When to schedule c section if I don't go into labour?

[Purplehonesty]

I had a failed induction and emcs with ds and am due in 10 weeks with dc2.
I do not want to be induced again and so want to try vbac if I go into labour naturally.
Consultant says they would do elcs at 39 weeks but I wanted to give myself time to go so when should I ask them to schedule the section....3/4 days over my date or wait longer?

That seems early if you're attempting VBAC. My hospital scheduled me for 40+11 and would have let me go to 40+14 except there were no ELCS slots available! DS made his appearance 4 hours before I was due to turn up for ELCS! Obviously I don't know all your history etc. My previous birth was also a failed induction and EMCS due to going to 40+14. Good luck!

If you want to aim for VBAC, you need to give yourself longer than just a few days over due date. Presumably you can wait up to 12 days post-term (or whatever your hospital will allow) before you have a ELCS. Same principle as waiting to be induced, just that you won't be induced, you'll have a section.

What was your first induction for?

If it was for going overdue then this is likely to be hat your body prefers.

I am going for a VBAC this time round after failure to progress and foetal distress in my first labour.

The consultant said that if I don't go into labout before 10-14 days of my due date, then I will have an ELCS. I am nearly 39 weeks now, and no sign of anything being booked in.

It was for going overdue yes. Then only got to 6cm and ds was posterior which is why I didn't dilate.
So you think once late always late? I hate poor time keeping!!

Happy what was your decision to go for vbac based on? I've had little support from mw or consultant other than you'll be fine.
I did want a elcs initially but thinking natural birth would be easier afterwards with a toddler and baby at home.
Dh wants me to go straight for elcs as ds was 9lb 3oz and I am quite little

I have just been in your position. I was aiming for a VBAC, having had a EMCS at 9cm for DC1.

I had the added pressure of a predicted large baby, and so was not keen to go too far over my due date.

In the end, I had an ELCS booked for 41+3, but started to labour at 40+4. I ended up with another EMCS, this time at 10cms.

Congrats midnight, I have just read your while post from start to finish coincidentally.
Sorry you didn't get your vbac. Would you have gone for an elective if you had your chance again after this experience?

How big was baby this time and how are you getting on after another emcs? Hope you are both well

Thank you.

Not sure I would go for an ELCS again, the labour itself was fine, very quick in fact. However, my EMCS was a 'crash' section so it was all very hairy and I would want to do that again. The thing is, I had a really strong desire to try for a VBAC, and it was just something I could not ignore...I knew that I would have lots of 'what ifs', had I gone for the ELCS.

DD was 9lb 12oz in the end, so bit of a whooper. I am doing ok from my EMCS though. The first few days were pretty rotten, but it is surprising how quickly you start to get going again. I'd say its on a par with last time.

Does your Trust have any VBAC classes you can attend? Failing that, I would ask to speak to the Matron for the delivery suite. I went through so many doubts in the last few weeks, convinced myself I wouldn't be able to cope etc. The Matron was fantastic, she listened to my fears, reassured me that what I was feeling was normal etc.

Mine was for 40+12. Ds2 was born 2 hours earlier than I was due into hospital that day!

I don't think we have any vbac classes. I am waiting on invite to go to hypnobirthing classes so we'll see if that helps.
I did speak to a friend of my mum who is a midwife and she was very helpful as my own midwife is not. But although I've now got lots more info than I had before I still can't decide what to do and swing back and for!
I guess I am worried about having a big baby and then ending up with nasty tears and complications afterwards. Then I'd kick myself for not going for a section!

I think if I don't go before my date I'll book a section fairly soon after. That way it will save me two weeks of worry and anxiety.

I think I am more keen on the section tbh bit feel I should go for vbac as it's what everyone expects of me.

You can schedule a caesarean any time after week 39, NICE guidelines do not specify a date after which you cannot plan a caesarean. So in theory they cannot say that you cannot have one after 39 weeks.
In your birth plan you can specify that you do not want to be induced and that if you go over your due date by 'x' days you then wish to have a planned caesarean instead of induction. Contrary to what they may tell you they cannot actually refuse this. However hospital policies may make it difficult for you negotiate. So knowing your rights about birth options is crucial. 'Caesarean Birth: A positive approach to preparation and recovery' by Leigh East www.csections.org talks about your rights and also helps you plan for a positive caesarean experience should that end up being your outcome. (It also reviews VBAC options and the risks/benefits of both options).

Good luck.

Thanks mrs moo, that was very good of you I will go and read it now.

I had hoped for a VBAC with my second child and had a plan thatif I hadnt gone into spontaneous labour at 40+10, i would have a section. Hospital were fine wit that.

Had an emergency section for OC at 37 weeks, though, so cant tell you how it would have happened!