VBAC vs. ELCS - and what now?

[Threelittleducks]

Sooo...

After weeks of being really upbeat about ELCS and being really pleased that consultants didn't even bat an eye when I requested one (due to a myriad of reasons for having emcs last time - 30 hour labour, baby never engaged, fetal distress, high bp for me, mild pre-eclampsia et etc), I was really looking forward to my 34 week appointment with him to confirm elcs dates.

It just made so much sense to me - avoid all the problems of last time and dealing with something I've already had experience of.

So I go to midwife today, expecting to be huge. 2 weeks ago bub was measuring 3 weeks bigger than he should have been - I felt justified in elcs choice. But today, bub measuring bang on his dates - which either means that they have measured him wrong 1st or 2nd time, or he has evened out in his growth, or has stopped growing (what do they do then?? They were quite sketchy about this!??)

I know there is nothing that can be even considered until they check growth again in 2 weeks time. I know.

But....hypothetically....

...say baby is average size (unlike monster I grew last time)??

Will consultant laugh in my face now if I ask for ELCS? WHat if he refuses it now? Can he take offer back?

What if I take ELCS and could have had baby via VBAC successfully?? So far I have not had any of the problems I had last time (although spd instead - so thank goodness for that!)

Hmmm...

Obviously there's no crystal ball to see into the future (if only), but, well, what would you do??

I know it's early days (I am only 28 weeks), but I really am struggling with this concept and really don't want another emcs after a trial of labour.

I was sort of where you are when I was having ds. There was no way I was going to have a vaginal birth no matter what! And it was easily agreed to, although this was 8.5 years ago!

My next pg, I was adament I was having a VBAC. I did loads of research and reading, found out my rights and acknowledged but refused the consultants "suggestions" of things like continuous monitoring, etc,e tc.

But at the end of the day, you have to go with what is in your heart. Will you feel disappointed if you don't try for a vbac? Will you have another/more children?

I think you need to decide what you want and focus on that./ Obviously you won't be able to do anything if you go for a vbac and end up with a elcs, but at least you'll have tried.

Plus, if you want a vbac you can do things to help prepare for it and hopefully make it easier.

Good luck!