VBAC or another C-Section?????

[Irish741]

Hi ladies,

I had my first child in March 2009 via C-Section. We found out a week before his due date that he was breech and it was medically necessary for him to come out asap to avoid any serious issues. The c-section went well. I recovered great. We even left the hospital one day early becasue I was good to go. Now I am pregant again (due in May) and my OB said that no matter what I will be delivering this next baby via c-section....even if I go into labor before our scheduled date. I was a bit suprised to be stonewalled about the issue of a vbac but it sounds like there could be possible complications regarding the uterus rupturing due to the earlier scar. I am not sure how I feel about this issue because in my situation I can see the good and bad about having another c-section as well as a natural birth.

I am in my mid-30's, this will be my last child, I am healthy, exercise 3-4 days a week...so I think I would be a good candidate for a vbac????

So I am looking for any info/advise from moms who have had a c-section for their first delivery then went on to have a vbac. I also would like to hear from the moms who have had multiple c-sections. What info did your doctor give you and how did you choose the path you chose?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Irish741]

Wow! Thanks again for all your input. :)

I just got back from my monthly check up and talked to my doc about the repeat c-section. It looks like the hospital I am at has a procedure set in place not to do vbacs. At one time she worked at other hospitals where she preformed vbacs and said she has seen uterine rupture as well as smooth deliveries. She encouraged me to check out all my options, which would mean changing hospitals and doctors, before I make my decision. Honestly, if I had known this was a hospital "policy" I would have changed over before I got pregnant again. So now I am faced with looking into possibly another facillity. the two closets places are about 30 minutes, so not too bad.

So it looks like I need to do more research, weigh the pros and cons of every scenario and see what works best for our family and most of all the health of the baby.


Again, Thanks SOOOO much for your input and advise. You have really given me something to think about. :)

Happy Holidays to you all.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It typically IS less than 1 %, but a lot of doctors will hype it up just a little to 1-2% even though that's still a considerably low risk.  

A c-section is FAR riskier than a VBAC. There are higher risks of complications, infections, maternal and fetal distress.  It increases the infants risk of respiratory problems after birth.  Not to mention recovery time, ESPECIALLY if you already have a small child at home.  A Vaginal birth is almost always a quicker/easier recovery.  Even if you tear it's far better than a c/s.

Even if it IS going to be your last child *I* would opt for a VBAC as opposed to c-section.  The more times they cut through that scar tissue the higher your risk for scar tissue related complications.

Even though I recovered extremely fast from my c-section (I was walking around the hospital unassisted less than 24 hrs after it) I would NEVER trade the experience of a VBAC for an elective c-section.  

Vaginal birth is how God intended for women to give birth.  It's natural and our bodies are designed for doing so.  It's beneficial for the baby as well, during the birthing process the tightness of the birth canal helps to squeez any excess amniotic fluid out of the babys lungs as the baby moves through it.  During a c-section there is no way to mimick that action therefore the baby's lungs may retain some fluid causing respiratory issues and possibly making it necessary for the babys lungs to have to be suctioned.  

[30something13]

Isn't it a lesssthen 1% chance of uterine rupture? I thought that is what I read, not sure but think so.


GO VBAC!!!!

[julianovak]

Yes, I think outweighing the risks and benefits of each will ive you a clear picture. Even with the 1-2% risk of uterine rupture, a VBAC is much safer considering the risks with a C section.

[smjmekg]

OH! And LosingMyMindInGA is absolutely right, you have to sign consent forms for a c-section, NO ONE can make you have one, they have to have your permission first!

[smjmekg]

I JUST had a VBAC two weeks ago today. I had a c-section with my son July 2008, and delivered my baby girl vaginally Dec 7. If you want to try for a VBAC I would definitely try to find a dr in your area, I LOVED the experience, and if I have another baby am DEFINITELY having another VBAC.

I have to disagree with another poster, repeat c-sections are not necessarily "safer"...they're still major surgery, even if it is your last child, you don't have to have another c-section just because you did with your first. Just like yours, my son was breech as well, that was the ONLY reason I had a c-section, if it was the same reason for you, then I don't see why you can't have a VBAC. I've had two drs tell me as long as you wait at least a year from the last birth to get pregnant, and there were no complications then I was a good candidate for VBAC. I hope you get to attempt a VBAC, but if you can't a happy healthy baby is all that matters in the end.

[Irish741]

Thank you ladies for your responses. I appreciate hearing both sides of this issue.

Julianovak - I too am suprised that an option ther than a c-section is not available. I have an appointment tomorrow where I plan to ask many more questions about this issue. Maybe it is hospital policy or something and not really up to her. Either way I may have a decision to make very soon.

LosingMyMindinGA - Thank you for the website rec. I am happy to hear that you were able to go on to have 5 natural births after you c-section. It gives me hope. :)

Sweetpea03 - This is definitely our last child. I have my hands full at home with one right now so I may be crazy to have gone for a 2nd. ;) I commend those that have more than a couple. I don't know how they manage. :) I am nervous to do another c-section because I don't like surgery in the first place but I think, for me, the c-section made me feel distant from the birthing process. However, with DS I was not at all prepared. We were told on Monday he turned breech and needed to come out by the end of the week. I guess I just didn't have time to wrap my mind around everything. If I do decide to do another c-section I will have ample time to adjust...thankfully. For us the c-section does provide a great way to plan everything. We don't live near any family, some will have to fly out and drive about 4 hours. It will also be nice to have them here in plenty of time to watch our son while we deal with the birth. It also works good for my husband to plan his days off. On the other hand though in a pinch we do have people to rely on to watch our son and I would be home and up and around much more quickly. Watching a toddler and an infant must be difficult...augh! Decisions, decision.

Thanks again ladies for your input.

[sweetpea03]

If this will be your last child, I would say to go for the c-section on the matter of it being safer. Some have complications and others don't, but it all depends on the woman's body and everyone is different. It would be 'safer' to go for the c-section if you have had problems before. Though if you wanted to have a 3rd child, then I would say to go for vbac. Multiple c-sections are not the best, so if you want more children, then go that route.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I would definately suggest you find another doctor to consult with.  There is absolutely no need for you to have another c-section based on the information you provided.  My first was born via c-section due to breech presentation and oligohydramniosis (low fluid).  I have since had FIVE VBAC's without a single complication.  

Some doctors choose to only do repeat c-sections becuase of convenience and the cost of insurance for performing VBAC's.

Recently the ACOG released less restrictive guidelines for determining a patients risk factors for a VBAC.  LEGALLY no doctor or hospital can force you into a c-section regardless.  You ALWAYS have a right to refuse if you feel it is not medically necessary.

Google "ICAN online" and check out there website.  It's the international cesarean awareness network and they have some good info and statistics.  

Your risks of uterine rupture, if you had the low transverse incision, are less than 1-2%.  BEing as you healed so well and were released early that says your body handled it well.  

[julianovak]

Firstly, I would suggest finding a doctor who is willing to let you try VBAC if you really want to. "Uterine rupture" is a very small risk, they chalk it up to being a 50 -50 deal which it ISNT. I know my aunt had a VBAC only 12 months after her first child who was delivered by Csec. ITS YOUR CHOICE. Its up to you, No doctor can tell you what you are or arent capable of. Look into having a VBAC. Find a doctor who is willing to try- which most are I think.... Surprisingly this Doc doesnt even want to go there??? I think with how off he is with this whole situation maybe it is best "just because" to find a new OB gyn. GOOD LUCK!!!!