakes4 · June 2013

Definitely post on the VBAC board. There are always scary stories out there but I've heard plenty of positive ones also. I have GD for a second time and am hoping for a VBAC. Good luck to you!

DahliaFlower · June 2013

lucyspeople:
I know that a lot of people do VBACs successfully but my own experience in my family would completely dissuade me from going that route. The risks are real and the consequences (if anything goes wrong) to both you and your little are serious. One of the complications with my cousin's VBAC was that she creates larger babies. The prior scar on the uterus simply couldn't withstand the pressure, so it burst during labor and the domino effect and outcome for their LO will traumatize them for life. He has pretty serious cerebral palsy, all due to complications from trying to deliver a larger baby via VBAC.
I hate to provide a doom and gloom angle, and I have actually never said anything to mothers considering VBAC. But in your case with diabetes and the known risk of larger babies, I thought it would be relevant to provide context to consider. Ultimately, its up to you and your doctor. Best of luck TTC#2!

Thank you for sharing this, I am so glad someone provided a real life example of how things can go terribly wrong. In my humble opinion, VBAC is a very bad idea in the best of circumstances. I do not think someone who is high risk in any way should even consider it for two seconds. Speaking as someone who has suffered tremendously after losing a baby, I can promise you that if something happens to your baby b/c you "want to experience going into labor," you will deeply regret it.

Mattel · June 2013

Thank you for all of the information and honesty, ladies. I really do appreciate it. I'm a nurse and understand all of the risks. At the end of the day, we would never make a decision that would put our future LO in harm's way just so I can experience labor. Of course my interest in a VBAC would be dependent on all other factors being in our favor. Luckily I have an amazing perinatologist that watches me like a hawk and if she says no way, then I have no issues with a repeat c/s. Now, to actually get pregnant

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