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I know exactly how you feel. I had an emergency c section with my first and wanted a vbac for my second because I don't know how many children we will have and didn't want to have surgery again. My doctor was supportive and said there was no reason not to try.

When I got to the hospital when it was time I got very scared and nervous about my ability to go through with it. Thankfully I progressed very quickly and my body made the decision for me. I arrived at the hospital at 8 pm and was 4 cm, my water broke at 10:25pm and at that point I was 10 cm and pushed until he was born at 10:57pm. Didn't even have time for an epidural.

I changed my mind throughout the 9 months as well and thought many times about a repeat c section because it would be easier and over quicker but the recovery was hard and I would have a toddler to take care of. Ultimately I decided to go for it because it don't know how many children we are going to have and I didn't want to end up with multiple c sections. Although my doctor said the risks dramatically increase over 3 c sections.

Good luck with your decision. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

@wonderstruck: I am committed to the idea of a VBAC if I go into labor on my own, but am scheduling a RCS for 39w. I'm absolutely terrified of being induced so that's out of the question for me.

My decision was hard to make, but based on my pregnancy complications and how easy my first section was, I'm opting for a repeat.

I had a planned c-section for my first 2 years ago b/c my LO was breech. Tried the ECV but it didn't work. My c-section was easy and recovery fine, but I am going for a TOLAC this time and I will tell you why.

First, I realized over the course of this pregnancy that it is not so black and white. When it came time to discuss my options with my OB at 35 weeks, she helped me realize that we can go for a trial of labor (it is not a vbac until it is over, it is a trial of labor up until then), see how it goes, how I progress in the last few weeks, how favorable my cervix is, how big the baby is at the end, etc. She gave me the choice of opting for an elective repeat c-section at 39 weeks, or said she will let me go to 41 for a TOLAC. I think that if you want to at least try, there is no point in scheduling a c-section at 39 weeks because most babies are not here by then (30%) as opposed to being here by 41 weeks (90%). You basically shortchanging yourself of the experience before it really has a chance to happen naturally.

Secondly, you need to discuss the inducing or augmenting option with your doctor. My OB will augment my labor, meaning if I am over 5 cm and progressing on my own, she will give me induction drugs. What she will not do is give me pitocin to start labor if I am not there yet. I did not realize the difference before talking to her, so I encourage you to do the same.

I have though about all the other factors as well. Uterine rupture is so rare, my OB has seen it once in 15 years of practice. And in a well equipped hospital with 24/7 OR capabilities, they will have the baby out in minutes should something happen. Also, know that uterine rupture is a rare outcome but can actually happen in any pregnancy (especially after several full term pregnancies). The risks are widely overstated, but you can find very accurate numbers on ICAN (something like 2 in every 1000). There are other risks of surgery to consider also. Of course there are risks in any birth experience, but infection rates, complications and longer recovery time are all considerations that will be elevated.

I know what you mean about knowing what it is like to have a c-section and not being scared of that anymore, but the risks of repeat surgery (even though I am done having kids) are not worth it to me to not try having a vaginal delivery. I mean, that is how billions of babies have come out over the eons. It is not something I am setting up as something I can't do. And labor is scary and unknown for everyone, not just us, so you have the same normal fears and concerns as every mother ever. Of course if something happens, I am fine having a repeat C and that will be ok too, but I can't see not even trying to labor given my circumstances.

With that said, I am due today and am already 3.5 cm dilated as of yesterday. If nothing happens by Monday, i will go in and they will attempt to break my water and see if I progress on my own from there. If I am not progressing, I will have an other c-section.

Just wanted to say that you should read about how safe VBAC's usually are, compare the risks and then talk to your own doctor about your options. Again, it is not always so black and white, like you have to choose now what will happen in a few months and stick to it. I have been so happy to have a doctor who is flexible and is happy to see what happens as it happens.

Hope that helps!

I'm only 5wks PP from my CS but am expecting to want VBAC for future babies just because of the increased risk of complications with each subsequent surgery. We want at least two more babies, though, maybe more, so that's a major factor to aim for vaginal. I also would love the experience of finishing labor and pushing, honestly, if I can do it safely. My CS was for lack of descent of the baby, and arrest at 5cm, maybe due to his size or position.

I had a successful VBAC about 4 weeks ago and it was the best experience of my life! I still don't even feel like I had a baby, the recovery has been a breeze. I went into labor at 37 weeks and labored for 3 days before my 8lb 4oz boy was born. I stalled a couple times during labor so my OB tried a foley bulb and pitocin which helped my body immensely! I wanted a vaginal birth for many reasons but if i needed a repeat C, I would have been just fine too. Good luck on whatever decision you make!

I had a c/s because lo was breech and I am going to try my hardest for a vbac since I've already had one natural birth and it was a far better experience than the c/s for me.

I chose the repeat c section basically because I knew what to expect in terms of procedure and recovery. I also have a fear of tearing, etc. My 1st was large so I assumed my 2nd would be too.

Well, I just had the repeat c section 7 weeks ago, and recovery this time was harder than the 1st time. I also did not like not being able to care for my toddler. And my second was not large at all.

I never discussed VBAC with my OB because I wasn't really interested. But if I would have known the c section recovery would be harder, I would have thought about it more. I'll consider it if I have a 3rd.

It probably wouldn't have worked out anyway because I had very low fluid and my c section was pushed up. I don't know if I would have been a candidate for induction with the low fluid.