VBAC Hopefuls Check-In

JAM85 · June 2017

i think we have quite a few people trying for a VBAC this go round so I though a short check in now that we are approaching the end might be good! Plus the actual VBAC group on the Bump is super slow... This is just fast and loose so you don't have to follow the questions you can just check in with anything you want!

1. How far along are you?

2. Why did you have a c section previously?

3. How are things going and how are you feeling about it?

JAM85 · June 2017

1. 37w5d

2. I had a c section due to a stubborn breech baby from 18w on. I have told the story before in the breech thread, but suffice to say that I did everything humanly possible to get her to turn and it didn't happen. I went into labor two days after my ECV at 38w and an hour after a cervical check where nothing was happening. I sat around basically for 11 hours in early labor until I finally got into the OR for a section and my water broke on the walk there. So I got to experience a little
bit of labor.

3. Things are looking as good as they can I suppose. This pregnancy is very different from it being a boy who has been head down from 18w on (weekly
ultrasounds here for Lupus), to having a posterior placenta, to being GBS-, to having prodromal labor for two weeks now and almost constant braxton hicks. But I had nothing going on in my cervical check at 36+6. Or I guess it was too posterior to tell. And I can't go much past 40w due to the Lupus. So I'm trying not to get discouraged and just keep my spirits up and realize that it will be ok either way. I'm also trying not to freak out over uterine rupture risks and just all the unknowns for vaginal labor or him deciding the last second he wants to be breech!

yellow1daisy · June 2017

Thank you so much for this check-in @JAM85! I've been wondering how the other VBAC hopefuls are doing.

1. How far along are you?

34w5d

2. Why did you have a c section previously?

My daughter was also breech. And we also tried everything--chiro, acupuncture, spinning babies--and nothing worked. I was scheduled for an ECV consult the next day when I had a premature rupture of membranes that led to a prolapsed cord (more likely to happen with breech babies of course) at exactly 37 weeks. So it was an emergency c-section with general anasthesia and I got zero experience with actual labor. Basically 15-20 minutes between water breaking to her being born. Craziness.

3. How are things going and how are you feeling about it?

So far my midwives THINK this baby is head down (haven't had an ultrasound since the anatomy scan), and I do feel hiccups down low so I think she is too. We're doing a position check ultrasound next appointment.
This pregnancy has gone pretty much as smoothly as my last one. More uncomfortable this time around but no medical issues. Slightly anemic but that's it.
Had my VBAC consult a few weeks ago and the OB was beyond encouraging. Told me risk of rupture was 0.1% and that she thought a trial of labor would be pretty safe in her opinion. Told me I'm as good as it gets as far as VBAC candidates go and any concerns I had, she was more than reassuring. Opposite of what I expected from that consult to be honest lol.
So I'm definitely still hopeful. But I can't be induced and this baby needs to come before 41 weeks or we schedule a repeat section. It's killing me not to know whether to expect another early baby or whether this one is going to make me wait. And I am back and forth between being ready to not be pregnant anymore (SO uncomfortable) to not feeling ready to take on another little human just yet.

JAM85 · June 2017

@yellow1daisy so glad to hear it's been a smooth pregnancy and everyone is on board to try and FX for head down at the ultrasound! I can't be induced either aside from membrane sweeps and a last ditch water breaking if I ever get favorable and I'm completely fine with that since using pitocin increases the risk of rupture. My providers basically said breech baby for a c section was as good as you could get to set you up for the highest success for a VBAC- basically the same chance a FTM would have so that keeps me hopeful too!

egm2015 · June 2017

37 weeks, previous c-section due to a breech boy and transverse girl (twins) coming early at 33w5d .... apparently I was having contractions, just back labor so I didn't realize .... doc says all should be fine for VBAC, but we won't know until I'm in labor. He won't do a position check because it "hurts," but I'm anxious to know if this baby is in proper position. I'm jealous of those of you who get to know.

MrsN092714 · June 2017

Thanks for starting this! It's always good to connect with you ladies who are in the same boat! I feel like Tuesday ticker is full of vbac hopefuls.

1. How far along are you?
36 weeks tomorrow

2. Why did you have a c section previously?
DS was surprise breech. From 20 weeks on I was told he was head down from a handful of Drs and countless nurses. We discovered he was breech 26 hours after I was induced and zero progression. My Dr was open to trying a breech vaginal birth but I hadn't dilated at all and my waters had been broken for 6+ hours at that point we opted for the c section. My contractions had been one on top of another for hours by that point and I was done. Zero progression is a hard pill to swallow!

3. How are things going and how are you feeling about it?
things seem to be going good. I have a new Dr this time who is more than supportive. My last appt my BP had crept up but after 2 weeks of monitoring at home it appears I have a good ol case of white coat syndrome! BP at home has been beautiful. Babe is heads down from what we can all tell and I'm going for a scan on Wednesday to confirm position, get a size estimate (which makes me the most nervous!) And to check my scar thickness. I am starting acupnture later this week for a few "prep" sessions then going full tilt on their "induction" sessions starting at 39 weeks. (I tried acupuncture with my son and it always sent me into BH spells but im still not sold that it actually works, but figure it's worth a try seeing as drug induced induction is off the table) My Dr hasn't set a limit on when i have to go into labour by and is willing to try a folley bulb if things aren't happening sometime after that 41 week mark.

PurplePoppy424 · June 2017

1. How far along are you? 34 weeks today.

2. Why did you have a c section previously? DD was breech and on top of that, I had pre-e and low fluid levels. I wasn't even allowed to go into labor with her.

3. How are things going and how are you feeling about it? Things are going okay. I've had a few things pop up here and there. The main things are DS is already in position and the doctor said I'm a great candidate for a VBAC. The only problem is the 7.5cm cyst that won't go away. I may have to have a csection solely because of that.

JmUDuuuukes 07 · June 2017

1. 35 weeks.

2. Previous c-section because she was lateral transverse

3. I was really really all for it. But now hearing he is already over 5 lbs, I'm nervous that he is going to be huge. Part of me is like "ok, repeat cs would just be easier" I feel like I'm losing my confidence I once had. So disappointing.

MrsN092714 · June 2017

@JmUDuuuukes 07 I wouldn't worry to much about size. US can be off by a lot and even if not babies grow an average of half a pound a week at this point so your looking at a 7-8lb baby... fairly average! I'm going for my sizing/ position US tomorrow and am nervous to hear their estimate as well. My son was 8lb3oz and belly wise I'm already bigger than when he was born! I'm expecting high 8s maybe 9+... hopefully under 10!!!

JAM85 · June 2017

@JmUDuuuukes 07 definitely don't put too much stock in ultrasounds for weight they are notoriously wrong. Unless you have a history of really big babies and one of the reasons for your VBAC was a big baby that got stuck or caused issues then it really should have no bearing on trying for one.

So so I had a labor "scare" last night. I was having harder contractions are my NST yesterday and my midwife checked me- baby was a lot lower and head almost entirely engaged and cervix soft but closed. Contractions picked up around dinner then faded again then woke me up at 1230am. I tried to go back to sleep but could they hurt so I got up and ones then and they were too close for so early- 3-5 min steady. Called midwife after an hour and she said take a shower and drink water. So I hoovered a liter in the shower and they got closer and hurt more so we decided to go in. Which involved waking up DD, bringing her to a friends, only to get in see that yes I am having regular contractions but they aren't doing crap and I'm still closed. so just bad prodromal contractions. Now I feel like I'm never going to know I'm in labor and I'm supposed to go in earlier! These were stop, breathe and lean over type of contractions. They felt the same as the ones I had in early labor with DD before my water broke on the walk to the OR. My fear is I may just waste away in prodromal labor until 3 weeks from now and have to have a c section

yellow1daisy · June 2017

Just commented in Tuesday ticker change but really sorry your body is playing tricks on you right now @JAM85. So frustrating and disappointing. Really hoping things get going for you soon.

JAM85 · June 2017

@yellow1daisy thanks! I still have 2.5 weeks to go on my own and I'm all my birthing ball in every position possible to get him positioned well and encourage his to put more pressure on the cervix. That's all I can do for now and relax I guess

MrsN092714 · June 2017

@jam85 I hope things happen for you soon and you aren't stuck in limbo with weeks of prodromal labour. What a cruel joke. Are you still having lots of contractions?

Update from yesterday's US at 36w1d... baby is head down (hooray!) and my scar looks great. Baby was measuring at 38w2d with an approximate weight of 7lb9oz

She said they can be off by 20% either way so really it could be anywhere from 6-9lb! Based on how I feel, 9lbs seems more like it! I didn't get to see my dr as he got called out for a delivery but based on my US and the blood pressure readings I've been getting at home there should be no reason I can't have a TOLAC! Hoping this baby comes a little early (although it can keep cooking for another week or two) as I don't want a 10 pounder! DS was 8lb3oz and I've been saying since the start that I think this baby will be bigger. Everything is feeling that much more real and I'm getting really excited to meet this LO and find out if we are joining team blue or pink!

JAM85 · June 2017

@MrsN092714 they have slower down and I haven't had an episode as bad at that night thankfully I get them on and off for up to an hour and they aren't great but I'm hoping they are doing something! Great news on all fronts for you though!!

So looks like I have until exactly 41 weeks (17 days but who's counting....) to go into labor on my own. That's the most they give anyone and I'm fine with that I have the RCS on the books with the OB I wanted so I know if I can't have a VBAC I will have to best surgeon I can get and who will let me have the type of section I want if it comes to it. I really feel like he will come before then and I'm trying to be positive. It's plenty of time and I've been having contractions for weeks now and he has already stated his descent down so that's all good right?!

MrsN092714 · June 2017

@JAM85 I know prodromal labour can go on forever BUT like you, i would lean towards it doing something!! I started acupuncture this week in hopes that it will help push things along as I approach the bitter end as well... maybe to 'woo' for you, or maybe worth a try? They way i see it is things like acupressure and acupuncture really can't hurt. Baby isn't going to come until it's ready but maybe it's that little bit of encouragement it needs?! I have quite a few friends that swore by acupuncture and every time I tried it with DS is have hours of contractions following the treatments. I truly think had he been head down and engaged it would have pushed me over the edge. And you can get DH to hit some acupressure points and at the very least get a foot rub out of it

JAM85 · June 2017

Well I had my appointment today at 38w6d and I am 60% effaced and between -1 to -2 station and cervix is very soft but no dilation which means she couldn't do a sweep or anything. And had constant contractions on my NST. I am sick of this prodromal labor and no dilation but she seems to think the effacement is good and he has moved down a lot from last week and it's thinned more so that's something. Internet seems divided on if effacement is better predictor of impending labor vs dilation. I have two weeks to have this baby or I have to have a section again and I'm trying to be positive! But I am super frustrated and some of these contractions are just killers

MrsN092714 · June 2017

@jam85 Sending all the labour vibes your way!!

MrsN092714 · July 2017

How is everyone holding up?
@jam85 Any progress? Has the prodromal labour eased up any?
@yellow1daisy Congrats on your little girl! How are you healing up after your vbac? Has it been an easier recovery than the section?
@egm2015 Have you found out if baby is in a head down position?
@PurplePoppy424 Where is this huge cyst? Have you opted for the c section or are still trying for the vbac?
@JmUDuuuukes 07 My 36 week ultrasound said baby was 7lb9oz

Don't let the fear of a bigger baby get to You! Hope your holding up okay!

yellow1daisy · July 2017

@MrsN092714 thank you! Physically, I can say without a doubt, this VBAC recovery has been the biggest reward for me toughing it out through a no pain relief labor and delivery. People keep asking me how I'm feeling and I can't help but say: compared to how I felt after my c-section, I am FABULOUS. I do have a second degree tear plus a perineal tear (omg the stitching process was horrendous) from maybe being too gung-ho with the pushing. But honestly, I don't know if I got lucky, or if it's because I have incision pain to compare it to, but it really isn't too bad. It has not affected my ability to move around at all. I took Motrin the first few days because those post partum contractions with your second baby are a BITCH apparently, but don't really feel need it now that those have died down. It is very much manageable.
I was comfortably mobile hours after birth which was different to say the least. And very much needed with a NICU baby.
I have zero regrets. C-sections are soooo not the easy way out that people make them out to be. I was reminded of how c-section moms are troopers.

MrsN092714 · July 2017

@yellow1daisy This makes me so happy and hopeful to read! How is miss Madison doing? Is she still in the NICU? Hope your holding up okay. I imagine having a new one in the hospital and one at home has got to be tough.

PurplePoppy424 · July 2017

@MrsN092714 It's on my left ovary, but DS is head down and in the birth canal so we're moving forward with the VBAC for now! I'll have to go back after I recover from everything and have another scan done. If it's still there at that time, we'll move forward with a laproscopic removal.

egm2015 · July 2017

@MrsN092714--baby stayed head down and I got my VBAC. Went in when contractions were 5 min apart and sent home. Returned when they were 2 min apart and they had me start pushing immediately. Scare with a HR drop, but we pushed through.

best wishes to all of you!!

JAM85 · July 2017

I did not get my VBAC due to him not practicing breathing on my weekly BPP on Thursday. They sent me from my appointment to L&D to be monitored and while he was great on the NST he still wouldn't practice breathe which never happens with him. And I had made zero progress on my cervix despite all those stupid contractions for weeks. So the doctor said they needed to take him since I was term and there was no point waiting to see if something went wrong down the line since he was perfectly healthy then but the practice breathing was a sign something could be developing. Then I sat around 8 hours until I actually had the c section almost exactly like with DD again.

So while I am happy I have a healthy boy, I had a tough c section yet again despite essentially being like a planned one (I guess I just don't respond well to the meds needs for it) and then I developed a post operative complication with my bowels that became a bit traumatizing on day 2. I was and still am a bit very emotional and crying about the fact that I didn't want another c section for this exact reason. In the end we are now home and recovering and I know this will pass just like it did the first time.

I hope that that everyone else gets to experience their VBAC though I am so excited for those who already have!

MrsN092714 · July 2017

@jam85 Congrats on your healthy little boy!! I am sorry you didnt get the experience you were hoping for and bummed you reacted badly to the meds/ had complications. I know how hard it can be to come to peace with the experience you did end up with and hope you find that peace sooner than later. Take good care of yourself and feel free to vent here or message me whenever you need to. I hope your recovery goes well. Hugs momma!

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