Last minute VBAC doubts

[Zimbah]

I've been hoping for a VBAC throughout this pregnancy. I had ELCS with DD1 as she was breech. I'm now 40+6 and have an appointment tomorrow to discuss what happens if I don't go into labour - CS vs Induction (I will be refusing induction as I think the risks are too high). But now I'm in a dilemma as I'm sure that if I wanted (or even if I don't) I'll be offered a CS at the end of this week - 41+2, or the start of next - 41+6.

On the one hand, I'm keen to push CS back to 42+3 to give my body as long a time as possible to go into labour and hopefully have a VBAC. But I'm not sure I am making the right choice. As I understand it, a CS after 39 weeks has very very little risk for the baby, although a low-medium risk to the mum. Whereas VBAC or indeed any vaginal birth has considerably more risks to the baby - low risks, but a wide spread of things that can go wrong during birth. So I am essentially pushing the risk off me onto the baby by opting for VBAC. It all seemed so sensible before I was overdue, but now (I think) I will be offered a CS on a plate, I wonder whether I am allowing my fear and wish to not have another section to cloud my judgement. Am I being selfish by trying for a VBAC?

My best hope is that I go into labour in the next couple of days then I won't need to make this decision. I'm having another sweep attempt on Wednesday but two tries so far have found my cervix still posterior although baby is 2/5 engaged. Aargh!

It's ok to wobble - I did with both my vbacs. Look u haven't dilated before so this is first labour for you. First labours are around 9 days late. You have some time - a few more days before you have to opt to do anything. 2/5ths engaged is all good. Try to relax, have some sex( if u can bear it - it does help to start u off). Sleep on it and then again and you may find baby has made the choice easier for you. Good luck.

It's normal to have a wobble about VBAC - I know I did both times, and the longer the pregnancy goes on for the harder it gets to keep your resolve. By the end of the pregnancy everyone (VBAC or not) just wants the baby out.

The risk to you and your baby is no different if you birth this baby tonight or next week, than if you delivered 2 weeks ago.

Keep the faith in you and your baby, it will happen

i did too. Just had DC2 a few days ago. Planned a VBAC if I went into labour before DD but couldn't go overdue due to GD. Waters broke at 39+4 but two days later I was only dilated 3cm. Ended up with an EMCS when trace showed DD was in distress. During the second night of contractions we had to keep amending "the plan" in relation to the likelihood of getting to 10cm, pain management etc so best thing to do is just go with it but remain flexible about what may happen and do what fits best with the situation at the time. It really doesn't matter at the end of the day so long as you both ok.

One thing that struck me when I was researching for my VBAC (Sept '10) was that although the quoted risk to the baby is greater with VBAC vs repeat section, when you investigate it's actually the same risk as that of a first time vaginal birth. And you don't see every first time mum having a section "just in case", or being called selfish for having a vaginal delivery.

Hopefully you'll go into labour soon and none of this will matter. The fact that your previous section was for breech gives you an excellent chance of having an uneventful VBAC. Good luck :)

Hello,

I had exactly the same wobble about ten days ago. My first was CS because of breech also.

Had my VBAC last week after going into labour spontaneously so didn't need to have the 'chat' with the doc about induction/repeat section.

So glad I had a VBAC though. Despite some tearing I feel so much better than after the section, my tummy is going down faster, I can pick up my baby! We had skin-to-skin straightaway and she breastfed immediately and has been a brilliant feeder ever since. Was sitting in a chair having tea & toast an hour after the birth!

I've also felt a lot more secure with her with visitors holding her etc as I can get up and take her back when she's crying, whereas I felt really upset when anyone held her after my CS as I couldn't respond to her as easily myself.

Also I've been able to give dd1 lots of cuddles and do things with her which I wouldn't have as easily if I'd had a section.

Hope that helps x

Hello and massive congratulations 4pudding - I've been looking out for you and how you got on. Glad you got a successful VBAC. Feels like you've climbed everest doesn't it?

Thank you Lollistix, yes, feel like I could do anything now!

How did the doctors appointment go Zimbah?

I actually went into labour the first time before the section, and my cervix had been closed and posterior a few hours before, so it can happen quite quickly.

Hi Zimbah,

Like the others I had a major wobble about VBAC v CS, especially as I approached my EDD and the issues around being induced began to surface. I would echo a lot of the comments already made, but Trixie123 is right to say that remaining flexible is so important. I had to keep reminding myself that to some extent it might not be my decision to make. If it came to the point of being induced (it didn't), then I would review my VBAC decision, but up to that point all bets were on.

I went on to have a VBAC, and now have two wonderful children. I'm glad I did it, and would give my encouragement to anyone in the same position for all the reasons noted above. I'm probably the only person it's that important to though. The kids probably won't be discussing their different mode of arrival into the world over a beer at 18.

4pudding...many, many congratulations on the arrival of your DD. Hope you're all doing well.

Congratulations 4pudding, that's wonderful news!

My appointment went ok, the registrar was very keen to push induction although he didn't offer any counter arguements to my concerns about safety. He did say that I shouldn't be reading information , that the RCOG and NICE guidelines are not written by people who work in and understand what happens in hospitals , I shouldn't pay attention to statistcs as they don't show what happens in reality, and the hospital is under a lot of pressure from the PCT not to do elective sections. Not sure I can fit in enough smilies to show how bizarre, not to mention comical, I found these statements! He didn't offer any arguement as to why induction would be in my and my baby's best interests, although clearly it woudl be in his best interest as he wouldn't get in trouble for booking an ELCS. But he did agree to a c-section at 42+2, which gives me till next Thursday, so I'm pleased that the pressure's off in terms of induction.

He did a quick scan which showed that the baby is posterior facing with body sideways - I knew her body was sideways but hoped her head was anterior. I've looked at spinning babies and will start trying the inversions, and continue to sit on the yoga ball, but not sure how effective it will be as she's already 2/5 engaged so might struggle to shift her head round.

Thanks for all your responses, I'm feeling calmer now and still hoping for VBAC - if I can get her to shift position there's more chance it will happen as maybe she's not pressing on the cervix properly hence it still being posterior.

Hiya Zimbah, if it makes it any better I am in the same boat, attempting VBAC , 41 tomorrow with no signs of impending labour. The consultant tried the sweep last week, my cervix is quite high, he couldnt reach. He advices me against the induction , have got c-section booked on 41+5 , I was not comfortable with induction anyway, same time I would like avoid painful experience of EMCS last time. I not sure how I am going hold on another week, anyway good luck with yours...