Artificial rupture of membranes & VBAC

[4pudding]

Just thinking about my VBAC.

Currently 40+3 and when I had my VBAC appt with the consultant she said that if I go overdue they'd offer to break my waters (artificial rupture of membranes) before going down the ELCS route.

I've been looking it up now that I'm overdue (what else are you supposed to do when you're up with heartburn at 4am?) and don't think I like the sound of it!

Read a few things about it being difficult for the baby to get into best position once all the water has gone, plus just lying in hospital waiting for it to happen and essentially being on a timer. With DD I laboured naturally to 8-9cm then had a section because she was breech, and my waters didn't break until the surgeon broke them on the operating table just before the op.

Also she was 3 weeks early and over 8lb, so if this baby is also big, with the extra time I'm thinking the water is going to be useful to move into the right position.

Thinking that, even though I desperately want this pregnancy over, it would be best to refuse the procedure and wait a bit longer for things to happen naturally, with a section booked in for much later.

At the same time I am feeling unlogically nervous about something going wrong while I'm still pg! Feels a bit like the first few weeks pre-12 week scan, when you are really nervous. Just want to hold my baby and know she's ok.

This has turned into a bit of an outpouring!

Any advice or info would be great.

Thanks :)

We're off to hospital in a couple of hours. I'm going to ask if they'll break my waters. I'll hopefully soon be able to let you know how it goes!

Oh fabulous!

Good luck, will be thinking of you. :)

bump

Have you had/been offered a sweep, without your waters being broken? I'm 39+6, and am having a sweep on Weds when I will be 40+1. If it doesn't work I can have another one on Saturday, although I might just leave it till the following week on the basis that if my body's not ready on Wednesday, another week gives it more time than just another few days.

I had thought that if I go overdue I would be offered a CS (I'm hoping for VBAC) but apparently my hospital no longer does that and I'd 'have' to be induced. I'm very anxious about that and will have to find out exactly how they would induce me - would it include breaking the waters. I am not keen to have waters broken for same reason as you - if it makes it hard for the baby to get into optimal position.

On the other hand, would a successful AROM be preferable to CS? In some cases labour starts very quickly after so you wouldn't be hanging around too long. Can you discuss with consultant at what point you would call it a day and go for CS e.g. if labour doesn't start after AROM, will they try induction at all (and would you be happy with that)? If so, have far would they push it before you can say hold on, I want a CS now? And when are you being offered AROM, you could push it back for as long as possible if you're comfortable doing that e.g. 41+6, 42 weeks etc, although obviously there are some slight increased risks with going post-42 weeks.

Thank you!

Yes, had sweep last week and another booked for tomorrow.

My hosp def don't offer chemical induction for VBAC and it's not a route I would want to go down.

Really wish this baby would just come and wouldn't have to make these decisions. So frustrating.

Can't seem to find enough info on ARM to make an informed decision.