• Xenforo Cloud upgraded our forum to XenForo version 2.3.4. This update has created styling issues to our current templates. We will continue to work on clearing up these issues for the next few days, but please report any other issues you may experience so we can look into. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

How do I decide between an elective section and a vbac?

fuschia

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 28, 2011
Messages
1,790
Reaction score
0
As above really- the choice is mine- I've had the meeting with midwife discussing the risks of both.

My gut tells me I will end up with a section either way but Obv a part of me just wonders- should I give myself the chance to labour naturally?

1st section was a result of waters breaking then being induced 36 hours later and not progressing (1.5cm) after 34 hours from being induced . I understand this wouldn't happen again as hey wouldn't let me labour that log and would do section earlier .

Anyone give me any advice - what did you do?

X
 
I think having the option of a VBAC would be an incredible experience. If it fails, at least you know what to expect. I had an EMCS with DD and a failed VBAC with DS and I definitely don't regret trying. I went into labor by myself and it was one of the most incredible things I ever got to experience.
 
I'm in a similar position and have my appointment next week. I had an EMCS with DS due to foetal distress. I had gone into labour naturally but after 8 hours went in to the hospital to find his heart rate was plummeting with every contraction.

I think I'm going to give vbac a try this time around, although I have a sense that I will end up with another transverse baby which ends up tangled up the cord and comes out of the sunroof. The thing I like about vbac following my first discussion with the consultant is that they monitor you throughout when you've had a section before, so I will know if baby gets into difficulties, and I can call time on waiting to go into labour too. I'm planning to say I will try for vbac but if to go a week overdue I want to induced (or maybe even I want a section straight away). I like how I can put my own rules around it. Assuming I go in to labour then they want me to go straight in to the hospital, full monitoring and regardless how far dilated I am they won't send me home until after the birth.

X
 
X_amour - thank you- do you mind me asking why your vbac failed ? Was it non progression? How long did you labour before you had section? We're you exhausted by the time it came to section?

Captain- I guess the fact they monitor you continuously is a good point .

What do you think is a fair time to be able to try and labour on your own before they intervene for c- section? If I have labour then a section I really don't fancy being so exhausted from it like last time.

Being induced is something I don't want - I wonder if I could say I'll try natural labour but I want to have a section if I go too Over due rather than induced .

That would also go for if my eaters broke and I didn't labour- I would want a Section rather than being induced.

It didn't work inducing me last time so I don't see how it would be any different !
 
X_amour - thank you- do you mind me asking why your vbac failed ? Was it non progression? How long did you labour before you had section? We're you exhausted by the time it came to section?

My VBAC failed because I have something called insufficient pelvic space. I am a very petite girl and my pelvis is smaller than normal. My DD was 6lbs, 5.4oz, 19 inches, and 12¾" head and was completely stuck in my pelvis. She had bruising from when the contractions would push her into my pelvis. When I had my VBAC consult they measured my pelvis and it was still small but my OB/GYN was optimistic about me possibly having a VBAC because I had already had a child. He had said if my DS was around the same size, it was about a 80% chance. But that didn't happen. My son was 7lbs, 8oz, 18 inches, and a 14¼" head. Significantly bigger than DD and never descended at all.

I was in labor for 32 hours with DD and 18 hours with DS. The decision was made because I was in labor with contractions on top of each other but I was only 1cm dilated and there was no head at all in the birth canal. I was not allowed to be induced so they had to move forward with a RCS. I was not really exhausted, I tried to conserve as much energy as possible.

There are gentle ways of induction if your hospital allows it. I think a VBAC would be such an amazing experience and definitely a much easier recovery. I would say go for it! :hugs:
 
I had an EMCS with my daughter due to a failed induction after only getting to 2.5cms after 43 hours of contractions. With my second daughter I really couldn't decide but in the end the fear of a failed VBAC made me opt for an ELCS and I'm so glad I did. The whole experience was very positive and straightforward and my recovery has been much quicker than it was first time around. My daughter is 16 days old and I've been fully mobile, lifting my toddler with ease, doing housework and walking easily for 30 minutes at a time for about a week now.

It is a tough decision but just so you know that recovery from a section is much easier if you haven't gone through labour first x
 
Some really helpful points here !

Gypsy thanks for commenting and congrats- sounds like we are pretty similar as far as 1st births were concerned and it's great to hear your experience .

Ladies with 2 sections- have you been told it's ok to have a 3rd? Is 3 the max recommended ? Xx
 
definitely following this post..

we are ttc number two and I'm wondering the same thing...

I was induced with DD on the Thursday and had her by EMCS on the sunday lunch time after breaking my waters at 10:30 on Saturday night. I got to 9 cm but then went back down to 6cm when they finally called for the section. I was so tired, completely out of it (to the point that my OH was worried about my state) and was begging for them to help me.

Lo was 10lb 1oz and I was told on the operating table by the surgeon that I wouldn't have been able to give birth to her naturally because of her size and that my pelvis was too small (similar to above comments).

I've had the experience of labour as such with the contractions etc so am glad about that but am also wondering whether to try for vbac. My concerns are if I have another baby who is as big, or bigger, than my DD. I asked if I'd have growth scans in a future pregnancy and was told no due to their inaccuracies.

I think either way there's always that feeling of what if and, for me, guilt.
 
I recently decided on a repeat c section. My first was breech and I found out on my due date. My dr did not recommend turning him for multiple reasons. I was somewhat disappointed but that quickly changed once I met my DS.

We found out we were expecting again just before my Ds turned seven months. :happydance:

I felt very strongly I wanted a vbac in the beginning but grew more confused as time went on. After my consultation and many many chats with my dr I decided on rcs.

My dr told me after speaking with the ob they thought very strongly I was making the right decision for myself and baby but had wanted to support my decision either way I decided.

I agree with the above poster that either way some guilt may be involved. Whether or not your making the right decision. I went back and forth for so long that I am feeling so happy to have a decision made! Either way you choose, I'm sure you will have given it much consideration! :flower: good luck!! :hugs:
 
Hi,
I had an emergency CS under GA with my 1st. After a very long labour and 1hr 20 mins pushing he was stuck. There were then further problems in theatre and I was put under GA. I found the experience very traumatic.
With my 2nd I knew I wanted an elective CS. The whole experience was wonderful. I had my favourite CD playing, everyone was so reassuring as I was terrified and I didn't feel a thing. I also knew what day baby would be born, so hubby's time off work and babysitters for my son could all be planned easily in advance.
I then went on to have a further elective with my 3rd and will be having a 4th in September!
Whatever you decide, it will be the right decision for you. We are all different and every labour is different.
xx
 
Some really helpful points here !

Gypsy thanks for commenting and congrats- sounds like we are pretty similar as far as 1st births were concerned and it's great to hear your experience .

Ladies with 2 sections- have you been told it's ok to have a 3rd? Is 3 the max recommended ? Xx

I was told by the consultant after my surgery that any future pregnancies would be definite c sections with no option for a VBAC but he didn't say there was a maximum amount of sections that I'd be allowed. I didn't ask tbh as I don't want any more children but I have heard of people having 4 or 5 sections. I know the risk is higher with each one though.

I was told before my surgery that it would probably take longer to get baby out due to previous scar tissue but she was born within 10 mins of them starting to cut. I know they have to warn you of the risks but honestly, everything was so simple and straightforward. Good luck with whatever you decide x
 
I recently decided on a repeat c section. My first was breech and I found out on my due date. My dr did not recommend turning him for multiple reasons. I was somewhat disappointed but that quickly changed once I met my DS.

We found out we were expecting again just before my Ds turned seven months. :happydance:

I felt very strongly I wanted a vbac in the beginning but grew more confused as time went on. After my consultation and many many chats with my dr I decided on rcs.

My dr told me after speaking with the ob they thought very strongly I was making the right decision for myself and baby but had wanted to support my decision either way I decided.

I agree with the above poster that either way some guilt may be involved. Whether or not your making the right decision. I went back and forth for so long that I am feeling so happy to have a decision made! Either way you choose, I'm sure you will have given it much consideration! :flower: good luck!! :hugs:


My first was breech- we found out at 42 weeks just as they were about to induce. I had a c section instead of trying to turn her. I'm also now trying to make up my mind whether to go for VBAC or elective c section. I'm so torn.
 
It is such a tough decision. I went back and forth do much. Speak with your drs every appointment...that's what I did. I tried to get as much info as possible. Then after my consultation I knew what was right for us.
Even though baby still has time to turn...he's been breech the whole pregnancy.

:hugs::hugs:
 
Sorry to jump in but I have just found out I am pregnant and I had an EMCS under general with my first baby, I am terrified of labour again and want an ELCS.

Will they give me the choice or try to push the VBAC, I really really don't want a VBAC. :(
 
Clarabell hi! Are u in the uk?

In the uk in all areas it seems we have a chioce.

I would say it depends on hospital and consultant on how they try to advise you but you have overall say.

When I got pregnant I was the same as you and adamant it had to be a section- I am now thinking a bit more with more information and time.

You will have various appointments to discuss your options so go along and hear about the pros and cons. I was told final decision is at 36 weeks but that might differ where you are .

It's also interesting and helpful hearing others stories and views like on this thread I started when I was fretting a bit!

When are you due? Have u spoken to a midwife about it yet? X
 
Hi hun i am in the uk! Thanks for that it was really helpful. Not spoken to midwife yet I found out I was pregnant yesterday so will be fue around 12th nov all being well... i know i am way ahead of myself worrying lol!!! I have become literally petrified of birth I can't even watch it on soaps :/ and this is someone that used to work in a hospital.. i don't know what has happened to me. It has been just over two years since I had DD and we were trying for this baby but I had a bit of sudden panic after the initial joy of the bfp yesterday... i must sound ridiculous. I am going to have a good read through all of your ladies previous replies now :)
 
I understand the initial panic. I fell a bit more relaxed about it now- you have plenty of time.

They can't make you try for a natural birth either!

The first thing I had was a 'birth options clinic' which I would assume is pretty standard accross the NHS. It was a 1-1 with a midwife about it all - we spoke about my previous birth and why I had the section ( for me it was not progressing through induction) and my options - the risks involved etc.

Next I will have a consultant appointment at 22 weeks to speak to about it and plan to go along with lots of questions written down.

The only decision I have made is that I do not want to be induced xx
 
Your experience sounds very similar to mine, I think going so overdue contributed to the ridiculous water retention that I had which meant they couldn't do epidural hence I had to have a general anaesthetic, I do not want to miss this baby being born like I did my dd, she was two hours old by the time I held her! Hence the thought of it all being calmer and organised is much more appealing!
 
My first was breech- we found out at 42 weeks just as they were about to induce. I had a c section instead of trying to turn her. I'm also now trying to make up my mind whether to go for VBAC or elective c section. I'm so torn.

That's exactly what happened in my first pregnancy. I was 41w5d when I went in for the induction and I mentioned my feeling that he was breech to the nurse who was hooking up the fetal heart monitor and she thought it was worth checking further into. My cnm had poked around on my belly when I asked her about it, and she assured me he was head down. Well, the nurse grabbed a portable u/s and actually looked. Sure enough, he was frank breech, and face up. The OB was called in to look and he said also there was almost no fluid left (my water hadn't broke, it just sort of naturally starts to get low if you go overdue, but mine had gone like extra low) so he said we could try to turn him, but it probably wouldn't work. He said if he was a full breech instead of frank, we could still induce if I wanted to, but we talked it over and did the cesarean.




With my second, I had the option of vbac as long as baby was head down and I didn't go more than a week overdue. Baby was in perfect position, but my office won't induce on a vbac so at 41w1d, I had a RCS.

Personally, my recovery was much worse the second time around, but I know some of that was due to the fact that I just did not want to be having the surgery but was basically forced into it.

Now that I've had two cesareans, no matter how the pregnancy goes, I have no option but to have a cesarean every time now.

So remember to think about that too, when you're deciding whther or not to have a second cesarean. The second one doesn't carry much more risk than the first one does, but each one after that, the risk goes up signifigantly. The risk of really scary things like needing blood transfusions or maternal death is much higher for a third cesarean than it is for a vbac!

Obviously some people, like the ladies who have an abnormally small pelvis, for example, really don't have the option to decide, but some of you do. Another good thing about vbac is that your baby comes when it's ready instead of on the doctors timetable. That's also true in the cases of a cesarean after a trial of labor.
 
That's similar to me. I had 28 hours and had an emergency section due to lack of progression. I just feel, gut instinct, that it would happen again, so a normal labour isn't for me. I've got my section booked in for 39 weeks. One option which I was given, which you could suggest, was to start labour naturally, but they would keep a much closer eye on me. If I wasn't happy and things didn't seem to be going as quick as I would like, then I could have a section. It would be sort of mid way between an emergency and a planned - I'd be in labour but they wouldn't be rushing me down and panicking etc.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Members online

No members online now.

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
1,650,360
Messages
27,147,619
Members
255,799
Latest member
babykitty03
Back
Top
monitoring_string = "c48fb0faa520c8dfff8c4deab485d3d2"
<-- Admiral -->