VBAC Check In

katiedid0907 · December 2015

Hey, I don't think we've had one of these in a while so I thought I'd start one. How is everything going for you ladies? I am 34 weeks and just found out I am measuring 3 weeks ahead. Dr is sending me for a growth ultrasound on Tuesday and she wants to talk about scheduling a c-section if baby is projected to be > 9lbs. In addition I have thrombocytopenia (low platelets) so I am getting regular blood work and if they don't improve prior to delivery I will likely not be able to get an epidural or spinal. If I need a c-section it would have to be with general anesthesia, which i really don't want. I realize that these are small potatoes but they still have me a little bummed and I am trying to hope for the best. Not feeling as confident as i was before but then every woman is different and i think i need to come to terms with my differences and ehat may be best for my situation. What's new with everyone else?

leap_frog · December 2015

34 weeks here, baby measuring 6 lbs as of last week (Dr. believes he's at least 5.5). I freaked out and thought he would tell me to forget the vbac, but he's still on board. He told me I can't vbac if a) he's over 9 lbs, but they don't think he will get that big. and b) if I don't start dilating by my due date. so. here's to hoping I start dilating before then (as of last week, nothing)
I go back at 37 weeks for another growth scan.

RunnerMeg · December 2015

Hi Mommas! I am 35 weeks today. So far my fundal heights have been within 1cm of the week I'm in, so technically I'm in normal range. I have a growth ultrasound on the 30th though because DS1 was 9lbs 14oz. Pretty sure this baby is going to be large too. My OB is still totally on board for a VBAC, even though it is likely DS2 is big. I'm interested to see if his feelings change after the u/s on the 30th.

I have to go into labor on my own, no induction, but my OB is comfortable with me going to 41ish weeks. I appreciate his flexibility and not pressuring a c/s by my due date or sooner, but statistically the success rate of vbacs go down after 40 weeks. That combined with the big baby I have cooking in here just really makes me hope I go into labor on my own in the vicinity of 40 weeks. I never went into labor on my own with DS1, so... but I know every labor and delivery can be different.

jeanbug12 · December 2015

I am 36 weeks, I had a growth US a few days ago and he is measuring 6lbs. So if he comes around his due date, he may be around 8lbs. I am hoping he arrives on time! My VBAC with DD was at 42 weeks and she was 8lbs 5oz. To me, this baby feels bigger than she did so I really don't want him hanging out in there too long!

I am really getting nervous about this delivery, but trying to stay positive. I have been reading up on labor positions for big babies!

RunnerMeg · December 2015

@jeanbug12 - can you share links/what you've read about labor positions for big babies? I need all the help I can get lol.

stephaniechen82 · December 2015

Lurking from D15. My due date is 12/30, and I'm starting to think I may be joining J16! Going for a VBAC. First was breech and I went into labor early, so I am hopeful that it will work out. The OB is flexible. Can stay pregnant 42 weeks, and can be induced after 40 weeks if I want. I've got 10 days to decide (pending baby doesn't show up by then.) I'm getting pretty anxious and just trying to focus on the holidays. Easier said than done. Good luck to you ladies!

jeanbug12 · December 2015

RunnerMeg said:
@jeanbug12 - can you share links/what you've read about labor positions for big babies? I need all the help I can get lol.

I have been googling like crazy

I tried Google scholar for some evidence based stuff but didn't find much, and what I did find was from the 80's! But basically what I have gathered is all fours is best for delivering big babies. Sitting and squatting are pretty good too and side lying is good for resting, but you don't have gravity working with you then.

Hipshaker · December 2015

I'm hoping and praying I go before 40 weeks! But when I get Braxton hicks or eat a meal that's too big and feel ill, I get a little panicked. I seriously do not want another surgery, but I'm scared of Labor too. I never got to labor with dd1. I'm due 1/5. Dd1 was 9.2. I measured two weeks a head with her but this one is right on the money. I'm super anxious for this show to get on the road.

deedeecmc79 · December 2015

I am getting ready to do a VBAC. However, the little bum is breach as of 35wks so we will see. I too am worried about another one

NillaWafers · December 2015

I'm attempting a VBAC too. I'm 37 weeks now. I cannot be induced either, and I have never gone into labor on my own (first was a successful induction, second was a emergency c section due to pre eclampsia).

I've been getting tons of Braxton Hicks so I'm hoping next week will be the week! My Dr. will let me go to 42 if all looks well, but I sure as heck don't want to haha.

katiedid0907 · December 2015

Wow it sounds like a lot of us are looking at bigger babies! I am not due until 1/27 so you all are my encouragement.

RunnerMeg · December 2015

@katiedid0907 - I'm in the vbac caboose too! Due 1/25.

katiedid0907 · December 2015

I had my growth ultrasound this morning. DS is measuring at 6 lbs 10 oz (and I will be 35 weeks tomorrow). So he is predicted to be in the 90th percentile at birth, 99th for abdomen cicumference. I can feel my VBAC slipping away from me and am pretty sad about it. I know my doctor is going to want to do a c-section. I think my only chance at this point is if baby decides the arrive a little early

hannahduff3 · December 2015

hey I was just wondering what the problem is with a vaginal birth after a c section? Is it dangerous or harder or?

NillaWafers · December 2015

hannahduff3 said:

hey I was just wondering what the problem is with a vaginal birth after a c section? Is it dangerous or harder or?

There is a risk of uterine rupture, while small, still a risk. Many OBs will not even attempt a VBAC, so you're doomed to c-sections in the future.

Kellycrazymomma · December 2015

I have been hoping for a vbac, but the bleeping bleep Dr who is against it is who I HAVE to see tomorrow for my 38 week appointment because my favorite is out of the office and my second favorite is booked. He makes me cry, then acts like I'm being irrational. I am SO nervous I won't be able to stand strong. We are also expecting a 9 pounder, so I'm hoping since I was at a 1 2 1/2 wks ago, with plenty of crampy discomfort and BH that my time is soon, and he'll go quick enough that even if I get the DB Dr on call that night, he'll just let it ride without a fight. Hubby is starting to push me to consider letting them schedule... but I think that has a lot to do with watching me be so uncomfortable with all of the random contractions, and knowing we have some big head, broad shoulder boys like their dad. I think he's feeling guilty.

RunnerMeg · December 2015

I had my growth u/s this morning. I am 36+2 and DS is estimated to be 7lbs 10oz right now, 99th percentile for both head and abdomen. At this point I am just hoping I go into labor on the vicinity of or before my due date. My OB is totally supportive and not pressuring me to have a c/s, but I don't want to end up with a 4th degree tear trying to push out a 10+lb baby at 41+ weeks.

DH is not being very supportive, tolerant at best. He doesn't seem to understand that a lot can happen in 4 weeks. There is just as good a chance I'll go into labor in the next 4 weeks, as there is a chance that I won't. Going into labor....it's one of life's great mysteries.

NillaWafers · December 2015

From 8-12 last night I was having contractions 15 mins apart, sigh. Of course it's totally prodromal labor, went to sleep and nothing. Now, just one contraction today so far. As I put in my other thread I'm really hoping to deliver before the 13th so I can have my own OB, and not have to fight an on-call OB for a VBAC.

deedeecmc79 · December 2015

I am 36wks 5days and trying for a VBAC. I hope all goes to plan since I am really not wanting to recover from a C section with a 2 yr old running around. Fingers crossed that I am starting to dilate

katiedid0907 · December 2015

@RunnerMeg we are in the same situation! Mine is 91% head 99% abdomen. Had my weekly check today and ob said she would never tell me I have to have a csection but she expressed her concerns with a vbac and said she has her doubts. What are the odds we both go into labor like this week?? Here's to hoping! I have to talk to my husband but I am thinking I will probably schedule the section for right around my due date (the 27th) and say a prayer that he decides to arrive slightly early...

RunnerMeg · December 2015

@katiedid0907 we are totally living the same vbac life haha. Even due within a couple days of each other.

My OB is the same way. He would never tell me to have a c/s, but is concerned about a vbac...especially closer I get to my due date. Here hoping the universe throws us a bone and we both go into labor early!

Hipshaker · December 2015

Went in for my weekly check, I'm 39.1. And nothing, just alittle soft. I'm measuring 41wks and he's sky high. No sweep without dilation or effacement. No cervical ripening meds for induction if I need it. I can get low pitocin and a foley bulb dilation. If I go past 42 without spontaneous labor, that's my induction scenario. Sounds so medieval. I'm glad my ob and midwife are comfortable going to 42wks, but I'm due the 5th. They are super supportive of vbac. I'm gonna need wheel barrow to get around if have to make it to the 19th! And to top it off my bff had her precious little baby. We were just a week apart in due dates. So happy for but I'm so jealous.

RunnerMeg · December 2015

@hipshaker - hugs Momma! It sounds like there's a few of us here on track to have big babies. I'm only 36+3, and 3 weeks behind you seems like an eternity, but the waiting/is labor going to happen game is so tough. How much did your first LO weigh?

Hipshaker · January 2016

RunnerMeg said:
@hipshaker - hugs Momma! It sounds like there's a few of us here on track to have big babies. I'm only 36+3, and 3 weeks behind you seems like an eternity, but the waiting/is labor going to happen game is so tough. How much did your first LO weigh?

@RunnerMeg
9.2 lbs. and 19 3/4" I'm 5'1 and a size 12. I don't consider my self petite. But when I held my freinds babe, 7.2, in my head I was like good night how on gods green earth is my 9+ lb baby going to make it out there?

jeanbug12 · January 2016

I did it! My son was born yesterday, 1/19 (40 +5), my second successful VBAC!

I had been having contractions about 5 minutes apart all weekend but they weren't even really uncomfortable, Monday they continued and got pretty uncomfortable, but not to the point where I felt like I needed to head to the hospital. Tuesday morning at 3 AM I woke up to a pretty strong contraction and a pop, my water broke! There was meconium in the water and we headed to the hospital. I was only 2 cm when we got there and my contractions were still about 4 minutes apart, but pretty strong. By 1 PM I was 10 cm and ready to push. My contractions were staying about 4 minutes apart which was frustrating because I would push him down some and then he would move back up while we waited on the next contraction. I tried every position we could think of for pushing and I was really losing hope for my VBAC. At 4, they started me on a low dose of pitocin to try to bring the contractions closer together. At 5, he still hadn't arrived and they decided he was just not in a good position for birth, the resident stepped out to talk to the attending about a c-section. My RN suggested we try pushing while laying on my right again, first contraction on my right side I felt him turn and he FINALLY started crowning! They called the MDs back in for delivery and he was here at 5:20! He came out crying and has had no complications from the meconium! He was 7lbs 12oz, my smallest baby

It was so long and hard compared to my first VBAC with my daughter 3 years ago!

katiedid0907 · January 2016

Congrats @jeanbug12 !

RunnerMeg · January 2016

Yay congratulations @jeanbug12!!

leap_frog · January 2016

Just left my 39 week appt.
3cm, 60% effaced, -2 station. Baby is still pretty "high" but he was impressed that I was already at 3. He stripped my membranes and scheduled an induction for Sunday. Pitocin with no epidural until I absolutely need it. (BTDT and it's not my favorite scenario.)
Shit just got real. and I'm starting to get really nervous. really really nervous.

RunnerMeg · January 2016

Yay @leap_frog! Fingers crossed that you don't need the induction on Sunday!

I went yesterday (39+1) and almost the same as you - 3cm, 70%, -2. Membranes stripped too, lost a bunch of mucous plug this morning.

katiedid0907 · January 2016

My DS is measuring right around 4000g at 39 weeks so I have a c-section scheduled for this Friday morning. Not the outcome I wanted, but the longer I let it sink in the less sad I feel about it. Hopefully you ladies all have successful VBACs and healthy babies!!

RunnerMeg · January 2016

@katiedid0907 - Good luck on Friday! You're making the best choice for DS and for you. Healthy Momma, healthy baby! Increased risks with macrosomic babies are very real. I have a c/s scheduled for Sunday morning because my DS is also a biggie. My OB will support me going to 41w, but I'm just not comfortable with it based on DS's size.

leap_frog · January 2016

Had a successful 9lb 8oz vba2c.
I was told by maternal fetal he was measuring "big" at 33 weeks. Both my OBS assured me not to worry - there's no way he'd be that big. They also said they wouldn't recommend a vbac over 8.5 lbs.
No one knew how big he was going to be until he popped out.
I'm proud to say that it took only 40 minutes of pushing (I had a huge support system in my husband, nurse and dr) and I only got 1 stitch. But on the flip side my pelvis split more (I had psd during the pregnancy) and I can barely walk on my own right now. I'm using a walker in the hospital and lots of nurse help. it hurts really bad. I feel like I'm having a csection recovery minus the morphine drip!

claireloSC · January 2016

Oh man @leap_frog I'm so sorry you're dealing with that. Ouch!

Life is Exciting · January 2016

I've been hanging out on the Feb board and this board since my due date is 2/3. I'm attempting a VBAC after having had an induction due to low amniotic fluid at 36 weeks and stalled labor with DS that led to an unplanned C-Section.

I went for my 39 week appointment on Tuesday and I'm still only 1/2 cm dilated. But, I went from being 30% effaced to 70% effaced over the past week.

They scheduled my induction for Feb 9th if nothing happens by then, so it's real now and I'm trying all the tricks I can think of to get her to come out on her own.

I feel kind of like a first time mom because I don't know how long my labor would typically last since I was induced with my son and he was early. I also don't know what it feels like to go into labor on my own.

Come on out little girl!

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