VBAC check in!

DanandVan · March 2016

Hi VBAC ladies!
I'm getting some pressure from one of the Dr's in my group to have a repeat csection. Kind of bummed this Dr isn't more supportive. (My regular OB is more supportive but I will get whoever is on duty when I go into labor.) My OB says I am an excellent candidate for vbac as I had 2 vag births before the csection, so really hoping she is available on labor day!
Curious to hear how you all are feeling/preparing for your vbac. Also, what, if any, restrictions is your Dr putting on you? This Dr told me they will not induce, and that if I go a week past my due date they will not let me try to vbac as the uterus will be too thin (increased risk of uterine rupture).

kbrands7 · March 2016

I'm in a similar situation in that I have to rotate between doctors and not all are very pro-vbac. My appointment this week is with one who is not, so I'm going to take the opportunity to pick her brain on her procedures for vbacs/her worst-case-scenarios since I figure that she'll tell me the worst of the worst. My primary OB is confident that I have at least a 90% success chance from my history so long as this baby isn't breech like DS was. He'll let me go 10 days past my due date (and kept my lmp due date on my chart even though I measured 5 days earlier), they'll require at least a heplock, for me to be monitored at the hospital as I labor, and they won't induce.

For my own sanity, I'm requesting an u/s closer to my due date to measure the thickness of the uterus/scar since if it's 2.5mm or less, the risk of rupture jumps to 10%+. If it's too thin or borderline, or if DS2 is breech, I'll be scheduling a rcs. Here's hoping for a successful vbac though!

emilyj77 · March 2016

Huh. I hadn't thought about what would happen if I try for VBAC but don't go into labor when my Dr. is on call. I've only been seeing her, so I'll have to ask about other Dr.'s opinions at my next appointment.
I was told that I won't be induced either and I'm aware of the high chance of a repeat c-section if I go past my due date more than a week. I'm planning on scheduling a c-section for after my due date. If things don't progress on their own, then we'll do the c-section.
As for preparations, I need to do some work on labor breathing techniques. DD was a scheduled c-section due to breech position, so I quickly got rid of all of my knowledge about breathing, etc. But honestly, I have a sneaking suspicion that this baby will be a repeat C/S. Partly because there are so many reasons why it could be, or would turn into one that I'm tempted to just let the cards fall where they may.

Chappy_jr · March 2016

My OB is pro VBAC. When I asked him if there is anything we need to do to prepare to help to increase the odds of a success VBAC he only mentioned trying not to induce and doing an ultrasound at 36 weeks to look at the scar. He hasn't said anything about not going past 41 weeks and that is a little concerning because last time at 41.5 weeks I had no cervical dilation or effacement.

I'm personally feeling positive - but I'm optimistic anyway - and I believe that if I can go into labor on my own this time and avoid induction that I'll be successful but I also need baby girl to stay in until her due date because I have so much to do at work at the end of April!

Alexandra0223 · March 2016

I am trying for a VBAC. My hospital wont let VBACers go past 41 weeks, nor will they induce. My EDD is 5/28 and I have scheduled a CS for 5/31. Obviously I hope to go into labor, and if I do, will try for vaginal birth. That said, I would rather have a CS again (my first one was a great experience) than go through days of induction drugs.

doozer1345 · March 2016

My doc is supportive however thinks it unlikely bc I have a unicornuate uterus so we don't know if she's going to get stuck being breech. I'm hoping to discuss in length about her position this Friday at my appt. I've done a lot of reading successful VBAC stories (Pinterest has a ton) that have kept me hopeful and headstrong on my decision. I'm really hoping this works out. I'm not scared of a C/S bc my recovery was actually pretty easy. I've heard the second C/S can be brutal. Hoping to get more answers/gameplan Friday.

avidkeo · March 2016

VBAC is the norm here so I don't really get the option. I don't see the OB for another few weeks to discuss options and how it works, eg how long they will let me go over etc. (I'm with a MW), but my understanding is they will try induction before c-section. I believe I can "push" for a c-section if I really want to but I would rather do VBAC because I don't know yet if we will have more kids. It is dependent on the reason for the c-section, but because mine was for fetal distress, as long as this one is happy then we should be all good.

sillyfox · March 2016

So glad for this post. I'm hopeful for a VBAC but also realistically ok with a RCS. My OB is not a huge fan of VBAC but willing to let me try if I go into labor on my own. He will not induce. My first was 4 days late and after 30 hours of contractions I never progressed past a 2, plus she was a big baby (the growth scan the day before gave an estimate of 9#10oz give or take a lb, she was 8#14oz). I have not heard about getting a sono a few weeks before to check the scar but I have added it to my list of things to ask about!

LovingLife! · March 2016

DanandVan said:

Hi VBAC ladies!
I'm getting some pressure from one of the Dr's in my group to have a repeat csection. Kind of bummed this Dr isn't more supportive. (My regular OB is more supportive but I will get whoever is on duty when I go into labor.) My OB says I am an excellent candidate for vbac as I had 2 vag births before the csection, so really hoping she is available on labor day!
Curious to hear how you all are feeling/preparing for your vbac. Also, what, if any, restrictions is your Dr putting on you? This Dr told me they will not induce, and that if I go a week past my due date they will not let me try to vbac as the uterus will be too thin (increased risk of uterine rupture).

Curious to know why they are pressuring you to have a RCS? You've gotta fight! For your right! To VBAC! (Please tell me you read that like The Beastie Boys??)

My current hospital doesn't have a VBAC protocol in place yet, they are hoping to have something in writing by April 1st. So we're cutting it close

Even if they don't, though, I am going in willing to sign the waiver (did it with my 1st VBAC) and refuse a c/s. Unless there is an emergency and baby or my health is at risk, of course.

I had a successful VBAC with my second daughter, 9 lbs. 4 oz. Whole labor story here, if you're interested: https://karainthekitchen.com/lolas-birth-story/

My only restrictions are watching baby's weight which is hilarious to me because ultrasound measurements are notorious for being way off! With my first, two days before I had her, they told me she was a 7 lb. baby. Yeah she was born 9 lbs. on the dot!

I am fascinated by the ultrasound to check the scar, though! Going to ask about that at my appointment tomorrow. They didn't do that with my last...I just went into labor 4 days overdue and had a VBAC.

Spreading VBAC pixie dust over all of us!! Hope we all end up with healthy babies and speedy recoveries

osmama456 · March 2016

My OB and all the others in the practice are supportive of a VBAC, they think I have an 80% chance. We will wait till 35 wks to schedule the C, and we'll schedule it late - they also won't induce, so just hoping something happens naturally before that. I'm ok with it if not. I'm being monitored by maternal fetal medicine so I get 2 more L2 ultrasounds anyway - had low fluid/frank breech w/ first baby, so they're just keeping an eye on things to be sure the fluid and position are good this time. otherwise I'm not really preparing, just sort of going w/ the flow!

mmemartinez · March 2016

Get a doula if you don't have one, as they can help a lot with positioning and advocating for you when the times comes. My practice offers them for an extra fee and we are getting one. I regret not having one for labor last time, because DS was sunny side up with the cord on his shoulder and I had old school nurses who would not let me move much. A doula might have been able to help with those things. At any rate, the office I'm at now is all midwives with one OB, the optional doulas and a very high VBAC success rate. I'm mostly afraid of being a big wuss because I have no idea what I'm getting into. We have not discussed the plan if baby is late.

DanandVan · March 2016

LovingLife! said:

DanandVan said:

Hi VBAC ladies!
I'm getting some pressure from one of the Dr's in my group to have a repeat csection. Kind of bummed this Dr isn't more supportive. (My regular OB is more supportive but I will get whoever is on duty when I go into labor.) My OB says I am an excellent candidate for vbac as I had 2 vag births before the csection, so really hoping she is available on labor day!
Curious to hear how you all are feeling/preparing for your vbac. Also, what, if any, restrictions is your Dr putting on you? This Dr told me they will not induce, and that if I go a week past my due date they will not let me try to vbac as the uterus will be too thin (increased risk of uterine rupture).

Curious to know why they are pressuring you to have a RCS? You've gotta fight! For your right! To VBAC! (Please tell me you read that like The Beastie Boys??)

My current hospital doesn't have a VBAC protocol in place yet, they are hoping to have something in writing by April 1st. So we're cutting it close Even if they don't, though, I am going in willing to sign the waiver (did it with my 1st VBAC) and refuse a c/s. Unless there is an emergency and baby or my health is at risk, of course.

I had a successful VBAC with my second daughter, 9 lbs. 4 oz. Whole labor story here, if you're interested: https://karainthekitchen.com/lolas-birth-story/

My only restrictions are watching baby's weight which is hilarious to me because ultrasound measurements are notorious for being way off! With my first, two days before I had her, they told me she was a 7 lb. baby. Yeah she was born 9 lbs. on the dot!

I am fascinated by the ultrasound to check the scar, though! Going to ask about that at my appointment tomorrow. They didn't do that with my last...I just went into labor 4 days overdue and had a VBAC.

Spreading VBAC pixie dust over all of us!! Hope we all end up with healthy babies and speedy recoveries

@LovingLife! I totally read that in Beastie Boys mode, lol. You are so right about having to fight. I have no idea WHY this particular Dr keeps pressuring me for a rcs. After telling her I wanted a vbac at the last appt (and her telling me all the risks and trying to convince me not to do it) she says at my latest appt, "So have we set a date for your csection yet?" Uh, we already talked about this!? I just need to avoid seeing her, but my Dr has been harder to get an appt with.
Thank you for sharing your vbac story, and congratulations! I love how detailed it was!

LovingLife! · March 2016

DanandVan said:

LovingLife! said:

DanandVan said:

Hi VBAC ladies!
I'm getting some pressure from one of the Dr's in my group to have a repeat csection. Kind of bummed this Dr isn't more supportive. (My regular OB is more supportive but I will get whoever is on duty when I go into labor.) My OB says I am an excellent candidate for vbac as I had 2 vag births before the csection, so really hoping she is available on labor day!
Curious to hear how you all are feeling/preparing for your vbac. Also, what, if any, restrictions is your Dr putting on you? This Dr told me they will not induce, and that if I go a week past my due date they will not let me try to vbac as the uterus will be too thin (increased risk of uterine rupture).

Curious to know why they are pressuring you to have a RCS? You've gotta fight! For your right! To VBAC! (Please tell me you read that like The Beastie Boys??)

My current hospital doesn't have a VBAC protocol in place yet, they are hoping to have something in writing by April 1st. So we're cutting it close Even if they don't, though, I am going in willing to sign the waiver (did it with my 1st VBAC) and refuse a c/s. Unless there is an emergency and baby or my health is at risk, of course.

I had a successful VBAC with my second daughter, 9 lbs. 4 oz. Whole labor story here, if you're interested: https://karainthekitchen.com/lolas-birth-story/

My only restrictions are watching baby's weight which is hilarious to me because ultrasound measurements are notorious for being way off! With my first, two days before I had her, they told me she was a 7 lb. baby. Yeah she was born 9 lbs. on the dot!

I am fascinated by the ultrasound to check the scar, though! Going to ask about that at my appointment tomorrow. They didn't do that with my last...I just went into labor 4 days overdue and had a VBAC.

Spreading VBAC pixie dust over all of us!! Hope we all end up with healthy babies and speedy recoveries

@LovingLife! I totally read that in Beastie Boys mode, lol. You are so right about having to fight. I have no idea WHY this particular Dr keeps pressuring me for a rcs. After telling her I wanted a vbac at the last appt (and her telling me all the risks and trying to convince me not to do it) she says at my latest appt, "So have we set a date for your csection yet?" Uh, we already talked about this!? I just need to avoid seeing her, but my Dr has been harder to get an appt with.
Thank you for sharing your vbac story, and congratulations! I love how detailed it was!

Ugh, RUDE! My doc strolled in one day and said, "So, are we tying your tubes after this c-section?!" I'm like, "Do you even remember me?! I'm the one going for a repeat VBAC!! And I haven't talked about not wanting more children!" I gave him an earful and he hasn't brought it up since

You're welcome! I try to write my birth stories down ASAP after getting home so that I'll remember all the details. I want my girls to be able to read them someday.

Vivian0809 · March 2016

doozer1345 said:

My doc is supportive however thinks it unlikely bc I have a unicornuate uterus so we don't know if she's going to get stuck being breech. I'm hoping to discuss in length about her position this Friday at my appt. I've done a lot of reading successful VBAC stories (Pinterest has a ton) that have kept me hopeful and headstrong on my decision. I'm really hoping this works out. I'm not scared of a C/S bc my recovery was actually pretty easy. I've heard the second C/S can be brutal. Hoping to get more answers/gameplan Friday.

My second c/s was an absolute breeze (and my first was pretty easy, too!) it's like my body remembered after having the first one and just snapped back a lot quicker.

Vivian0809 · March 2016

I've had two c-sections prior, so we're going to wait and see what happens. With my 2nd, I didn't go into labor on my own and she was big, so I had a RCS.
I'm leaving it up to fate.. I'll be fine either way. A good friend of mine had a catastrophic VBAC attempt (lost her daughter and had to have a total hysterectomy) so that haunts me and is hard to not be very nervous.

DanandVan · March 2016

Well I'm pissed. At my appt today, the Dr told me they decided last week to change their vbac protocol from allowing a vbac up to a week past due date to no vbac allowed past due date. This is my 4th pregnancy (csection with #3 due to her position) and I *always*go late. I had been sensing more and more with each visit that they were not vbac friendly, and this is the last straw for me. Hence at 33 weeks pregnant, I will be looking for a new practice!

LovingLife! · March 2016

DanandVan said:

Well I'm pissed. At my appt today, the Dr told me they decided last week to change their vbac protocol from allowing a vbac up to a week past due date to no vbac allowed past due date. This is my 4th pregnancy (csection with #3 due to her position) and I *always*go late. I had been sensing more and more with each visit that they were not vbac friendly, and this is the last straw for me. Hence at 33 weeks pregnant, I will be looking for a new practice!

Good for you!! I'm the same way...my girls come after 40 weeks. Why don't doctors just let our bodies go into labor on their own as long as baby and mom are healthy and happy? Some women just have longer gestational periods! Good luck in finding a new practice with doctors who will support your decision!

doozer1345 · March 2016

I think I'm out of the VBAC club

Doc doesn't think she's able to turn and I'm convinced she's head up. Down low is more squishy and up high is hard and with movement has a round shape (like her head).

LovingLife! · March 2016

doozer1345 said:

I think I'm out of the VBAC club Doc doesn't think she's able to turn and I'm convinced she's head up. Down low is more squishy and up high is hard and with movement has a round shape (like her head).

How far along are you? Baby can turn at the very last minute!

doozer1345 · March 2016

LovingLife! said:

doozer1345 said:

I think I'm out of the VBAC club Doc doesn't think she's able to turn and I'm convinced she's head up. Down low is more squishy and up high is hard and with movement has a round shape (like her head).

How far along are you? Baby can turn at the very last minute!

I'm 33 weeks. I've got a unicornuate uterus (aka half a uterus) so there isn't room for her to turn anymore. She's still moving a lot but the doctor said he really doesn't think she has time to actually turn.

kbrands7 · March 2016

@DanandVan that's frustrating! I hope you're able to find a vbac friendly practice.

@doozer1345 Hugs! LO might surprise you still. I know my LO is still turning, but I may be with you because despite all of the pro-head down posture, exercises and manipulation, he still prefers transverse or breech. It hurts when he turns now too, so it's clear things are getting tight in there. Darn funky uterus shapes.

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

emilyj77 · March 2016

doozer1345 said:

I'm 33 weeks. I've got a unicornuate uterus (aka half a uterus) so there isn't room for her to turn anymore. She's still moving a lot but the doctor said he really doesn't think she has time to actually turn.

I'm sorry to hear this, but in some ways I envy you. At least you know what's going to happen and possibly when. And now you have time to prepare for it. I feel like for me there are so many unknowns. We're trying for a VBAC, but as you all know there are so many reasons why it could turn into a repeat c-section, even if I go into labor. We'll be scheduling a CS for one week past my due date, but really anything could happen. Unless this baby ends up breech as well. I can't remember with DD when we determined that she was breech, but I do remember that she didn't move from that position after that. I too could feel her head up near my ribs. Hoping for a speedy recovery for you.

LovingLife! · March 2016

doozer1345 said:

LovingLife! said:

doozer1345 said:

I think I'm out of the VBAC club Doc doesn't think she's able to turn and I'm convinced she's head up. Down low is more squishy and up high is hard and with movement has a round shape (like her head).

How far along are you? Baby can turn at the very last minute!

I'm 33 weeks. I've got a unicornuate uterus (aka half a uterus) so there isn't room for her to turn anymore. She's still moving a lot but the doctor said he really doesn't think she has time to actually turn.

Hugs!! I hope she is healthy and you're happy no matter which way she comes out

doozer1345 · March 2016

kbrands7 said:

@DanandVan that's frustrating! I hope you're able to find a vbac friendly practice.

@doozer1345 Hugs! LO might surprise you still. I know my LO is still turning, but I may be with you because despite all of the pro-head down posture, exercises and manipulation, he still prefers transverse or breech. It hurts when he turns now too, so it's clear things are getting tight in there. Darn funky uterus shapes.

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

It really is hurting here lately with any big movements. She gets startled easier nowadays and I literally feel like an organ has been misplaced.

LovingLife! · March 2016

kbrands7 said:

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

That's interesting...when I asked my doc about checking the thickness of the scar by u/s he said that they don't do it because it's not an indicator of anything. ???

kbrands7 · March 2016

LovingLife! said:

kbrands7 said:

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

That's interesting...when I asked my doc about checking the thickness of the scar by u/s he said that they don't do it because it's not an indicator of anything. ???

Stuck in the box!

She said it's not very common for a term pregnancy to have a dangerously thin scar, but there's evidence in research that shows a strong correlation between scars thinner than 2.5mm and rupture-- enough that they'll check for it early on and later if there's doubt. She said that most scars are nearly double that thickness at 40w or earlier. This may be one of those times when doctors act differently based on hospital policy/research.

LovingLife! · March 2016

kbrands7 said:

LovingLife! said:

kbrands7 said:

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

That's interesting...when I asked my doc about checking the thickness of the scar by u/s he said that they don't do it because it's not an indicator of anything. ???

Stuck in the box!

She said it's not very common for a term pregnancy to have a dangerously thin scar, but there's evidence in research that shows a strong correlation between scars thinner than 2.5mm and rupture-- enough that they'll check for it early on and later if there's doubt. She said that most scars are nearly double that thickness at 40w or earlier. This may be one of those times when doctors act differently based on hospital policy/research.

True. They didn't check with my last pregnancy and I had a successful VBAC, so I'm not to worried about it. If anything, the scar should be stronger, right guys?!

kbrands7 · March 2016

LovingLife! said:

kbrands7 said:

LovingLife! said:

kbrands7 said:

For anyone wondering about the scar thickness, my OB told me at my appointment that they routinely check the scar thickness/position/shape during the 20w u/s since any thinning beyond the usual amount would be apparent by then proportionate to how far along you are. It's another reason why some practices won't let women go much past 40, because at that point the scar could be borderline-- though checking it out with another u/s at term would be a way to safely assess risk when moving into 41w.

That's interesting...when I asked my doc about checking the thickness of the scar by u/s he said that they don't do it because it's not an indicator of anything. ???

Stuck in the box!

She said it's not very common for a term pregnancy to have a dangerously thin scar, but there's evidence in research that shows a strong correlation between scars thinner than 2.5mm and rupture-- enough that they'll check for it early on and later if there's doubt. She said that most scars are nearly double that thickness at 40w or earlier. This may be one of those times when doctors act differently based on hospital policy/research.

True. They didn't check with my last pregnancy and I had a successful VBAC, so I'm not to worried about it. If anything, the scar should be stronger, right guys?!

That would make sense! Especially having had one vbac already, yours probably acts more like regular uterine tissue now.

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