Not happy...dr making me choose repeats c-section or VBAC

reneetsu · September 2015

I am 28w 4d and at my appointment on Thursday the dr asked if I wanted a repeat c-section or VBAC. With my son I had a c-section because after 9 hrs of labor I didn't progress. Mind you I had back problems the majority of my pregnancy that contributed to the lack of progress which I have not had this pregnancy. Anyways, I expressed to her that if my body went into labor by itself I would like to try to have a vaginal birth, if not then have the repeat. She told me that I had to choose one or the other and that if I did go into labor by myself and we had discussed me having a repeat c-section then at that time I would have to have another c-section. She told me that in the post op report that it said my pelvic area was compromised and that I had I small pelvic area. But I remember I dr, at that time, telling me that I had enough room. I am confused and frustrated all at the same time. I felt robbed of the initial contact and the first couple hours of my sons life because I had to be so sedated after delivery because I was feeling them sow me up that I don't remember meeting my son and the next few hours. Ugh!!!!

ChiccoBeanz · September 2015

Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. That's what I would do, and then discuss with the doctor that I choose to deliver my baby would follow my wishes unless it wasn't medically impossible.

gerblah · September 2015

I'm confused. What other choice are you wanting besides a c-section or a vbac?

reneetsu · September 2015

Those are the two options but I have to choose one or the other in two weeks. So if I say I want to schedule a repeat and the. Prior to that if I go into labor in my own when I get to the hospital they will do the repeat at that time and not let me have a vaginal.

LC122 · September 2015

I think OP wants to be able to try VBAC with C-section as a back-up and the Dr wants her to commit to one or the other. Is that right, OP?
What doesn't make sense is that if you choose VBAC and it doesn't work, the only other choice is C-section. It's not like the Dr would refuse you a C-section because you chose VBAC months ago.
It seems like a weird response/attitude from the Dr. Maybe they are particular about scheduling OR time, but there are plenty of unexpected C-sections out there, so it doesn't make sense not to be more flexible.
I would say your plan is to VBAC if you know you want to try it. And yes, get another opinion if you can. At my practice, you start rotating through the other docs in your 3rd tri so that you have at least met them all in case your doc isn't on-call or is off on the day you deliver. If your practice does that, maybe you can talk to others in the practice at those visits.
Good Luck, OP.

gerblah · September 2015

Seems like choosing vbac is the best choice. If it turns out that you need a c-section, they aren't going to insist you deliver vaginally if a section becomes medically necessary

reneetsu · September 2015

@LC122 that is exactly what they are wanting me to do. Unfortunately there is only one dr at this practice, but she teams up with other Drs for on call services. So her point is that she has to document what I choose because if I do go into labor on my own and one of the other Drs is on call they will know what to do. She said there could be lawsuits for a VBAC if something goes wrong because there are more risks with VBACs. I think I will talk to her about stating VBAC and then if I require a repeat then do it at that time.

kepoole · September 2015

So if you choose VBAC, and something happens or you're not progressing , she's acting like you're s.o.l. ? I mean if you're unable to deliver vaginally, obvious thing is she'll have to perform s c-section... That would my choice. But I am really surprised she's making you choose right now instead of waiting just a little longer to see how you're feeling and how well your pelvis is aligned

MegStark · September 2015

I'm with @Lc122 and I'd tell her you're going for VBAC. If you're not progressing or something goes wrong, they'll have to do the c section.

I'm in the same boat, actually. My doctor said its a great attitude to have. Just wait and see. You might go into labor on your own, might not. If I don't, obviously I'll be a repeat C.

I'd also ask your doctor what her success rate is for VBAC after C.

BostonBaby1 · September 2015

gerblah said:
Seems like choosing vbac is the best choice. If it turns out that you need a c-section, they aren't going to insist you deliver vaginally if a section becomes medically necessary

This. Choose VBAC since you want to give it a try and they are obligated to perform the c-section if it becomes medically necessary. However, your doctor seems (from what you've told us) a little rigid and it's too bad he/she cannot be a little bit more flexible.

saraandmarie · September 2015

My Dr. told me if I wanted a VBAC they would need all my records from my previous c section to review and even see if it was an option. I would get a second opinion from another Dr. and maybe think about switching if you find another Dr. more comfortable attempting the VBAC. It sounds like your Dr. is not comfortable attempting a VBAC for risk of something going wrong if they have noted your pelvic area was compromised and small from your previous c section. I would ask what her success rate is for VBAC after c sections. Good luck!

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