Should I attempt to have a VBAC with my next pregnancy?

S

*Sawyer's Mommy*

New member
I had a c-section recently and was so disappointed by it. I recovered quickly, but my body just looks terrible now. It also took me a good 5 days before my milk came in which caused my son to lose too much weight. I was induced at 41 weeks by the way...which now that I'm more educated about it, I wish I waited another week. And I also dilated to 9cm but never got any further.

But to get to my question...I live in a small town where they don't do VBAC's (vaginal birth after cesarean) but there is a place that does them about an hour or so away. I love the doc that gave me my c-section, but if I can get this other doctor to let me have a VBAC, should I at least attempt it?

Would you try and get a VBAC in my case with your next pregnancy?

And those of you who have had one, was it the best choice for you?

Thanks!
 
Unless you have other medical complications show up, I'd go for the VBAC at the further hospital. There are a number of things that may have made your labor stall and one of them is simply the time schedule before they start to push for a c-section.
 
It's really up to you, a doctor cannot force you to have a c-section.

My firstborn was an unneccessary c-section, so for my son I attempted a VBAC. I had a very successful trial of labor, but my son's head was so swollen he wouldn't come down. I suggest finding a doctor who will support you but also a good support system that will be there in case you end up with a less than stellar hospital or doctor. I also recommend laboring at home for as long as you possibly can. Remember, they can't make you have a c-section regardless of their policies.
 
I attempted a VBAC and failed. I would not dilate past a 4 and they would not give me pictocin to help it along be cause of my c section. But I don't regret it. It too was my dream. I would it again if I ever got prego again.
 
You can attempt a VBAC, but you'll need to either make sure that your doctor will do one or find another that will. I know that a doctor can't "force" you to have a c-section, but many either refuse to participate in VBACs because of experience or simply can't because of insurance limitations at their practice. My uncle (who is in his 40's) is an OBGYN and witnessed a spontaneous uterine rupture during VBAC while in residency. A beautiful 8lb baby died on the table and the 28 year old mother had to have a complete hysterectomy. The odds are against it, but the possibility is still there.

A good VBAC candidate is somebody who allows at least 2-3 years (the longer the better) to heal between pregnancies, doesn't go past their due date and isn't at risk for the same complication that caused the original c-section. You also should be aware that only 60-70% of VBACs are successful, with the rest resulting in c-section. A failed VBAC which then results in a c-section has a much higher infection rate than a planned c-section with no attempted labor.
 
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