https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 06:20:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section/page/2#post-2472041 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:12:52 +0000 pastemoo 2472041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brady80: Thank you for following up! I'm glad to hear it! And congratulations! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section/page/2#post-2472030 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:48:58 +0000 brady80 2472030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pastemoo: I had a csection at 38.5 weeks. The baby was over 9 pounds, so I'm glad I didn't try for a vbac. Recovery was easier and it was nice to be in the hospital a few extra days. It was hard not being able to pick up my toddler, but otherwise it was great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section/page/2#post-2472025 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:31:31 +0000 pastemoo 2472025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brady80: how did it go? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232790 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 11:29:07 +0000 IcebergMom 2232790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Successful VBAC here! Best pro ever is being so much more alert for the birh and recovery part. I remember everything about the birth of my second LO while birth of my first is a little hazy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232733 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:33:19 +0000 Mrs. Bee 2232733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i had an unplanned c-section with charlie because he was a big posterior baby and i didn't make enough progress after 3 hours pushing. the recovery took about a month, but on pain killers it was manageable.</p> <p>i wanted a repeat c-section with second but ended up with a vbac when olive came 5 weeks early. she was small so she was easy to push out.</p> <p>i'm glad i ended up with the vbac though the recovery was way harder than the c-section for me. olive had an extended hospital stay so i had to walk a ton from the hotel to the hospital and the first 2 weeks postpartum were soooooo painful. but then after that it got better quickly. so i think more painful in the beginning, but shorter recovery in the long term with vbac.</p> <p>recovery is so different for everyone. things didn't go as planned both times, but overall i had a pretty positive experience with both. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232720 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:18:25 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2232720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency c-section with my first after 57 hours and only dilating to 4/5 cm. She was over ten pounds and sunny side up.<br /> I was not a great candidate for a VBAC but wanted to try if I could. At full term I hadn't made any progress and didn't want to risk a post dates VBAC with a history of LGA babies.</p> <p>I'm now in unexpectedly pregnant with our third and will be doing another section. My doc is fine with me carrying this one but VBAC is off the table (we conceived at four months pp). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232711 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:13:08 +0000 catomd00 2232711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BeachMama: I just want to say that sex gets better easier less painful with time! I feel like mine wasn't painful but uncomfortable, but I think a lot of it was mental. I want to say around 6 months pp everything was so much better and normal. We weren't doing it much up until that point, either! Maybeeeee once a month! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232704 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 10:08:03 +0000 lilyann 2232704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned C-section after a failed induction with my first. (maternal fever and DS's heart rate was wonky) He ended up being 9lbs 2oz and I had GD. Was in labor for over 24 hours before OB called for c-section, didn't get to push, dilated to an 8. I found recovery to be rough.</p> <p>I had planned on a VBAC with my second and after going into labor on my own at 37 weeks, I got my VBAC. Only pushed a few times and didn't tear (my new OB is kick ass) even with an 8lb 4oz baby. I also had a foley bulb inserted and had pitocin to help me progress, my body takes forever to fully dilate. Was in "labor" for 70+ hours-contractions started at work on Thursday, had baby Sunday morning. Recovery was a breeze, up walking within an hour and was able to hold my toddler (who was 20 months) without any issues.</p> <p>I will no doubt go for a VBAC next time but I also know everyone's body/experience is completely different. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232678 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:51:34 +0000 LulaBee 2232678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an emergency C-section after failing to progress after induction. I had a horrible recovery, my wound didn't heal, and PPD as a result.</p> <p>I went into early labor with my second pregnancy and delivered vaginally (on a low does of Pitocin), so I feel I "had" a VBAC even though my son was 1lb and died in childbirth.</p> <p>With this pregnancy, hoping for a VBAC since I know how rough recovery can be... but will schedule a RCS for 41 weeks in case I don't go into labor. This is my last child, and I would be scared to have MCS. Honestly I'm scared of everything birth/pregnancy related now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232611 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:55:25 +0000 shellio 2232611@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: @MamaBehr: I don't think anyone is attacking or saying you've made the wrong choice! We are all here making informed choices :) I think this thread is intended as informative for anyone deciding about RCS vs VBAC - and family size is an important factor in the decision. There are a myriad of opinions among not just patients, as we see here, but among medical providers. Not every physician has the same opinion or practice style, and there are always institutional limitations to consider (ie some hospitals don't even allow VBAC). Obviously there are lots of things to consider! You ladies, like everyone here, have made awesome choices for yourself and your babies! :) Thanks for sharing your stories! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232600 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:49:08 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2232600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Though I haven't had #2 yet, I scheduled my RCS. With #1, I pushed for 2 hours, he got stuck, and then I started to run a fever. That's when they took me in for an emergency C-section and LO in the NICU for 2 days. He was 6 pounds, 13 oz, so MFM let me know that the chances of the next getting stuck are high again, and I'm not a great candidate for a VBAC. Ultimately, it's my decision, but I feel like the RCS will be far less stressful for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232586 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:41:53 +0000 ms.line 2232586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom had an emergency c-section with me after 16 hours of labor, and then decided on a scheduled c-section with my little brother. She had a fairly breezy recovery with me, but a more difficult recovery with my brother. She's always attributed it that she was actually in labor with me, and her body was "ready" to have the baby out. With my brother, she went into the hospital feeling great and left feeling sick/weak - I think it was a blow to her mentally. I'm sure that she was older and also had to deal with me also contributed. </p> <p>I've heard lots of good stories about both VBACs and scheduled c-sections - I don't think you can make a "wrong" choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232561 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:33:18 +0000 Rockies11 2232561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: they were also super cautious with the VBAC. I have heard of others on hellobee with VBACs say the doctors used cervical ripening agents, but here if the manual induction fails you have to have a CS. Interesting, the differences between HB and real life! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232556 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:31:46 +0000 autumnlove 2232556@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a RCS for LO 2 and will have another for LO 3. A Vbac isn't an option for me this time since I have a complete previa. </p> <p>My recovery from my second CS was very smooth.</p> <p>I've seen 4 diff OBs during this pregancy and 3 of them think that this LO should be my last. My OB thinks a 4th LO should be ok but he will give me his final opinion after checking out my scar tissue during surgery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232545 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:27:08 +0000 MamaBehr 2232545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will only speak to my own experiences, I have never had a doctor tell me when I should or shouldn't get pregnant or how many c-sections I can or can not have. I have had three successful c-sections with no complications, no preterm labor, and no excessive bleeding. I will be having my fourth and final c-section in December, and my OB/GYN has not spent any time berating my choice to have another child with the possible risks involved in a fourth c-section. I can say, though, that I had a doctor spend an annoying amount of time educating me about the risks involved in a VBAC (it got super old after the second or third lecture from her, but I didn't like her in general and after the baby was born, never went back to her). </p> <p>I agree with @Mamasig: that many of these negative responses could scare someone (ie myself) who has a very supportive doctor who is not concerned at all. So, this is my story of MRCS, and hopefully in December I'm able to update with my fourth and final successful c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232469 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:34:58 +0000 NeekieRose 2232469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a planned c-section for my first due to breech, it was a great experience with a very easy recover. With my second I was soooo worried about the recovery being more difficult and having a 17 month old running around. I was a good candidate for a VBAC, but regardless I had to schedule a RCS just in case. But I could choose to do it as far out as 10 days past my due date, or as early as 39 weeks. I decided to split the difference and chose to schedule the RCS for 40+3. I felt like that was a good amount of time to give baby to come on her own, and like others (and my doctor) said, the further overdue you are, the less likely you will have a successful VBAC. </p> <p>I did end up with the RCS, and the recovery was just as easy the second time. I tried my best to take it easy and not lift my 17 month old (although she was little--only 22lbs--and my doctor said it wouldn't be that big of a deal) in the first two weeks. But by week three I was carrying both girls at the same time and it was not an issue.</p> <p>@brady80: good luck in whatever you decide! I stressed over the decision for most of my pregnancy. And honestly, I don't know that there is a correct decision, especially since you will never know what would happen if you had made the opposite decision. My RCS was easy and great...but could the VBAC have been better? We will never know! Trust your gut and your doctor/midwife and I am sure it will be all good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232422 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 06:32:33 +0000 Mamasig 2232422@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: I'm not saying I don't believe you. I don't need additional information. I'm an educated adult and I've been very happy with my c sections and level of care. I am saying that my real life experience is different than what is usually posted on Hellobee - That is all. Another mom out there could get freaked out seeing all the negatives posted here, but her doctor might not feel the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232403 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 05:24:17 +0000 Arden 2232403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So essentially -<br /> 2nd c-section vs VBAC: similar risk for baby either way, slightly higher risk for mother with a c-section.</p> <p>But third or fourth c-section? WAY higher risk to mom, and much higher risk of preterm labor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232401 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 05:18:23 +0000 Arden 2232401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig:<br /> This is from the Mayo clinic:<br /> "...most women can safely have up to three cesarean deliveries. Each repeat C-section is generally more complicated than the last...<br /> Repeat C-sections appeal to many women. Beyond three C-sections, however, the surgical risks must be weighed carefully against the desire for subsequent pregnancies..."</p> <p>Just from a quick read through a few studies, I've found that women who have MRCS (multiple repeat cesarean sections) are five times more likely to have preterm delivery.<br /> In the first study I listed below, 18% had either placenta praevia or accreta. Within this sub-group there was a further increase in maternal complications including major obstetric and postpartum haemorrhage, which resulted in 50% of the women requiring a hysterectomy and two thirds needing critical care after delivery.</p> <p>Here are some studies and articles you might find helpful.<br /> <a href="http://www.bjog.org/details/news/2865141/BJOG_release_Higher_risk_of_maternal_complications_and_preterm_deliveries_for_wo.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bjog.org/details/news/2865141/BJOG_release_Higher_risk_of_maternal_complications_and_preterm_deliveries_for_wo.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/11/caesarean.section.risks/index.html?iref=mpstoryview" rel="nofollow">http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/11/caesarean.section.risks/index.html?iref=mpstoryview</a><br /> <a href="http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/11/01/multiple-c-sections-linked-to-raised-complication-risks-study" rel="nofollow">http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/11/01/multiple-c-sections-linked-to-raised-complication-risks-study</a><br /> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20060607/more-c-sections-more-complications" rel="nofollow">http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20060607/more-c-sections-more-complications</a><br /> <a href="http://www.obgmanagement.com/home/article/repeat-cesarean-again-and-again-and-again/79e78ef6b2c736556e2343c317b0a9a2.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.obgmanagement.com/home/article/repeat-cesarean-again-and-again-and-again/79e78ef6b2c736556e2343c317b0a9a2.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232371 Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:20:12 +0000 Mamasig 2232371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rockies11: That is totally different than my real life experience! I wonder if it's just their comfort level? I go to a practice affiliated with a very reputable womans hospital - they are ranked #17 in terms of number of births in the U.S. Just in my experience, I've heard more about how risky it is on hellobee than real life. I'm not saying surgery isn't risky, but my doctors don't seem as concerned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232333 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 23:47:37 +0000 wonderstruck 2232333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I decided on a vbac because I was concerned about recovering from a c-section when I also had a toddler to care for, and I was in the same situation as you where I should have been a good candidate for it. Unfortunately, due to gestational diabetes issues I ended up not having a choice, and I had a scheduled c-section since baby needed to come early and it's not safe to induce vbac moms who aren't yet at all dilated or effaced on their own.</p> <p>Pros: Arranging childcare was easy since I knew exactly when I would be in the hospital. Didn't have to deal with labor.</p> <p>Cons: My recovery took a ridiculously long time because it was just impossible to take it easy with a toddler to care for. I had some help, but it just wasn't enough. However, I should note that that my kids are only 17 months apart and my oldest was a very late walker. So I had a 30lb toddler who couldn't walk while I was recovering! I ended up back at the hospital twice because of problems with my incision. It was a disaster. </p> <p>So yeah, in case you can't tell, I would pick a VBAC. When I found out I couldn't have one I thought that at least things wouldn't be so stressful this time since the c-section was planned and not an emergency, but personally I didn't find that to be true. It just gave me more time to be terrified anticipating what was to come (I hate needles/surgery.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232294 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:20:12 +0000 MidwestMama 2232294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned c-section with my first after a failed induction. Extra fluid was showing up on the ultrasound so my doctor was concerned and wanted me to be induced. However, I could never dilate at all even though I was having contractions. After a day and a half of trying, he did the c-section.</p> <p>My doctor told me failure to dilate is something that tends to re-occur and recommended I do a repeat c-section. My recovery was a lot better and I was more prepared for it. I was out of bed just 12 hours after surgery. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232280 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:09:57 +0000 Rockies11 2232280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamasig: In Canada, they strongly recommend against more than 3 c-sections. Obviously they can't stop you from getting pregnant more times, but OBs are very uncomfortable with it. I was even scolded for not waiting 18 months to conceive after my first, even though the minimum amount of time they say is 12 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232264 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:58:54 +0000 BeachMama 2232264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild:It's hard to say which recovery was harder. My c-section recovery was pretty easy. Initially after my vbac I told my MIL that the vbac was harder and more painful. But in the long run I think it was better. I'm really happy I was able to lift my daughter and play with her. I think she would've held it against the baby if I couldn't have done that. My only concern now is the pain during sex. We've only DTD once and while it wasn't as bad as I feared, it did hurt. I really hope it gets better with time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232258 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:53:48 +0000 Mamasig 2232258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shellio: @MamaBehr: I've also never been warned about the number of c sections I could have. They have mentioned increased scar tissue but none gave me a limit number. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232236 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:20:18 +0000 shellio 2232236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a C/S with my first because he was breech. It was planned at 39+2. I really wanted a VBAC with my second but had a repeat C/S scheduled for 40 weeks because of the limitations of an induction with VBAC. In retrospect I sort of wish I had waited another week but one of the reasons I scheduled RCS right at 40 weeks is that the success rate of VBAC drops after you hit 40 weeks. So now I'm expecting #3 and had hoped to wait till 41 weeks to schedule a RCS, and try for a VBAC again. But this baby is measuring 2 full weeks ahead and it doesn't surprise me because my first two babies were on the large side. This puts her at increased risk for shoulder dystocia (among other complications) and even though I want to avoid a third abdominal surgery in 4 years, I'm going to have a RCS because I think it is safest for the baby. </p> <p>The recovery from the first was a breeze, recovery was more difficult with the second because I got a wound infection and also had a very large (36 lb) 22 month old at home. </p> <p>I agree with @Arden that one thing to strongly consider is whether you want more kids, 3+ C sections carry more risk and if you have a history of a successful vaginal delivery (if you VBAC this time), your chances of delivering vaginally are better in the future. I think recovery from vag delivery is generally (not always) better the second and later times - so your first VBAC recovery might be rough as @Beachmama describes.</p> <p>@MamaBehr: There are lots of risks to having this many surgeries and I'm surprised that none of your OBs have mentioned it but I'm glad they aren't worried! I am still open to having a fourth but not looking forward to 4 CS. Looking forward to hearing about your recoveries - friends who have had 3 have told me their recovery got easier every time. That hasn't been my experience yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232235 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:17:05 +0000 shortcake 2232235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@aprild: sorry, i might have copied the wrong link. Yes I did have a VBAC and it was amazing. I didn't go into it thinking I wanted or needed to experience labor or anything like that, but in the end, I am so happy I went for it. My OB's approach was to just take it one step at a time. She let me go to 40 + 2 and she induced me and contractions started right away. She wanted to see what kind of progress I would make on my own and she was very happy with my progress and I was at 5 cm a few hours later. She gave me an epidural and a small dose of pitocin and a few hours later, I was ready and she came out in 2 pushes!<br /> I am so happy I went for it. I felt amazing during and after, better than I even imagined possible (although I know that is not the case for everyone). I was confident that my doctor was so encouraging of the approach and she was ready to just take it step by step. I fully enourage you talk to your doctor about what you want and what will be best. And I also want to add that you don't have to make any decisions until much later in your pregnancy. My doctor didn't even want to talk about it until 34 weeks. </p> <p>Please let me know if you have any other questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232231 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:10:22 +0000 Ash 2232231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BeachMama: my response is identical to what you wrote (sans the sex since I'm only 3 weeks pp).</p> <p>I'm 1000% pro vbac... such an awesome experience! But the recovery sucked (33 stitches and seriously sore lady bits). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232228 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:08:49 +0000 cat620 2232228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BeachMama: Did you feel like the VBAC recovery was easier than the c-section? I'm worried about needing stitches too, since I had a big baby last time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vbac-vs-scheduled-c-section#post-2232223 Thu, 09 Jul 2015 21:03:28 +0000 BeachMama 2232223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an unplanned c section with my first after a long labor, a big baby who was posterior and didn't want to descend. My recovery was fairly easy though I still get some pain in my scar 3 years later. </p> <p>I had a successful vbac with my son in March. I had felt like I had missed out on a "regular" birth the first time around so I had wanted to try to do it the 2nd time. I was 5 days overdue and had my water broken which started my contractions. They then started pitocin. About 12 hrs later (and an epidural) I started pushing. Pushed for 2 hours, had an episiotomy, and out came my son. He was 9 lbs, 11 oz. They were shocked at how big he was. </p> <p>The recovery from the vbac was totally different. I had stitches and pain from the episiotomy which made sitting, walking long distances, and lifting painful for a couple weeks. And I still have pain with sex (though we haven't done it very much). In all I'm happy I had my vbac but I'm worried that sex may never be the same again. </p>