Elective c-section vs VBAC?

[notmuchofaclue]

I'm pregnant with my 2nd, only 5 weeks so v early days but have started thinking about the birth. Had an emergency c-section with my first, after being induced due to high blood pressure (7 days past due date) and foetal distress after about 7 or 8 hours of fairly full on labour. I was an absolute train wreck as I had to stay on labour ward the night before being induced and dd wasn't born until 3am the next night. Then spent 3 more nights on the Ward which I found a really awful experience. I wasn't even sure I wanted a 2nd because of the whole process (still not certain, too late now though!) and DH was pretty traumatised by everything he saw. I am worried about the risks of another c-section but I think I am a lot more worried about that whole process playing out again if I attempted a VBAC, which it could very well do as I am likely to have BP problems again (family history). Can I ask what other people who have had a c-section before are planning this time around? What are your thoughts and feelings on it all?

[LittleMisslikestobebythesea]

I had a vbac but it was for a different reason.

I asked my consultant (consultant led due to precious section) what the best option for me was, and that helped me make my decision.

I think its worth you asking the likelihood of the same thing happening again.

A big part of my decision was that there is a 20 month gap between my children, and I worried if I had a section I would struggle with lifting etc.

[rocketjam]

I opted for a vbac, but I didn't want to go too much over my due date (very similar situation to yours OP) so they provisionally booked me in for a c section just two days after due date. I didn't want to be induced either.

However, I did go up to the c section date, but I started contraction that same morning and was 4 cm dilated when I got to hospital! I went through labour and when I got to ten cm same as before, couldn't push him out and foetal distress so I had a second emergency c section, but it was so much easier than the first one.

I would go for an elective c section if I'd have to do it again, but idon't regret one bit having gone through labour. It was much easier than 1st time around. Better recovery from c section as well. I think that I went over due date by too many days (14 days) for first labour and it was so hard physically. I couldn't sleep, move, breath properly.

The thing is, if you go for a vbac, you will be closely monitored and can change your mind later on. My hospital was very flexible and let me choose and supported my decision.

[notmuchofaclue]

I'd heard somewhere that they don't want to induce you if you've previously had a c-section, something to do with risk of rupturing the car? Is that right?

[notmuchofaclue]

rocketjam my fear is going through the same thing twice but it's good to hear you still don't regret giving it a go. I also hadn't thought about being able to change my mind. I'm almost gearing up to have a fight on my hands if I want to go elective, has anyone had that experience?

[HappyAsASandboy]

I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and discussing VBAC vs ELCS with my consultant (first ELCS due to twins).

My consultant says they will induce if necessary, though everything is done conservatively. So they'll try one pessary instead of three spaced ones, and won't artificially rupture membranes. Will give a certain dose of syntocin (?) but not increase the dose or give it a very long time to work etc. She said they'd monitor each step of an induction, continuously reviewing whether it is best to try something else or to go to a CS (which would technically be an emergency CS as unplanned, but not an 'emergency' in the true sense of the word).

My inclination is to plan for a second CS. If I can get an ELCS date booked, then I can see how I feel at that point; I can always opt to labour if I go into labour. I reckon it'd be far easier to change the plan from ELCS to labour (ie don't sign the forms!) than to try and request a CS at a late stage ....

[jaykay34]

I have just had a VBAC and found it a really euphoric and positive experience. There was a bit of drama at the end of the birth with my son's heart rate dropping and I had to push him out very quickly but he came out fine.

Everybody is different and all I can suggest is looking at the reasons your last birth ended in caesarian and measuring if it will happen again.

Good luck with it all !! xx

[LBNM19]

Hi I had an emergency c section with my first, I've chosen to have a ELCS this time I'm booked in at 39 weeks. Only 2 weeks to go. Scared but think I've made the right choice xx

[Fixerupperz]

I had an EMCS with dd1 and opted Vbac all the way through pregnancy of dd2 until 39 weeks, being so uncomfortable in slowwww labour and i just said i cant do this anymore, so after a very brief chat with my consultant i had her 2 days later through ELCS and it was amazing, i felt very much in control, everything went smooth and no panic and I would do it again in a heartbeat
Good luck with wherever this pregnancy takes you OP

[notjustamummythankyou]

I had unintentional vbac!

I had very high blood pressure with dc1 and had an emergency cs with him.

I was over 40 by the time dc2 came along. It seemed that if x, y or z happened they would do an emergency cs. There were just so many potential factors leading to a cs that I decided to cut to the chase and opt for an elective. I felt it was some how maintaining a bit of control!

Dc2 had other ideas, however. Eight days early, my waters broke and she arrived 90 minutes later and just 30 minutes after arriving at hospital. It was a bit of a shock and I took a couple of days to get my head round it all. However, in hindsight it was a fantastic experience! I'm pleased it happened the way it did.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[notjustamummythankyou]

By the way, when I said I wanted an elective, I didn't have to fight for it at all, even though I was expecting to.

I did make it clear exactly why I wanted one though even though there was no time for it in the end! Strangely, the midwife who I talked to about the elcs delivered my baby ...

[HopefulHamster]

I had EMCS with my son four years ago and am having an ELCS tomorrow (eeep!).

I went through it over and over but for me emotional reasons led the way - I was prepared for anything in labour except the c-section and though I know this IS NOT true, I felt like a failure for not managing to do it. I'd happily have a nice natural labour but didn't want to attempt VBAC and 'fail'. Very silly but there you go. Also I had other concerns that medical professionals didn't necessarily share (my body didn't get beyond 5cm last time, it's an IVF pregnancy and I didn't want to go too far overdue), which meant an ELCS was my preferred option.

I'm still bricking it, don't get me wrong. Who wants an operation? But for peace of mind it's what's right for me.

[Pinkie2103]

I had an EMCS with my son almost 3.5 years ago and am planning a home VBAC this time (due in 4 weeks)

I have spent a lot of time researching it (there is an absolutely amazing FB group with a lot of great advice - VBAC Support Group UK) and I have hired a Doula. I know a VBAC is not for everyone but its really worth looking into it a bit further to make an educated decision

Having said that I have written up a (very basic) birth plan for hospital and for a repeat caesarean if I need one. My consultant is happy to wait till 40 weeks before even talking about induction although at my hospital they only use the foley catheter.