ELCS after first section for breech- any experience?

[pinkpolkadot]

Hi all,

I'm more of a luker than a poster but not been able to find any posts about this so thought I would take the plunge.

Had ds 2.6 years ago via elcs for breech after failed evc. Experience was great and apart from scar rupture and infection at 10 weeks pp it was a totally positive experience.

I'm now 36 weeks pregnant with dc 2 and got consultant appt tom to discuss birth. This is the first contact I have had with any consultant at all this pregnancy and have basically just been left to it! Had a so called vbac clinic appt at about 15 weeks with a midwife who essentially just told me about the hospial policy of vbac, continual monitoring etc, no water labouribg and time restrictions before saying 'you'll be fine' and writing 'happy for vbac' in my notes. To be honest it was a bit of a blur and I had no time to digest anything or ask many questions.

Fast forward to now snd I have been doing a lot of thinking about the birth, a vbac v another elcs and also what tomorrow will hold. Basically I'm just wondering if anyone else has recently been in this boar? Did you get a choice at your appt about vbac or elcs and what did you do? I know all the risks of both and still have mo idea. I guess I'm stressing at the thought of a potentially difficult snd managed vbac that could result in tears etc but also know from experience how hard an elcs can be, especially with a toddler..

Sorry for the ramble!

I know everyone is different but I had ELCS with a 15 month old at home and it really was OK even though hubby went back to work within a week. You can plan ahead to avoid lifting more than is absolutely necessary and get shopping delivered & help with housework.

I had a vbac 2 years ago following a cs for breech and it was brilliant. My ds ended up going 10 days late and I had booked in for an ELCS but went into labour naturally that morning. Despite some minor tearing I felt much so better than after my cs. I ended up delivering after continual monitoring and an epidural lying flat on my back but it was amazing. The cs had just left me flat and sore afterwards but after my vbac i was buzzing and on a high for months. I know that everyone has a different experience but I would always recommend a vbac after my fab one.

Thanks for all your replies, I appreciate it. I know it's a personal decision but one I have been agonising over! Will see how it goes tomorrow. Thanks again

pinkpolkadot, I'd love to know what they say at your appointment as I'm in the same boat myself. Am due end of May and not seeing consultant till March.

Well it wasn't so much a discussion at the appt more like the consultant telling me I was having a vbac. He said that this particular trust removed maternal choice for elcs 3 months ago and now I had to vbac unless I had a request for medical reasons. If I did then my request would go to a meeting of 5 consultants and if 3 agreed I could have it. He went on to say that of course they wouldn't agree in this case as no medical reason so he wouldn't do a request!

To be honest it was a bit of a shock and the consultant didn't really let me talk, just sort of told me that was that and he would see me at 40+10 for induction If still no labour. Did manage to fight my corner re dome aspects of vbac though and got him to agree to me having a water birth if I went into labour naturally and that went into my notes so a bit of good news.

Am just thinking positive now and mentally preparing myself for a good easy birth! Hope you get the outcome you want

I had an em lscs for fetal distress and this time 2 1/2 years on i planned a vbac. I have a dodgy history of an APH in pregnancy 1 and then problems with 2.. however my consultant was very happy to try a vbac. I also asked about monitoring and was told that the policy states that you are continuosly monitored... but it is still my choice.. i would have opted for every 30mins in the hour so i could mobilise.. my consultant was happy with that. I was also told that they wouldnt induce me and wouldnt be able to go more than 1 weeks over dates as *3 is another big baby. However all that said and planned at 36 weeks this bub is breech and has been since 25 weeks so i am now having an elecive cs as the risks in doing an ECV are too high. Howver one more bub planned afer this one and i will still aim for one less cs!

i am amazed they will induce you.... so i wouldnt be happy with that! I think they can use scynto but not the gel. i cannot remember the odds but i think it is like a 2% increased risk of uterine rupure to to hyperstimulation. I luckily dont live in the UK! and have had the choice of an elscs all the way along. I didnt think they could force a vbac... that scares me..

What trust are you in, if you don't mind me asking?

I have an appt with a consultant to discuss this exact thing in a month or so and really hope that maternal choice has not been removed in my trust!

Central Beds so perhaps will be diff where you are? I'm also surprised re the induction but he said they don't use as many pessaries as they would for a non vbac so as to reduce risk of rupture.

I know lots of people say you have to be positive to get the best chances of a vbac so I'm really focusing on that now rather than my previous negative thoughts-I'm seeing a quick medical intervention free water birth following a spontaneous labour at 39 weeks!! If I keep telling myself that surely that is what will happen..??!!

pinkpolkadot - My VBAC experience was an hour and a half labour at 37 weeks with ds.

HTH

Thanks pinkjenny- that is just what I want to hear!! Mine will be the same!