This has probably been done to death but... which is the safer option elcs or vbac?

[raininginlondon]

Hi ladies, I'm going to try to keep it short here. I have one son born via emcs due to several reasons- failed induction (PE diagnosed at 39wks), failure to progress, meconium in waters, fetus and mother both distressed. Luckily, we were both fine in the end and the recovery from the c-section was not too bad and I was back to normal within 2-3 weeks. Had no real issues bonding or BF.

I'm now 31wks with DC2 and I've got to make a decision about this delivery. I truly don't know what I want apart from wanting the safest outcome for both baby and me. I'm not fussed about not experiencing natural birth so that is not a motivator for me. I would like to avoid another emergency section if possible and am not keen on the idea of forceps (although I know they are necessary in some cases). So far, BP is fine this pregnancy and showing no signs of PE.

Please help! I'm really finding all the information out there so confusing and subjective!!

Tia!

I had an emcs last time due to failed induction and feotal distress. I'm 14 weeks and I've already met with my consultant and agreed a elcs. Mentally I've said goodbye to giving birth 'naturally' and I'm just happy to have my babies in a hopefully calm and relaxed atmosphere.

I had an EMCS due to foetal distress many years ago. I then had VBAC with forceps and episiotomy. Whilst I recovered physically very quickly and we were both fine it was a pretty sucky experience.

If I knew then what I know now I'd have gone for ELCS. Whilst I got away with it, (as most women do of course) VBAC carries a high risk of spending 24 hours in labour followed by an EMCS which is always a really crap way to start motherhood, and on top of that carries a small but terrifying risk of uterine rupture.

If you don't plan more children and aren't wedded to the idea of a natural birth then I personally would chose ELCS, but that's coloured by the fact that I'm crap at VB.