Anyone know the percentage of women who have CS with second child if they've has CS with first?

[Slinkysista]

I had a section with my son who is now three and I am pregnant again. I am happy but am worried about the birth. Does anyone know if you are automatically offered a section with a second child if you have had one with your first?

[lollystix]

You're not automatically offered one now. They are much more pro vbac however thing depends on your hospital region, your consultant, your previous birth experience and also what you want. I've had 2 successful vbacs after dreadful 1st birth - can highly recommend. However with 2nd I know if I'd wanted a section I could of had one (3 years ago).

[blueshoes]

I wanted a second cs. My hospital required me to attend a session with a senior midwife to assess my chances of a successful VBAC and to highlight the risks of another cs, so I can make an informed decision. They were clearly pushing for VBAC, but I asked lots of questions and queried their stats of successful VBAC.

In the end, they could not guarantee the birth would not end up as instrumental delivery or emcs. So I got my elective cs. Bliss.

[Slinkysista]

Blushoes
Excuse my ignorance but what's an instrumental birth?
What sorts of questions did you ask?
I really want a CS, I am so worried that they will refuse.
It's clouding what should be a joyful time for me.

[blueshoes]

instrumental is forceps or ventouse.

My main question was what is the risk of a VBAC ending up in a third or 4th degree tear.

[Slinkysista]

Thanks Blueshoes, will remember to ask that!

[acatcalledfelix]

I had an EMCS with my first and have requested an ELCS this time. I'm now 35 weeks, and so far noone has questioned my choice at all and I'm expecting to be given a date next week. I'm actually quite surprised at how easy it's been, but I'm not complaining. In my mind a VBAC will always carry risks and it should be your choice as to whether you're happy to deal with those risks or not. I don't see how they could make you, though would expect most areas to have a good go at trying to get you to.

Good luck

[phdlife]

there's a LOT of info out there - I wanted a vbac and spent a lot of evenings researching - they have to inform you of the risks of vbac. Here (I am not in UK) it was then up to me whether I accepted those risks or not. What the risks are depends a lot on why you had the first cs so it will help if you do a bit of research and know your own position well before you get into discussions. hth