Please help - VBAC after ELCS

[HavingAnOffDAy]

Hi

I'd really welcome opinions on my 'predicament' from some straight talkers please!

I had an ELCS 4 years ago as DC1 was breech.

I'm now 35 weeks pregnant with DC2 & really unsure as to what my preferred delivery method would be, and even what my options are.

Due to my ELCS I was referred to a consultant at 16 weeks into this PG, to discuss my mode of delivery.

The consultant I saw told me there was nothing in my notes to contraindicate a VBAC this time - there was not biological reason for DD to be breech. He went on to briefly outline the risks associated with an repeat ELCS before writing in my notes that I'd like to try for VBAC with an ELCS if I've not delivered by 41 weeks.

I felt a bit rail roaded by this, and TBH I'm getting more & more anxious. I just keep hoping to go over my dates & get the ELCS!

I started with SPD/PGP at 29 weeks and though I am mobile without crutches I am in pain when walking/witting/lying etc.

I'm really nevous about how I'll cope in labour, and also what my chances are of a successful VBAC given that I haven't laboured before

I saw my midwife yesterday & she made me feel a bit better about the VBAC but I spoke to a different one last night & she asked if I was OK with the choice, whether I had a follow up appointment with the consultant, if I'd had various RCOG guidelines given to me.

I've had none of this & really feel like I've had any option of a repeat ELCS taken away from me.

Should I just grow up & get on with the VBAC (assuming I go into labour) or ask to see my consultant again & push for an ELCS?

Do exactly what YOU really want to do. Don't be railroaded by anyone one here or your midwife or your consultant, however, his experiences will lead him to advise you to do what he feels is best for you. Speak to your GP and explain how nervous you are. Talking about it may help. I had two emergency CS due to having very large babies so I can understand you being nervous about being forced into a VBAC. I was very anxious about that too. What I would say is that first time mums or second time mums are all nervous about VBAC, perfectly normal to be nervous. I would also just add that trying to look after a toddler when you have had a CS can be tough without help due to limited mobility in the first few weeks - or it was for me. Hope all goes well :)

Congratulations on your pg. I think you need to explore your reasons for wanting a vbac or elcs and the pros and cons of both to help you make an informed choice. I recently had a successful vbac and for me, it was a fab experience - but I was very clear that this was my preference all along (slightly different to your scenario as I had an emcs after failed induction first time round). Good luck with whatever you decide.

RCOG info

I asked for an ELCS for 2nd baby after my first birth ended in a crash section under GA, they were very unwilling and horrible.

To cut a long story short, I chose a homebirth in the end and wrote a very bolshy firm birth plan which basically said - if this baby is not coming out normally you will do a section and don't fuck about.

I 'failed to progress', they tried to persuade me to have an epidural and have my waters broken, I said no.(Basically they had to do a section as I was FTP and I wouldn't agree to anything else but a section - I even refused pethidine until I had signed the consent form but they did try very hard to bully me.)

I had a CS under spinal, it was lovely in comparison to the first one. I don't regret trying at all - baby was born when ready and I gave labour a very good try - my only priority was ensuring I didn't end up with another horrible scary CS.

I still think they were a bunch of twunts for not kindly offering me an elective though, TBH. Considering the first time was partly their fault and partly bad luck

You cannot force them to offer a CS, but you can refuse any intervention you are not happy with. In my case, I was not willing to have a VBAC in that hospital frankly.

Plenty of time to decide yet. I would recommed asking to see their VBAC policy too - see how they would want to manage you - ie one to one care or strap on a monitor and leave you to it. Can you use the pool? Will they want you to have a cannula? Will they set a time limit for labour?

Be aware their policy if for their staff though - you are not their staff and don't have to adhere to/consent to any of it if you don't want to.

Do have a look at the Yahoo VBAC/HBAC group if you are thinking about a VBAC though, they are awesome

Thanks everyone for your replies...at the moment I'm swinging between the two options, some days I feel like there's no reason not to go for VBAC, other days I just want to go with what I know & really push for the ELCS.

Loopysmummy - do you have a link for the yahoo group?

Moaning - some food for thought in your post - I may become V stubborn in labour!

HAOD I'd just add that no matter what the hospital's vbac policy/protocol is you still have the right to express your preference about everything (eg if their policy is CFM, you don't have to agree to it)

I had an emergency section with DC1 but hadn't gone into labour.

With my second pregnancy I was booked for a section at 40 + 5 days but didn't want it. A consultant I had never seen quoted statistics at me and scared me into it. I later saw my consultant and he said if I didn't want a section, not to have one. I had my daughter vaginally but ended up in theatre with a retained placenta. Apparently a retained placenta is likely after a previous section.

With my last baby I had a normal delivery but wasn't in a good way. Baby wasn't breathing properly and my scar was close to rupture. I put a bit more weight on with this pregnancy but other than that I have no idea why this labour was so precarious when the previous one had gone relatively well.

It is due to my having an emergency section with dc1 and then the risk with my last one that I can't have any more babies now as it is too risky.

I wish you luck.