Planned c-section vs. vbac - what would you do?

[Anonymous]

Help with what? It sounds like your OB provided you with a thorough and thoughtful response. In short: sounds like you have 10% chance of succeeding with a VBAC. I personally don't like those odds (ask anyone whose labored for a long time and had a section how much fun that was....or ask yourself the same question). You said you wanted to do what's best for your baby, and your OB told you the VBAC is a shared risk while the section puts the risk on you (not this baby). What more info do you feel you need?

[Anonymous]

OP here.

I would be interested in knowing if other OB's might think that I have a chance higher than 10%, that is more closer to higher end... But even with other OB's giving me higher percentage, I am not completely sure how I feel about switching yet.

Secondly, there are publications that sees no higher risk with VBAC compared to repeat c section, and I would like to know if other OB's think the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I would be interested in knowing if other OB's might think that I have a chance higher than 10%, that is more closer to higher end... But even with other OB's giving me higher percentage, I am not completely sure how I feel about switching yet.

Secondly, there are publications that sees no higher risk with VBAC compared to repeat c section, and I would like to know if other OB's think the same.

You can go for a consultation with other OBs without transferring care. I would highly recommend scheduling a consultation with an OB from GW's MFA.

[Anonymous]

I called them, and they said I need to transfer all my pregnancy medical records prior to the consult. I thought that was weird. I told them I havent decided my mind yet, but they said it was required for them to give me an advice, which makes sense but kind of weird. I would have thought they only need operative report, but hey I am not an OB so who knows.

[Anonymous]

Is your OB a solo? If he's in a group practice, why not simply schedule your next appointment with another doc in the practice and then ask the questions without letting on that you already asked the other doctor....then compare the responses. Easy peasy, and no need to transfer records.

[Anonymous]

You think it's odd that a doc would want your complete records before providing his medical opinion??? I don't think you want to hear the truth, OP. I think you just want someone to assure you that a VBAC is the best option for you....but I don't think you are going to hear that. Sorry.

Why are you so opposed to the c-section....or put differently, why are you so eager to try the VBAC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is your OB a solo? If he's in a group practice, why not simply schedule your next appointment with another doc in the practice and then ask the questions without letting on that you already asked the other doctor....then compare the responses. Easy peasy, and no need to transfer records.

He is a solo... What are the odds right????.... Most of people are group..

[Anonymous]

Since you like your OB and your chances of a c-section do seem pretty high, why not just stay with him and hire a doula? Get a piece of writing that says your doctor doesn't require an IV to be placed when you go to the hospital (since he said he'd go with that). Do whatever prep in terms of classes and reading for a vaginal birth, but have your backup there. See how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I called them, and they said I need to transfer all my pregnancy medical records prior to the consult. I thought that was weird. I told them I havent decided my mind yet, but they said it was required for them to give me an advice, which makes sense but kind of weird. I would have thought they only need operative report, but hey I am not an OB so who knows.

How can you get an honest answer about what kind of candidate you are for VBAC from someone who hasn't seen your medical records? I would find it wierd if someone told you anything w/o seeing your medical records.

Look, I understand that you want to have a VBAC, and that is honorable. However you have been given an honest and thorough answer by your doctor who you trust and who knows your medical history. I'm sure that if you keep looking, you will find a doctor who will tell you that VBAC is no problem but they very well could be an inferior doctor to your own. You know that your current OB is going to do well by both you and your baby. Why potentially cause problems for yourself?

Your delivery is one day. Your health, and that of your unborn child, is much more important in the long run.

[Anonymous]

If it were me, I'd call my doc's office and tell them I was just getting a second opinion and ask them to send my records over. A doctor shouldn't take it personally if someone is getting a second opinion. Sending your records over doesn't mean you'd be switching, does it? Just that they want to see your records before giving you their opinion. Getting a second opinion for a major medical thing is something educated people do and doctors should know and understand that and not take offense.

<<where labor started naturally, no pitocin, water broke on its own, pushed for two+ hours with almost zero progress>>

Hmm...I dunno. I mean, my labor could be described in the same way and I pushed for 3+ hours (in multiple positions, including squatting) before finally delivering my nearly 9-pound kid vaginally. I don't think 2+ hours of pushing is so unusual for a first time mom, is it? You say he is supportive, but you also say he basically doesn't think you can do it and doesn't seem to be offering any ideas for making it more likely.

I'd get a second opinion. A second opinion is just that. Maybe you'll go see someone else and they'll say the same thing. Or, maybe they'll take a different view. But you'll never know until you ask.

[Anonymous]

Ok pp....but there's no proof that the op's pelvis will open the same way yours did. Plus, there must have been a reason WHY the ops OB made the call for the emergency C....he didn't simply say, "well, it's been two hours so lets go to the OR."

Honestly, the ops OB is the only person with all the facts who is equipped to give a medical opinion....and he has done so....and he didn't push the op one way or another.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it were me, I'd call my doc's office and tell them I was just getting a second opinion and ask them to send my records over. A doctor shouldn't take it personally if someone is getting a second opinion. Sending your records over doesn't mean you'd be switching, does it? Just that they want to see your records before giving you their opinion. Getting a second opinion for a major medical thing is something educated people do and doctors should know and understand that and not take offense.

<<where labor started naturally, no pitocin, water broke on its own, pushed for two+ hours with almost zero progress>>

Hmm...I dunno. I mean, my labor could be described in the same way and I pushed for 3+ hours (in multiple positions, including squatting) before finally delivering my nearly 9-pound kid vaginally. I don't think 2+ hours of pushing is so unusual for a first time mom, is it? You say he is supportive, but you also say he basically doesn't think you can do it and doesn't seem to be offering any ideas for making it more likely.

I'd get a second opinion. A second opinion is just that. Maybe you'll go see someone else and they'll say the same thing. Or, maybe they'll take a different view. But you'll never know until you ask.

I agree with this. It is not harmful to get a second opinion at all. Your medical records will help the OB you consult to have a clear view of your chances for VBAC. I strongly encourage you to go ahead to get the second opinion, for your peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

Hey 16:41, a pp here, I truly am not trying to push the OP one way or another. I have no idea what her VBAC success chances are. I just think this seems to be important to her, so given that her doc has the opinion he has, it's probably worth it for peace of mind to get another opinion. If she just goes with this doc now she will never know what another doc might have said after reviewing her records.

[Anonymous]

You should get a copy of your medical records for your own keeping & bring them with you to a consultation with a different OB, midwife, etc.

And FWIW... Honestly, I would transfer care, get a doula, and give myself all the odds for a successful VBAC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You think it's odd that a doc would want your complete records before providing his medical opinion??? I don't think you want to hear the truth, OP. I think you just want someone to assure you that a VBAC is the best option for you....but I don't think you are going to hear that. Sorry.

Why are you so opposed to the c-section....or put differently, why are you so eager to try the VBAC?

I am not opposed to c section.... C section was not a horrible experience for me. I healed well, my OB did a fantastic job with my surgery, I was cared for very well in the current OB office. I had no issue with bonding with the baby and breastfed successfully for a whole year and plus. Actually most of my friends around me had RCS and they are happy. It's just that I know after this one, it will be a harder sell to do VBA2C, and I always felt like I was missing out on the "birth experience". I always wondered what it would be like. I feel like I didn't have a fair shot with my first birth with me not knowing what I was doing during the pushing phase. But maybe my OB is right. I definitely feel confused and conflicted. I still trust my OB and don't think he is luring me into c section - I think that's really how he feels. But part of me want to believe that I have higher chance at VBAC, and therefore I should try, rather than wondering later whether I could have done it or not. Also I realize that "birth" itself is not everything in mommyhood and what matters and I need to do what's best for the health of my baby and myself! I am not sure yet what's the best decision...