VBAC or planned C section?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I'm trying to decide between attempting a VBAC or going with a planned C section for my 2nd child. In my first pregnancy, I was induced (baby was late), I labored w epidural and even pushed for 2 hours, but then baby's heart rate dropped so the docs performed an emergency c section due to fetal distress. A good call, I think, so I have no big regrets-- I would have liked to have a vaginal birth, but a healthy child is certainly more important, so I'm fine with it. Baby also was big (9lbs +), so there was some concern by some docs in the practice about that as well.

I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my 2nd. My OB recommends a scheduled C section at 39 weeks, but is willing to consider other options. She said that if this pregnancy is going down same path as 1st one (labor not starting on its own, big baby), not worth repeating and better to do planned C. I would prefer a VBAC if I could do it successfully, but if I try for VBAC and it doesn't work out, then I'd end up with another emergency C. I'd rather have a planned C than go thru labor and end up with an emergency C section.

I like to be non-interventionist, but obviously I want to avoid major medical complications (uterine rupture, emergency c section). If you've been in a similar situation, how did you decide, and were you happy with your decision?

thanks!

[Anonymous]

I was in your shoes and faced the same question. My first labor sounded exactly like yours. I was induced, I labored for nearly 20 hours and fetal distress ultimately was the decision maker for a c-section. It was an emergency c-section and my husband couldn't be in the operating room. Three years later, I was facing the issue of VBAC vs planned c-section. My husband and I couldn't agree. He thought we should just plan the c-section and I was leaning towards a VBAC. We eventually came to the decision that a planned c-section was best since I might have the same problem I did in my first pregnancy (failure to progress in labor, fetal distress) AND I couldn't imagine my husband missing out again on our second child's entry into the world. The c-section went beautifully and recovery was much easier with the second c-section. I was driving 4 days after my c-section and had enough energy to take care of my 3 yr old (but I did go to bed early that first week to catch up on sleep I lost during the hospital stay-I never sleep good in the hospital). My mother came into town on day #6 and it was so nice to have her help. Now, I'm pregnant with baby # 3 and I'll have another c-section. I have concerns with this c-section too, but it is abdominal surgery so it's normal to be nervous. At the end of day and when I have a healthy baby in my arms, I realize at that moment I can't scrutinize what I should or shouldn't have tried because both myself and the baby have successfully made it through! The issue of VBAC vs c-section is very heated on this board but I've finally realized I need to do what's right for me and my family. Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

I'm opting for a VBAC. In my opinion, a C-section is much riskier than a VBAC.

I was in labor for over 35 hours with my son. I pushed for 2 hours and he never came down. He was 9 pounds, 3 ounces. None of this scares me for the birth of my second. Things I am doing differently are hiring a doula and changing care providers. I look at it as though if I can have a successful VBAC, my recovery will be much quicker than with a C-section. Plus I'll already have my 2 year old son to chase around after the baby is born....I'd much rather be able to lift him than have to be super careful for a few weeks.

If my pregnancy with #2 ends in a repeat C-section, I would only be disappointed if I never had the opportunity to pursue a vaginal birth. If I'm in labor for 40 hours and I end up with a c-section, that's fine...at least I was given the opportunity to try for a VBAC. The doctor I am switching too will let me go up to 42 weeks before recommending inducing....and my baby was big when he was born a day early....so imagine the size of a baby I'll have if I go two weeks late. But still, the size of the baby doesn't scare me.

Also, look at it from your doctors perspective - a repeat c-section is much easier for them - it requires 1/2 an hour of their time versus hours for a VBAC. They get paid more for the c-section as well....why not encourage woman to do a repeat C-section when it favors the doctor?

[Anonymous]

Because I have a small one wanting to play a computer game, i will make this quick.
#1 was emergency C at 36 weeks. i wanted VBAC for # 2 and doctor's office was amenable, but they had me schedule a c section within a 10 day window after my due date because they did not want to go any farther than that to mitigate any problems. I actually scheduled C one day after due date because they I could have the same doc that performed my first C Section.

Best of luck -

[Anonymous]

For the PP who is trying for VBAC, I was surprised your OB will induce you. From what I understand, induction increases risk of uterine rupture and is no longer recommended for a woman who has had a previous C-section. I am due soon with #2 and am hoping for a VBAC (c-section with #1 due to breech position).

[Anonymous]

I'm going VBAC if possible...I'm also going to stay home as long as possible B4 going to the hospital because I don't want to be pressured and want to check into the hospital as far as possible into labor.

I will hire a doula to help keep me focused. My 1st Section was scheduled due to breech presentation. If I would have known BETTER I would have gone to a midwife, gone into labor and seen if my son would have turned on his own. THey often do...teh majority of the time, but doctors like to schedule c's instead of work through labor.

I'm ticked off thought, the ICAN leader in NoVA has not called me back, some help they've been.

[Anonymous]

I want to second PP's comment that chemical inductions are contra-indicated for a VBAC because they significantly increase the risk of uterine rupture. If you are interested, here is a great link for some studies on VBAC and rupture. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3746.htm (copy and paste it into a browser, if you just click on the link it doesn't take you to the right article for some reason).

For those PPs who are doing a VBAC after breech #1 - I have heard from several different sources that such VBACs have the greatest success rates.

Good luck to all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
For those PPs who are doing a VBAC after breech #1 - I have heard from several different sources that such VBACs have the greatest success rates.

Good luck to all.

You just made my day!!!