Remind me why I chose VBAC? Too late to change?

[4pudding]

Having spent 5 days of the last week bedridden with piles, one day up & about to be woken up with more last night, and had a day of agony today, I am wondering why the bloody hell I chose VBAC! At least recovery after a CS you can get some decent painkillers.

Worried about how much longer the baby is going to take to get here and I'll be in pain, and about what labour will do to the piles too.

So sick of being so sore, so fed up of being in bed, so tired from not being able to sleep.

At least if I'd had the CS it would prob have been done last week!

Feeling very sorry for myself, as you can prob tell :(

Ushy, in response to this;

"So all the people posting and saying VBAC is wonderful are in the group who either had a successful VBAC or who really had a deep drive to try vaginal birth and did not have serious complications as a result of VBAC failure"

I would say you are making a sweeping generalisation here, and overlooking the fact that while you had an OK CS there may be women out there (like myself) who are pro-VBAC because they have had serious problems brought about by the CS itself. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a risk-free birth. VBACs carry a risk, and CS carries a risk. I did have a successful VBAC and think it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life but my main reason for attempting one was that I had experienced one of many things that can go wrong with a CS.

So yes, I am going to advise the OP to give serious consideration to a VBAC. She will not be guaranteed not to have a CS, but three quarters of all women attempting a VBAC will be successful, and many (but not all) of the women having a repeat section will state that even so, they were pleased they tried. If you look hard enough around MN you will find posts by women who have regretted opting for an ELCS too.

As I stated before - there are no 100% correct choices, only the best you can do given your circumstances. A repeat CS is a miserable thing, but a successful VBAC is just fabulous.

Backinthebox - I actually completely agree with you. There are risks on both sides although emergency caesarean carries MUCH higher risks than elective (planned caesarean) but certainly a successful VBAC can be very positive. It all depends on attitude to risk - and perhaps in the case of the OP how long you can stand chronic piles!

Perhaps where I would slightly disagree is that I don't think you can say 'a repeat CS is a miserable thing but a successful VBAC is fabulous'. Lots of women choose CS and are completely happy with the choice. Nor can you say a VBAC is always fabulous - can be but not always.

People just have to wiegh up the pros and cons. It will come down to what 'feels' right and that's a very personal decision.

4pudding how did you get on at your appointment today? I saw my midwife today too, I'm so disappointed - I was really hoping she'd do a sweep but she said she couldn't as I'm only 38 weeks. Also baby's head not engaged at all!!!

If I were to go into labour before monday (cs booked for then) then I wouldn't have to make the decision and would give a vbac a go. Doesn't look likely to happen though. I'm debating with myself whether to cancel Monday. I just really, really don't want to go over due.

Anyway, in response to your question, I went to the out of hours clinic which is in the hospital. I'm not sure if it was a GP or surgeon or what/who that actually did it, but I got sent up to the medical assessment unit. If you really are in a lot of pain (which it sounds like to me) perhaps just go to A&E, I know plenty of people that have gone for less! That way it will all get sorted quickly and you shouldn't have to wait for referrals etc etc.

Thank you all. Unfortunately missed my MW appt to spend all day in a&e, only to be told by surgeon they are not external piles but internal prolapsed and would need to be operated on under general anaesthetic, which they obv dint want to do while I am pregnant, esp at this stage.

Hopefully will be able to speak to MW tomorrow but very tempted to get CS booked in as I really can't take this agony any more. Also really worried about what second stage will add to the problem!

I was actually looking forward to it a couple of weeks ago, and now the idea of going into labour fills me with dread. I'm so gutted to feel like this but it's the truth. I can't sit down, lie on my back or walk and I've just had enough of it :(

Oh dear, I really do feel for you. Glad you went to A&E, although what a bugger that they couldn't do anything. It sounds very painful :( Have they at least given you any decent painkillers?

WRT seeing midwife/deciding over vbac/elcs. Have you spoken to her on the phone. It's a hard enough decision to make on your own, let alone without their guidance.

Oh 4pudding - that sounds crap (and obviously painful). Maybe section is best option if u r worried about them at second stage. I had fanjo piles with ds3 and was worried about 2nd stage. Not a probs in end but yours sounds more serious. All you need right now....

Hello lovely ladies, just an update from me!

Managed to get an appt at the ante-natal clinic at the hosp and saw some lovely sympathetic midwives (doesn't it make the world of difference?). One managed to speak to the doctor who agreed to let me have an early sweep, which went well and was not at all painful (gave me greater hope for labour!).

So fingers crossed it will all start moving soon. Baby very very low, she couldn't feel the head at all and the heartbeat was right down at the top of my pubic bone, and the sweep gave me a good stretch to 3cm.

I've also contacted my Doula from the first pregnancy to see if she can fit me in!

I think the piles are going to be an issue afterwards anyway.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread, it's been lovely to have kind words and helpful advice and information through the wobbly times.

Oh exciting ... I had a sweep with ds3 at 1pm on Monday. By Tuesday early am lots of pains - remember not contractions but just like my fanjo was about to fall out. Contractions by noon and he arrived by 4pm. Expecting an appearance tomorrow from your wee bubs - no pressure!!

So pleased you got to see someone helpful. Keep us updated. Very exciting!!

Not a peep today unfortunately!

The farmers seem to have settled down a bit, still not comfortable but not agonising which is definitely a good thing.

Due tomorrow.. will def keep you updated :)