VBAC 13 months after previous c-section?

[elliejjtiny]

Will I be allowed? DS1 was a homebirth, DS2 was a transfer due to PROM and meconium in the waters but had no interventions and established labour only 90 mins. DS3 was meant to be an induction due to PROM but it took so long to get a bed on labour ward he ended up coming naturally, in just over 2 hours, midwife didn't have to do much, just listen to his heartbeat, cut the cord and do the paperwork. I had a raised BMI with DS2 and DS3 but no other complications.

DS4 was complicated. He had cleft lip and palate so wasn't swallowing amniotic fluid. So my waters exploded at 35 weeks with baby in a not ready to be born position (head down but not engaged and feet by head). I had to have a C-section, then spent 3 days in postnatal ward and DS4 spent 4 weeks in SCBU.

I hated having a C-section and I hated being on the postnatal ward. DH was looking after the other DC's so I was mostly on my own in hospital, then mostly on my own all day in SCBU until DS4 was discharged. DS3 was 2.5 at the time and very lively so he and therefore DH as well could only come in for a few minutes each day.

4 months later I was unexpectedly pregnant again and due when DS4 will be 13 months. At the moment DS4 will only take a bottle from me or DH and he'd prefer me. I'm hoping that will change in the next few months or I will have to give birth on my own.

I'm dreading the thought of another C-section. I really want a vbac but worried I won't be allowed so soon after a C-section. Also after PROM 3 times I'm assuming it will happen again. I've found with my previous births that if I'm left alone to get on with it I labour really easily and quickly. I was under huge pressure to be induced with DS2 and I was stuck at 2cm dilated all night before he was born. When I agreed to go to hospital everyone stopped nagging me and he shot out like a rocket.

I'd love to have a hvbac but I know if I have to fight for it then it won't work. Any tips on how to get a relaxed VBAC and hopefully avoid PROM as well?

I'm currently 38 weeks with DC2 14 months after c section birth of DD1. I'm planning a vbac and all hcps have been supportive of this decision. I would have thought they would be even more supportive for you given that you've already had 3 natural deliveries.

Thankyou. I think I'm just paranoid that they're going to say I have to have a C-section because I really don't want one.

I think you need to speak to whoever looks after you in this pregnancy about your options and risks/benefits.

You're likely to find that people will not be against a VBAC (particularly since you have a 'proven pelvis' - gotta love that expression), but will want to make sure you know what the pros and cons are.

I had VBAC x2 after emCS (4 year gap, so not relevant to your concern, and I'd had a previous VB) and went to see my consultant really well prepared to 'fight my corner' and was left a bit speechless when he just said "Ok, then" .

I have no experience of HVBAC.

Remember, nobody can "make" you have any kind of surgical intervention you don't want without your consent. If you insisted on a HB midwifery care would have to be arranged for you, but might find you'd have to be quite strident to get there.

Good luck - Fwiw, my VBACs were both v positive experiences.

Thankyou. Booking in appointment soon hopefully and I will ask to be referred to the consultant who specialises in VBAC. I've looked through my notes for DS4's birth and someone has ticked the "VBAC next time" box which is a good sign as well. My need for C-section last time was because of DS4 rather than me so with a different baby hopefully all will be ok.