C sections

[Donneloopyloo]

I have recently found out I am pregnant so not even booked in to the midwife but already concerned as I have read that once you have a c section then you are likely to need one for the next pregnancy? I carried twins last time and had a difficult pregnancy. Could anyone tell me if what I have read is true or if it's in exceptions? Worried as I have two disabled children (toddlers) so would find it difficult if I'm off my feet for weeks after giving birth by c section. Thanks :-)

[MummyPiggy87]

It's depends on the situation last time, were there complications in your pregnancy or with the babies that the doctors knew about before they were born, hence giving you a csection?

I had a normal pregnancy and got to 40 weeks on the dot, but ended up having an emergency csection, I'm now 22 weeks with dc2 and the doctors are asking me what I would prefer to do this time and actually swaying towards me having a natural labour. So it's usually your choice depending on the reasons you had one last time.x

[mygreeneyedboy]

I've had this conversation with my aunt a midwife. VBACs are becoming more and more common, she is expecting that soon enough VBACs will be allowed water births and even maybe home births. Although this is future talk.

I'm expecting DC2, after a previous c sec. But baby will be born in another country where they very much frown upon c secs. So I will be very pressured to have a VBAC - however in the UK I'm sure as long as a consultant approves it, you'll be allowed to try for a VBAC.

[RhiannonElward]

I'm 28 weeks with DC3 and going for a vba2c, a vaginal birth after two sections. While it has been more common for women to be encouraged to vbac that isn't the case in all hospitals and my consultants weren't particularly keen despite evidence that it's perfectly safe. I was referred to a birth choices clinic and given loads of information and then made my choice. I do feel though that if I hadn't researched the subject before I got to the consultant she'd have scared me off the idea.

Be prepared to put your case forward is basically what I'm trying to say, and educate yourself beforehand if you can. I can help with links to info and there's a VBAC support group on Facebook I can apply for you to join if you like.

[Donneloopyloo]

Thank you all so much, I'd much prefer to try and have a natural birth..the only reason I had to have c section last time was because one of our Twins had lost most of the amniotic fluid but apart from that I had a healthy pregnancy :-) and yes please Rhiannon I would appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.

[RhiannonElward]

Happy to help however I can but tbh you're a much better candidate for a vbac than me if that's the only complication with your last pregnancy. You shouldn't have much trouble persuading your consultant at all.

The RCOG green top guidelines are good, I'll get you a link to that just as soon as I figure out posting links on the app. I'll pm you about the Facebook group too

[Donneloopyloo]

Brilliant thank you...it has put my mind at ease knowing a section won't be my only option :-)

[dashoflime]

Hi OP.
I had a section in my first pregnancy. For pregnancy no.2, the only thing off the table was induction. This was because inducing labour comes with a risk of opening up the scar tissue.
The plan suggested to me was to go for a vaginal birth and only do a c-section if overdue. (so substituting the c-section for an induction).
At 40 weeks we discussed options and agreed to a C-section at 41 weeks if labour hadn't started.
They would have been open to leaving it till 42 weeks if I'd wanted that.
Good luck with your pregnancy.

[Donneloopyloo]

Thank you :-)