VBAC Question

[MrsOCD]

Due in 3 weeks,had to have an emer c-section 2 years ago but all seems fine now for a "normal" birth.

Ive yet to have an in-depth chat with mw about exactly what happens during labour but she did mention that the baby will be monitored so my movement will be restricted. She also said that an epidural is not really recommended as they will need to know if something untoward happens with the internal scarring i.e. rupturing. The thought of having to lie in one position whilst in pain sounds awful.

Having never actually "given birth" before, I'm actually more scared of it this time round than I was with the first one.

Be interested to hear about anyone's vbac stories, both positive and negative.

[PuzzleRocks]

Bumping for you.

[surprisenumber3]

hiya - I had a lovely VBAC

I had to go in as soon as labour started (although I would have to have anyway as labour started with waters breaking and there was meconium in them). I had to have the cannula in straight away as a precaution and then was monitored. While I was labouring I was allowed to walk around, have a bath etc, the midwife just called me periodically to have checks done which involved listening to babies heart beat until the midwife was happy I could go again!

I dilated very slowly so was put on a drip to speed things up. Things got very painful here and I asked for an epidural, which was agreed. I didn't have one in the end though as things started moving very quickly at this point so I changed my mind

He was born after 9 hours of labour (not bad seeing as I'd never been in labour before - DC1 was a planned caesarean due to other problems). No stitches, no tearing and a very happy mummy!

Am due again in 12 weeks and am desperately wanting another similar birth!!

Good luck!

[mrsfossil]

I had very similar experience to you and i'm due a vbac in 11 weeks. I have been told that they won't induce me but i might be able to have a low dose drip in to speed things up although thats up to consultant. I was also told about the continuos montoring but was concerned about lying down for ages. With ds i had epidural so lay down for ages and i'm convinced that this lead to my section because of failure to progress and fetal distress. So i spoke to mw about this and she said to ask to be seated not always lyning flat for the monitoring and insist that they let me move around inbetween.

Talk to your mw about your concerns mine was very sympathetic and reasuring

good luck

[NewApprehensiveBeginning]

I had 2 VBACS.

As soon as I started pushing with the first one I was put on a monitor. Both times I gave birth on my hands and knees. I held on to the pillow end of the bed and pushed the baby out on to the bed.

The first one was great the second much more hairy.

I would rec they don't pull the cord when the baby has been delivered as a retained placenta is a potential risk after a section. I had it with the first VBAC but not the second time.

[Lulumama]

even if you do have constant monitoring, it is still possible to stand up , use a birth ball, and remain mobile to an extent, you can also go to the toilet a lot, for which you can be detached from the monitor

you can decline CFM, if you make an informed decision to do so,. and have intermittent monitoring.

you can also decide to stay at home as long as possible once contractions start and also your best chance starts with a spontaneous start to labour

have a search in the archives on here re VBAC and CFM and you should find links to some good research and websites

[MrsOCD]

Thanks all. Really helpful.