Anyone else contemplating a VBAC? I am of two minds: On the one hand, I'd love to avoid a repeat C section because I don't want to be hospitalized for nearly a week, sedated, faced with recovery, et cetera. On the other hand, something about a VBAC scares me -- namely the small chance of ripping open my C section scar and also not knowing which doctor will be on duty if I go into labor. (With a scheduled C, I could use my favorite/primary doctor!)
I'd love to hear about others' experiences!!
pomelo / 5000 posts
I am! There is a lot of information and things to consider. I asked my OB just to tell me what to do, but he said the decision is mine. 
I had a planned c-section and my recovery wasn't bad. But it's still major surgery. My concerns are things that can't be guaranteed--like what if I have a big tear during my VBAC and my recovery is rough? I could flip this around and worry things won't be as easy with my c-section this time. The worse would be to labor forever only to end up with a csection.....basically, there are unknowns and no guarantees, and fully realizing that helped me feel like either would be a fine choice--I just have to make one.
They'll do measurements around 36 weeks to measure my internal csection scar, estimate weight of baby, measure my pelvis. I'll take that information, anything else my OB has to say, and my gut feeling about things and decide from there. But as of now, I'm planning on going for the VBAC.
pear / 1703 posts
@Paddington10: I had best intentions all through my pg to have a vbac and was an excellent candidate but when the time came it wasn't in the cards! Water broke but labour didn't start, dr wouldn't do much to induce having had a previous section. Recovery was relatively easy, no surprises. The upside? I preserved my lady bits 
Good luck in whatever you decide!
pineapple / 12793 posts
I'm not a candidate for VBAC but really wanted one.
My second and third c-section recoveries were so easy. Far easier than pushing out an eleven pound baby! Haha. Seriously, having it planned, not laboring, and knowing what to expect made it much easier.
I was home 29 hours after my second was born.
pear / 1946 posts
I had a vbac last year with a 9lb baby and had (almost) no problems from it. There was concern for a little bit that I had torn my previous scar because I had bled a lot, but I didn't. The recovery was very different that my csection because I'd had an episiotomy, but in the long run I am so happy I was able to do it.
hostess / papaya / 10540 posts
I had a vbac, and was super scared but in the end I was so glad I did it!
pomegranate / 3411 posts
i tried for a VBAC and ended up with repeat c section. i knew the odds were not in my favour, but i was allowed to try, risk-wise.
If i have a third baby, I would want to try again for a VBA2C , but i am hoping to have a third sooner than later so i may not be allowed to try and i think i would be much more okay with a planned c section as my failed VBAC experience was very disappointing as i was induced went through labour a second time with the same end result. So the idea of a planned, in and out, procedure sounds appealing if i have the third.....but if a third comes later (with at least 18 months between pregnancies) and i am allowed to try for a VBAC, then i will again.
grapefruit / 4079 posts
We go to the Cleveland Clinic for everything and my high risk OB had a program where he typed in info from my previous birth and my then current pregnancy. It gave me a <40% success rate for a VBAC so I went with repeat.
ETA: I am in the minority who found the planned C/S worse then the emergency. It took forever, was sensory overload, and everyone was so calm while I was having a panic attack.
papaya / 10343 posts
I'm not pregnant but if I have another I will almost definitely try for a vbac because:
1) My milk took a week to come in and I never had good supply despite a grueling feed on demand/pump schedule. I don't KNOW that it would have been better if I'd given birth vaginally, but there is a part of me that believes it would have and I'd want to try it to see if it could be better next time.
2) I had post-c-section complications (incision opened up) that sucked for 8 weeks. Nope nope nope.
3) The inherent risks of major abdominal surgery scare me more than the risks of uterine rupture. Uterine rupture is really pretty rare even after a c-section.
Maybe hire a doula if you want to be sure to have a known support person in the room with you?
persimmon / 1310 posts
vbacfacts.com is a good resource, as is your local ICAN chapter.
How many children are you planning to have? The risk of accreta (very serious complication, much more life-threatening than rupture) goes up more and more with each c-section. If you want more than one more child, that's a big factor to take into consideration.
We are planning to VBAC for future deliveries.
apple seed / 2 posts
I had intended to try (VBAM actually), but then I spoke with a girl who was an ideal candidate for a VBAC. She tried after doing a lot of research and with approval from her OB and Midwife, and during a contraction while laboring with her daughter at 40 weeks, she had a uterine rupture. They rushed her into surgery, but it was too late and her perfect little girl had suffocated. Even if the risk is very "minimal" or "unlikely", I just cant imagine taking that chance so we will have a scheduled c-section. 
nectarine / 2878 posts
I had a VBAC in June 2014. Around 10 minutes of pushing and no tearing. My OB is amazing. Definitely get on board with a supportive OB 
pomegranate / 3895 posts
I'm contemplating a VBAC, but want to talk to my OB more about it when the time comes.
@Pdxbee: just as an FYI, studies have shown the risk of major complications associated with every additional c-section are higher than a VBAC. I found this information helpful:
apple seed / 2 posts
@LBee: thank you for that info graphic it has good information. Ultimately, for me, I would rather risk a hysterectomy or other complications than risk losing my child. It's a personal choice though.
squash / 13199 posts
@Paddington10: I'm in the same situation as you. I hated my 1st c-section and really wanted to try a vbac. I am a bit worried about the possibility of a ruptured uterus. My doctor tried to reassure that it doesnt happen often but when it does happen, its awful. My friend just had a repeat c-section and was told after wards that it was a good thing she had the section because her uterus was really stretched and on the verge of a rupture.
I am nearly 31 weeks and at this point my mind is 95% made u to just repeate the c-section but i am dreading it
Additionally, what can make the rupture scary is if you have an epidural and cant actually feel it right away
squash / 13199 posts
@LBee: Hi where did you get the risk chart from and do you know why the chance of successful vbac increases with each vbac?
pomegranate / 3895 posts
@Mrsbells: It's from a brochure from ICAN (international caesarean awareness network)
I believe odds increase because having one shows an ability to dilate and successfully deliver. I can't find an article to support that, but I know I've read it somewhere.
persimmon / 1345 posts
I had a vbac back in February. I wrestled with my decision a lot bc my csec (induced at 41w, epidural, failed to progress past 9) recovery was easy peasy and I was off any meds even before I left the hospital. i scheduled a repeat csec at 41weeks again and was even thinking about moving up the csec date at my 38 week appointment bc I was miserable and barely dilated. DS came that night, super fast, that they didn't even have time for an epidural.
cherry / 239 posts
I just had a VBAC yesterday! It was very quick, and I would say that so far the recovery is much easier than with my c section. I did tear and have some stitches, but they aren't too bad. Good luck!
| Today | Monthly Record | |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | 0 | 1 |
| Posts | 1 | 3 |
Ask for Help
Make a Suggestion
Frequently Asked Questions
Bee Levels
Acronyms
Most Viewed Posts
Hellobee Gold
Hellobee Recipes
Hellobee Features
Hellobee Contests
Baby-led Weaning
Bento Boxes
Breastfeeding
Newborn Essentials
Parties
Postpartum Care Essentials
Sensory Play Activities
Sleep Training
Starting Solids Gear
Transitioning to Toddler Bed
All Series
Who We Are
About the Bloggers
About the Hostesses
Contributing Bloggers
Apply to Blog
Apply to Hostess
Submit a Guest Blog
Hellobee Buttons
How We Make Money
Community Policies
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
19 comments