Would you have another C-section or try Vbac to avoid the surgery itself?

mcgeeva · July 2014

I know random question. My husband are still thinking about having a third when our first is in kindergarten (2ish more years..far away but still think about it). I have had two c-sections and both were totally different experiences. The first I had pre-e and had an emergency c-section and due to the drugs for the pre-e I had a great surgery, didn't feel a thing and remember it all. After birth however I don't remember the first two days at all because of the drugs to avoid seizures etc. I also had a long recovery due to over doing it when I got home because I was on bedrest for 5 weeks and dying to get out of the house. Hence dragging out recovery due to running around too much when I first came home from the hospital.

This time around I went into labor on my own and still was able to have my csection. I chose csection because I had it before and it was a pleasant experience an the thought of having a vbac was totally unknown. This time around I thought it was a horrible experience. Spinal tap worked fine but I felt like throwing up the whole time, kept asking when they would be done, felt so much pressure it completely freaks me out to think about. When Ds was born I couldn't even enjoy seeing him cleaned up because I felt so sick and was trying not to completely melt down so I just kept my eyes shut. Because of this reason I feel I couldn't go through another csection even if it's a 45 minute event.

Does anyone know if they can give any other medicines to make you unaware of what is going on without effecting the baby? I know that is against how everyone wants to feel when having a baby but I don't think I could get through another surgery being 100% there again. Or would vbac be an option after having two previous c-sections?

All opinions greatly appreciated!

SarahRae85 · July 2014

There is something called VBA2C. They're about as well-practiced as VBACs used to be a few years back (that is, they're done, but you might have to dig a little to find a doctor that supports it). Perhaps in a couple years when you're ready, VBA2C will be more mainstream the way VBACs are nowadays, but... From my limited research, the risks are increased be an almost insignificant amount but I cannot quote that for sure, since I have not looked too much into it.

In your position, I would search for a doctor that supports VBA2Cs and also ask them about how to improve your c-section experience and consider keeping your options open until you can make a comfortable decision. That way you don't feel pressured to make the choice right away.

I attempted a VBAC myself, but when it came down to the wire, my doctor and I (well, DH and I with my doctor's advice and full support either way) chose a RCS. I did NOT want a repeat surgery, since I had a successful vaginal birth the first time and knew the recovery to be much easier (despite an episiotomy). If I were to get pregnant a 4th time, I would seriously consider a VBA2C myself.

mcgeeva · July 2014

Thank you SarahRae85! I could of just had a not so great doctor that did my second c-section who knows.

Monicagail1 · July 2014

I had a vaginal with my first and c/s with the second due to breech. We are getting ready to ttc for a third and I hope to have a VBAC. After the c/s my doctor said they would support a VBAC If we tried for a third so I'm hopeful. Vaginal was no walk in the park but c/s was much harder on me in recovery.

SarahRae85 · July 2014

mcgeeva said:

Thank you SarahRae85! I could of just had a not so great doctor that did my second c-section who knows.

I don't remember much about the side effects of a spinal, but I do remember being given some medicine right before they took me down to OR to limit the nausea, so I'd blame that over the doctor... Did you get any kind of medicine to help? If not, that could be something to look into.

My personal experience with my awake c-section (it was an emergency with my first c-section, cord prolapse, so I was put under) was that something in the experience made me SO sleepy that DH had to sit by my head and talk to me to keep me awake because I nearly fell asleep. I just could NOT keep my eyes open for very long, though I woke up again as the anesthesia began to wear off.

Still, if a c-section makes you nervous, a VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 c-sections, since I don't think I made that clear in my previous post!) IS an option if you can find a doctor to support you through it.

BootsOrHearts · July 2014

If you go down the C-section path again, suggest meeting with your doctor and developing a C-section birth plan. You can talk about meds and what you want, what you don't, etc. I know for me the pressure was really bad too, I barely remember those first 45 minutes after he was born and then afterwards my blood pressure plummeted and there was some panic so they took baby away to the nursery and we didn't get him back for hours. It was a mess.

I had pre-e too and those meds are awful. Were you able to avoid that the 2nd time? If so that's really encouraging as we hope to have more soon!

mcgeeva · July 2014

Thank you BootsOrHearts I definitely will be talking to my ob when I go in for my next apt. Yeah pre-e is scary for sure. I had went into labor at 31 weeks and had a placenta abruption so that was a lot more scary at the time. I was worried about both issues happening this time again but unlike last time I was monitored closely, did 24 hour urine collections from the beginning, they watched my bp closely and I was able to almost make it to my c-section date. I had high bp and protein two days before my water broke - week before my scheduled C-section but it was still low enough I didn't need those drugs this time. From what I learned this time around even though I was toxic last time it is a very small percentage of people that have it happen again. So good luck! I wouldn't worry just make sure when your ready you are monitored super close for the what if situation.

nolagal79 · July 2014

I had my first daughter in January via section and my recovery was fine. It sounds like your anesthesiologist and/or nurse wasn't very proactive or good. Mine kept asking me questions and talking to me. He asked if I was nauseated pretty soon after surgery started and I told him that I couldn't tell bc I was so nervous, but maybe. Well he gave me something for nausea, zofran, and that feeling immediately went away. As soon as E was out and I asked him to move the oxygen out of my nose so I could breathe (too much snot from crying happy tears lol) he asked if I needed a drink. I said , oh my god yes what do you have?! Of course he was kidding about the drink, but he gave me something in my IV that made me incredibly happy. The good thing is that it didn't block my memory in any way. I remember everything just the way it happened bc my husband was there through it all and we have gone over it and I've looked at all of the pictures and there's nothing I don't remember.

As far as pain afterwards, I had minimal pain that was controlled by a few pain pills and ibuprofen.

Long story short, talk with your OB about medication options during surgery. She/he may not really know what all is available bc they don't run that part of surgery. When the anstheologist comes in prior to surgery make sure she/he knows what you want/need. Tell them your concerns. Talk with them during surgery and tell them how you're feeling. They can do wonders for you, but not block memories.

Good luck and hopefully you have a much better experience with the third!!

mcgeeva · July 2014

Thanks ladies I will definitely ask next time.

Kim22 · July 2014

I had 3 CSections. While none if them were bad, my anesthesiologist for #3 was fantastic. He told me anything that felt off during surgery he could fix. I had horrible pain in my shoulder blades at the start. I told him and magically it was gone like 10 seconds later. I was never groggy or anything.

krazyinsane · August 2014

I've had 3 c-sections and getting ready for my fourth. I didn't know a VBAC was an option then with DD#3 nobody around me will attempt a VBA2C. If I could go back I would change a lot surrounding my children's births but I don't have many struggles with my c-sections either so I'm pretty lucky! My biggest issue is the benedryl for the itching from the morphine. I just decline that now and deal with the itching so I'm not as groggy.

Justabean3 · August 2014

If you vomit after a c-section you will most likely vomit after a vaginal too if you get an epidural

Justabean3 · August 2014

If you are getting nauseated during the section def say something, they can put you at 45 degrees and give phenergan or zofran.

The whole thing is being vocal about what you feel at the time and don't just "suffer"

mcgeeva · August 2014

I never puked. I just felt sick the whole time. I just felt so much pressure I started to freak out. And that I don't think I can sit through again. I would rather be sedated. I didn't like hearing the clipping etc.

Mama-Bear · August 2014

My first was a vaginal birth followed by 2 c/s. I'll be attempting a VBA2C next time, I already have a different doc lined up that will do it as my previous OB won't. Search for your local (nearest big city) ICAN page on FB for support and resources (OB recommendations).

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Would you have another C-section or try Vbac to avoid the surgery itself?

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