40 week VBAC panic - induction and augmentation

[JHelenA]

Hi all,

I know there are loads of VBAC threads, but I'm struggling to discern the info I'm looking for in my pregnancy haze.

I'm 40 weeks and aiming for a VBAC. I've been totally comfortable with the idea throughout pregnancy but am now starting to wobble.

First labour resulted in 'emergency' section. I went into spontaneous labour at 38.4, but had v slow latent phase (baby was OP). Got to fully dilated (by midwife estimation) and 9cm by Dr. Not totally sure why ended in section, although by that stage I couldn't see another option so it wasn't undertaken reluctantly.

I don't have any sign that baby will arrive any time soon and have hospital appt on the 10th at which will be given a sweep. I'm not clear what the options are for bringing on labour, or speeding it up if things are slow, in terms of a VBAC. So:

• After the first sweep at 40 +5 what is likely to be offered next. Any pros/cons?

• Can I ask for 2nd sweep and is this worth it?

• If labour starts but is slow for some reason what options am I likely to be given? I'm not clear on syntocin etc.

I'm very keen to avoid being medically induced and might actually prefer elective section in those circs.

Any other tips for dealing with the communication between us/midwife/dr would also be appreciated.

With lots of thanks in advance. xxx

I would suggest that you get hold of a midwife at the place where you are planning to deliver asap and get them to go through a birthplan with you, and perhaps go through your previous birth. You will need a consultant to agree to an elective c-sect so if you want that option you will need to try and see one asap too.

You have more chance of being taken seriously before you go into labour and will be able to make more rational decisions yourself too. Different hospitals have different policy on induction/sweeps etc so worth finding out what their policy is.

In my expereince jumping up and down and being persistent usually works so I would make some calls tomorrow and politely remain on the phone until someone will see you

I agree with Hevster. I am in a similar situation re: fearing induction, not being clear on Syntocin, etc, but am 33 weeks and planning on writing to the consultant mw whom I met with a while back, and getting her to clarify things. I have also decided I would rather an elective to being induced and possibly even to having Syntocin used, based on my previous labour. Each hospital seems to have different policies so you need to speak to someone tomorrow to have these questions answered so that you feel more relaxed about the whole thing. Have you written your birth plan? Good luck.

At your sweep there will be a dicussion about what happens next. A lot of it will depend on local hospital guidelines and/or consultant preferences.

Usually they will discuss booking you in for CS at 42 weeks ish. Prior to that if you go into spon lab then then great, treat as VBAC.

If your cervix is favourable then they may suggest attempting to induce you at 40+12ish by breaking the waters, leaving you two hours and if no contractions then for CS.

Occasionally some consultants will use a small amount of syntocinon on a VBAC. However, usually synto is NOT used with VBACs. If you are not progressing then they will move to CS.

Thanks all. I've put together my list of additional questions for my appt on fri. I did have a vbac meeting at 26 weeks but the thought of being induced was way 2 far off. Feeling a little more settled so will see what happens on fri. Good luck 2 u all x