C-section help!

[crissynf]

Hi, On dec 17 2006, I delivered by c-section and then again on may 14th 2008, also by c-section. The first c-section was an emergency section after 23 hours of labor, because my water broke and labor had only progressed to 2cms. While delivering I hemorrhaged, and then went into shock. I received a blood transfusion, and felt ok to leave after 6 days. With the second it was planned and there were no complications. I am now expecting again, and am wondering if my previous hemorrhage puts me at risk to hemorrhage again? I was considering vbac, but am unsure about the risk factors or if the first c-section puts me at risk for it to happen again? I am really scared and not sure what to do! I felt like I was close to death with my first c-section, it was really scary.

[Gina04]

Try asking him for a handout regarding VBACs and also one on having multiple C-sections.  He may rush you in and out and not really discuss these things but it would be good if you could read the handouts on your own time and then tell him what you want to do.  If he has a problem with what you want, he may discuss the risks with you at that time.

[crissynf]

thanks so much both of you for replying! I have never been given the reason i had hemorrhaged by my doctor, I have read that being induced, prolonged labor and emergency c-sections increase the risks of hemorrhage. (all of these were factors in my  first c-section) Gina04, I have thought about the planned c-section because i feel there would be more risk if I had to have emergency section again especially this being my third c-section. Clysta i have also read the new studies thats what is kind of motivating me to go for a vbac even the numbers after 2 sections are high... ahh just so confused and scared, i just want to do what is best for me and my family, but not sure what that is! my doctor is way overbooked and its always rush in and rush out, there isn't much time to talk to him about risk factors.. etc..

[Clysta]

C-Section carries a lot of risks on it's own. Especially having repeat c-sections. ACOG just released new VBAC guidelines that you should check out. Around 60-80% of women who try VBAC do it successfully and with no issues. When you hemorrhaged, was it due to the vaginal delivery, or did it happen during your C-Section. That would need to be something that would need to be considered in whatever choice you make.

[Gina04]

I understand the desire for a VBAC.  I went through 18 hours of labor and then had to have a C-section.  I thought about a VBAC for my second child but my doctor said I would have to find another doctor if I wanted to do that.  She does not do them.  I opted for the scheduled C=section instead.  It's possible that your hemorrhage was due to something that is no longer an issue.  However, it is also possible that whatever caused it would still be a factor with this delivery and you would experience this again.  The VBAC has risks of its own.  Adding those risks on top of the risks you have based on past deliveries would probably not be a good idea.  You should probably just stick with a scheduled C-section again.