VBAC or elective Csection?

[Sunseal]

Hi ladies!

So 3 years ago I had an emergency Csection with my son. The pregnancy was fine but he went two weeks over and so was induced. The induction didn't go to plan and I ended up being rushed down for an emergency csection. My whole experience of the labour up until the csec was not very good! It seemed to all go so peaceful and calm when I was rushed down though and I actually felt safer when on the operating table! I wasn't knocked out, just had an epidural.

This time round, again, no problems in pregnancy, and I had my consultant appt yesterday who wanted to discuss what I wanted to do this time. I said I was on the fence and she gave me a load of statistics of successful VBACS but also the pros and cons of an elective Csection. Now I'm even more on the fence!

Going by statistics alone, I can't make up my mind. I really want that natural birth thing going on, and then when the baby is born I love the idea of her going straight onto my chest. The consultant said the success rate of a VBAC is 7/10.

I was wondering if I could get some of your experiences? Those of you who went on to have a successful VBAC after a cesearean and then those that had an elective one... anything anyone can say to help me decide?!

I do have until my next appt at 34 weeks to make up my mind, so I have ages. I just don't know what to do! I love the idea of doing it all naturally and having a nice quick recovery.. but all I can think about is how relaxed and safe I felt when on the operating table and that sways me back to wanting an elective csec!

 

[Sour_Skittle]

For some reason I would feel safer with an Elective Csection but that's just because I've heard scary stories of Vbacs... Just the recovery time for a csection sucks... And painful and don't they take baby elsewhere after your csection so you do not get that much one on one in the beginning?

Difficult decision!

 

[Sunseal]

Yeah, from what I remember, whilst I was being stitched up, I was handed him in a towel (midwife was mainly holding, I was just allowed to look/stroke his little face), then he was taken away until after I was stitched and I was wheeled to the ward. When I arrived, he was there waiting for me.
Doing that again really doesn't appeal to me! But I would feel much more in control and safer doing the electic Csec. Oh dear :/

 

[3Minions]

I've had a vba2c and am going to attempt another one this time. My risks were higher for bad stuff to happen because it was after 2 c-sections BUT if you deliver in a hospital and are okay with being hooked up to constant monitoring, if something terrible were to happen they'll just rush you right in to surgery (make sure the hospital has a good nicu too). Being able to hold my baby after she was born was one of the most magical moments of my life. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[momof2tobe]

Yes, it's really up to you and what you feel most comfortable with. I'm going for my second vbac. The experience of vbac was great and i couldn't believe how good i felt right after the delivery. I'm hoping to do the same this time.
However, I've heard of nice second c sections. It's not easy but you know what to expect.
Personally I would choose vbac because they monitored me every second so if something went wrong they can do a s cestion in 1 minute.
In any case, let us know what you decide and best wishes to you with whichever option you choose.

 

[hannah berry]

i have the same problem too. due date is 30th oct but doctor said the can give me a c section date 3-2 weeks before due date. the one problem is disappointment. i don't want to get my hopes up for natural and end up with a c section anyway. also since husband is military with a c section he can be there for me and put in his leave with a natural he might be away and he can't put in leave unless he knows the baby will arrive on this date and such. so i might go for the c section since is easy on me mentally. i know c sections suck after but here i got to hold my baby straight after. they just staple you up while putting baby in an incubator to keep warm and send you back to the room with your new baby in an incubator and when the get there they take him or her out and place them straight on the your chest. maybe you can ask for something like that. i asked specifically not to ever let my baby out of my sight unless for urgent reasons and she had to be in the same room with me at all times. maybe you can set up a c section date as ask if you go into labor before that to try for vbac but if it doesn't work then your already set for a c section.

 

[DocMcStuffins]

My first ended in an emergency c section, then I chose the have an elective second time around.

It was a wonderful, amazing experience. It was so calm and relaxed.

Now I'm pregnant with my third and will be going for another elective. Also to add my recoveries were fantastic. After my first I was up and about within a matter of hours, I only had to stay in hospital because my daughter was in scbu. Then after my second I was out of hospital within 24 hours. Needed no painkillers at all and was up and about doing everything as normal right away. I never experienced any pain whatsoever. My scar is invisible and all in all was just a lovely experience.

X

 

[RcdM]

I had my first via emcs at 30 weeks due to preeclampsia. This time I'll be choosing an elective C-section. It's not that I really am too afraid of the risks of VBAC, but I just... I dunno. It's a personal preference I guess. It might sound totally stupid and maybe even selfish? But I've already had a C-section, I already have the scar, I know what to expect, and I'm more comfortable with that.

Originally I wanted to do a regular birth with my dd. I didn't have a specific "birth plan" but I wanted to try to go as natural as possible if/until I couldn't take it anymore, and then I would ask for an epidural. But the birth of my dd was so sudden and unexpected, it was so crazy and scary and stressful. Hopefully I won't get preeclampsia again, but opting for the C-section this time around is at least one thing I feel like I can control.

My experience with my first was totally fine. I was surprised how well it went and I was up and walking around the next day. I used pain meds for maybe a week and a half and didn't need them at all after that. My dd was in the NICU for a month so I can't relate to the whole skin to skin and holding your baby right after birth thing. But I think it you can talk to your Dr about options for you right after the baby is out, maybe they can offer skin to skin. I've heard of some hospitals being able to do that.

 

[MommyCandice]

My first was an emergency csection. My second I opted for a planned csection. It was nice to know when it was and to have everything planned and set it stone. I had a great experience and after she was out they unstrapped my one arm so I could sorta hold her while they finished up. I knew what to expect and recovery was so m7ch easier the second time around. This time ky doctor wiuldnt allow me a vbac which is fine. I know what to expect. Apparently there is something called a gentle csection where they place baby on your chest right after delivery and baby goes to recovery with you I am going to push for that as well. Good luck in making your decision

 

[DocMcStuffins]

Oh and I should add that with my second and my planned c section, it was really important for me to do skin to skin and breastfeed ASAP.

While I was still on the operating table they placed her on me and I was able to lower my gown to have skin to skin immediately. Then they moved me from the operating table to the bed and so I was sat up slightly, i was actually breastfeeding before we were even wheeled out of theatre and I held her the entire time we were wheeled to the recovery ward. Not once was she taken from me.

Oh and my husband was able to take photos in theatre and we even have some of her being taken out of me and still attached by the cord.

X

 

[Sunseal]

Sounds like you ladies have had wonderful experiences either way.

I have a feeling that I am going to try for a VBAC, I am young, healthy, etc, so I can't see any reason why, with a bit of hard work, I can't get this baby out myself.
I will ask that rather than be induced, I would prefer to have a Csec. So maybe get one booked in for a couple of weeks after my due date incase I go that far.
And also I think I will just specify that I don't want any messing around, as soon as midwives of doctors or whatever start thinking "Oh.. that's not good.." then I wanna be taken down asap!

Of course, I'll probably have changed my mind by tomorrow!!

 

[hopefulfor1st]

I'm going for an elective.
My doc said risk of uterine rupture is 1/200 and even rarer if a large rupture baby can end outside of uterus and will die before they can cs.
While the risks are small, it's not something I'm willing to risk for my comfort

 

[xxxLeoxxx]

I'm going for an elective.
My doc said risk of uterine rupture is 1/200 and even rarer if a large rupture baby can end outside of uterus and will die before they can cs.
While the risks are small, it's not something I'm willing to risk for my comfort

I am leaning towards vbac but only because I don't know how else I'll care for DS1 in the first couple of weeks - certainly not for my comfort!

I found standing up very painful and moving about took ages but as it was my first so I could just lay down all day as all he wanted to do was breastfeed anyway. I can't imagine physically being able to chase after a crazy 18 month old straight after a caesarean.

 

[momof2tobe]

Hopefulfor1st:
The risk of rapture is more like 1 in 2000 not 1 in 200, which is actually a smaller risk than all the complications that are possible with a repeated c section. According to my research, vbac is safer than repeated c section.

 

[applelova911]

I had a VBAC going on 4 years ago and am currently pregnant again and also hope to have another VBAC. My VBAC was an amazing experience. I feel if you trust your doctor enough that they would know whether or not the VBAC would be a success then I would go for it. The experience is amazing just being hands-on involved with your child-birth is priceless. I didn't have any complications at all with my VBAC. I am currently in the process of changing doctors (not the same as my VBAC but the same docs as my C-section) because I was just told that the hospital that they're affiliated with does not allow VBACs. Good luck with your decision but I think you should give it a try.

 

[DocMcStuffins]

Sounds like you ladies have had wonderful experiences either way.

I have a feeling that I am going to try for a VBAC, I am young, healthy, etc, so I can't see any reason why, with a bit of hard work, I can't get this baby out myself.
I will ask that rather than be induced, I would prefer to have a Csec. So maybe get one booked in for a couple of weeks after my due date incase I go that far.
And also I think I will just specify that I don't want any messing around, as soon as midwives of doctors or whatever start thinking "Oh.. that's not good.." then I wanna be taken down asap!

Of course, I'll probably have changed my mind by tomorrow!!

They won't allow you to be induced anyway do you don't have to worry about that.

My consultant both times has said that they would only allow me to labour for so long (with constant monitoring) before they would intervene and take me down for a c section.

An induction and the 'forced' contractions puts too much pressure on the scar and increases the risk of a rupture so they will not allow an induction in the case where someone has had a c section.

X

 

[DocMcStuffins]

I'm going for an elective.
My doc said risk of uterine rupture is 1/200 and even rarer if a large rupture baby can end outside of uterus and will die before they can cs.
While the risks are small, it's not something I'm willing to risk for my comfort

I am leaning towards vbac but only because I don't know how else I'll care for DS1 in the first couple of weeks - certainly not for my comfort!

I found standing up very painful and moving about took ages but as it was my first so I could just lay down all day as all he wanted to do was breastfeed anyway. I can't imagine physically being able to chase after a crazy 18 month old straight after a caesarean.

I think I must be very lucky with my recoveries! I was up and about without any pain relief the very next day and had a very active 19 month old to look after at the same time. 2 days after my c section we went to the local shopping centre and to the beach for a day out!

Hopefully I'll be just as lucky this time! Lol

X

 

[Dragonfly]

My first labour was same as yours. Induction and then emergency c section. I had 2 vbacs after. Not a problem. I got a doula last time. Hospital promote natural birth here so they raised no problems either.

 

[xxxLeoxxx]

I'm going for an elective.
My doc said risk of uterine rupture is 1/200 and even rarer if a large rupture baby can end outside of uterus and will die before they can cs.
While the risks are small, it's not something I'm willing to risk for my comfort

I am leaning towards vbac but only because I don't know how else I'll care for DS1 in the first couple of weeks - certainly not for my comfort!

I found standing up very painful and moving about took ages but as it was my first so I could just lay down all day as all he wanted to do was breastfeed anyway. I can't imagine physically being able to chase after a crazy 18 month old straight after a caesarean.

I think I must be very lucky with my recoveries! I was up and about without any pain relief the very next day and had a very active 19 month old to look after at the same time. 2 days after my c section we went to the local shopping centre and to the beach for a day out!

Hopefully I'll be just as lucky this time! Lol

X

Maybe I'm just a wimp lol! Although I was up the same day to be fair, just very slowly and very painfully x

 

[Sunseal]

My recovery after my last csection was amazing, when the nurses were coming round routinely with their medicine tray thing asking if I wanted any painkillers the answer was always no. I just didn't need them. I put it down to still being a bit traumatised at the time but I've always recovered well from operations (had my gallbladder out through keyhole 5 or so years ago and I got home a few hours later and didn't feel a thing).
I am worried about the recovery if I have a csection this time though, purely as I have a 3 year old to run around after and a lot going on (his pre school, other commitments etc).
However, I am also worried about uterine rupture if I go for a VBAC! Are the midwives able to see/tell if the scar is under a little too much pressure before it goes, or does it literally just go? As long as they can keep an eye and if it looks like it's starting to get a bit iffy, they can take me down, I'll feel much better!
I guess the problem is if I'm literally giving birth at the time.. head is crowning etc.. then they can't take me down.
Oh dear :/