VBAC with other risk factors

[MumOfCheekyBoys]

Hello

Does anybody have any positive vbac stories or info on their decision making process? I'm specifically looking for anyone who had a successful vbac even though they had the other risk factors.

3.5 yrs ago I had an emergency c-section after 3 day induction that didn't work. I always thought I had a 'failed induction' but apparently it was a prolonged labour - they have no idea why. I had the drip on full whack but my body just could not get past 5cm dilation. I had weak uterine contractions. I've been cleared for vbac this time but then told that my high BMI (33) and previous prolonged labour will reduce my chances. They won't provide an individualised percentage chance of success, they just keep repeating the same 75% of vbac for uncomplicated pregnancies.

I'm 34 weeks and under obstetric care. I would love to go for a vbac but starting to wonder whether I'm aiming for something that is simply unachievable from the get go. Every time I discuss with midwife they just repeat that it's my choice. How can anybody make an informed decision of they don't actually give any information out!!??

I would just have another c-section. It's what I plan to do.

The way I see it, if you have a section, you have to live with a scar and a pouch. If you have a vaginal birth you have to live with the results of passing a baby through your fanjo, including possible tearing. I'd rather just one than both.

My eldest was 9 weeks early delivered by c section due to pre eclampsia. My youngest I attempted a vbac even though she was back to back. 2 day labour, attempted forceps and then a c section.

I'd always recommend a planned section now.

Good luck whatever you chose

You can google medical papers which will give you a more accurate percentage of success: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7233729/

From this it looks like obesity drops success rate to 54.6%. And prolonged labour as 50 - 67%? (Unsure on wording there). So combine those factors and it isn’t anything like as high as the overall success rate you have been quoted.

Thanks everyone! I am feeling swayed for a planned section now but just wanted to make sure it wasn't only based on the fear of the unknown!

DownWhichOfLate - thank you for the link. I've been googling some of these reports but couldn't find ones that were easy to read. This one seems a bit easier to decipher for a layperson.

I love the conclusion though, "So, concluding is important individualize the risk estimation for each patient in order to make the VBAC a safe choice." This is the exact opposite of what has been happening in any of my appointments.

It’s ridiculous! I think that, generally, you are more likely to have a vbac if your previous baby was the reason for a c section (breech etc) but if you were the reason for the c section (failure to dilate etc) you are more likely to need another c section.

Planned c sections are sooo much easier (and nicer!) than emergency c sections. Good luck!

To help balance it, I had a home VBAC (no3) after an emergency CS (no2). Baby 1 has been a home birth though, so I had that experience of labour. I did a LOT of research, I was comfortable with the risks and we had a lot of conversations, both as a couple and with midwives. It was the right thing for us. My EMCS was due to unknown footling breech though - so something that could easily be checked in advance in my next pregnancy with a scan at 38ish weeks.

I'd have a section. My second was a VBAC and didn't go well though all was well in end (FTP/induction/distress/forceps/damage). My third was an elective section. Wasn't doing that again. You could be fine. I have friends who had a positive experience but of my three the last was my best experience.

I had very similar risk factors, prolonged labour with DC1 and high BMI, I was going to go for VBAC but my waters broke and contractions never started, so I ended up having an ELCS (well semi planned anyway!). Prior to this my midwife had strongly advised me to go for a c section as she said based on what happened with DC1 it was likely to happen again and I’d end up suffering and have the same outcome. When my contractions didn’t start I decided to just go for a section as I could kind of see where it was going and wanted to take back control. I agree that it is a tough decision to have to make!

@EishetChayil

I would just have another c-section. It's what I plan to do.

The way I see it, if you have a section, you have to live with a scar and a pouch. If you have a vaginal birth you have to live with the results of passing a baby through your fanjo, including possible tearing. I'd rather just one than both.

This is the hazard. I did have a "sucessful" VBAC, but had injuries featuring a 3rd degree tear that aggravated my SPD. It was a slower and far more painful recovery than the EMCS (spontaneous labour, 40 hours of contractions, 2 hours of pushing a back to back baby).

Having come pretty close to VB first time my VBAC was about unfinished business and as I ended up ill with other complications, I didn't want to be as weak again with a toddler in the mix.

Once I got my head out of the baby bubble, a ELCS would have been the less unappealing option if I'd had a third.