Another vbac question...

[crumpet]

Having ended up with an emergency cs last time, I've been told that there is no medical reason for me not to have a vbac - I'm fairly relaxed either way, but do have a question:

Last time (long saga (days) of induction/oxytocin/waters breaking/drips/epidurals etc etc)I did not progress beyond 3cm, so I am curious whether that will "count" as having been in any form of labour before, or whether my body will effectively treat the whole thing as if this is the very first time I have been in labour. I've not been able to find anything on the internet on this, so any info gratefully received!

Hi - I'm pretty much the same - only dilated to 2.5-3cm. Apparently it should still be a little 'easier' because your body has had contractions already. I think this is true as in my last pregnancy my Braxton Hicks actually caused me some pain from about 3 months whereas they are just uncomfortable not painful thios time. I think my uterus has had some 'exersise' from last time and is working better! Fingers crossed....

Thanks tonton - I'd heard both (that it would be easier, and that it would be the same as for a first labour), but couldn't find any info.

I'm 33 weeks, and saw from the doula thread that you are 36, so will look out for your birth announcement! I wasn't able to find an available doula, so have gone for an independant midwife - not quite the same approach, but it has made me feel very relaxed and as if I have all my options open.

Hi there, I too had an emergency cs but for foetal distress having got to 9cm. I have read that not progressing in your first labour means its slightly less likely you will have a sucessful vbac. But no reason that you shouldnt try as its no reason not to. Good luck whatever you decide as i think both options have their pros and cons....

I was told that it's like a second labour up to the point where you "failed to progress",and after that point it's like a first labour.

Hi - I was the same with 1st labour and docs told me that up to 3cms was the hard bit for your body and that it does 'count' when having a 2nd. I've just had my 2nd, which sadly ended up again in emergency cs, but I was fully dilated by then. I got to 3cms pretty easily, then took about 6 hours to get to 5cms and about 30 mins to go from 5-10 cms. Don't know if this is typical - everyone is different I guess, so not sure if this is useful, but best of luck and hope you get the VBAC.

it does count apparently, according to my obs when i was pregnant with DD...any contractions and dilation count as labour

your body will remember what to do and going into spontaneous labour is the best start to get a succesful VBAC

i had a c.s after failed indution and then went on to have a VBAC......3 1/4 hours from 3 cm to holding baby, so all went swimmingly

if you search the archives, there are lots of positive VBAC stories...

if you want any more info about books , links etc, please ask. it is a topic close to my heart .

Last time you experienced artificial labour up to 3cms. Whether induced or not your body still knows (and will remember) how to get to 3cms, so that part at least should be a little quicker. The rest will be like a first labour (but that doesn't automatically mean 'agonisingly slow').

Spontaneous labour will give you the best chance of having a VBAC, and you WILL go into labour.... no one has been pg forever , so hang in there
Maria xxx