Vbac - at what point do you go to hospital?

[FoodieMum3]

I'm hoping for a vbac delivery, I have had a normal delivery in the past and then a caesarean.

I had a check up a few days ago (28w) and was told to come in ASAP - pretty much as soon as contractions begin.

I completely understand the need to be monitored but I was hoping I could get through the earlier stages, or first few cm's at home as I would feel much more comfortable there.
On my birth with dd I stayed at home until I felt very uncomfortable and was examined on arrival and was 5cm, so nice and active by then.

Would it be very careless of me to do the same this time? Obviously I will do whatever is safest for baby.

By coming to hospital early, you are increasing your risk of interventions.

My suggestion for women with prev CS is to allow labour to establish at home, monitor vaginal loss, ie. if you have fresh blood like a period, monitor fetal movements and contractions. If you are having continuous pain, fresh bleeding, feel unwell or concerns re movement, go to hospital. Otherwise await regular, painful contractions that take your breath away 1:5.

Continuous fetal monitoring doesn't kick in until you are in established labour

Thanks for the advice Mummymidwife

About 2h before DS2 was born.

I definitely was more comfortable labouring at home.

I was busy putting DS1 to bed and I think that helped distract me through early labour. Then I was maybe in denial for a bit that it was actually labour

My face disappeared after my first sentence there.

I wasn't encouraged to go in early though.

All my Vbac workshop mums stay home as long as possible as long as mum and baby are well. Studies show, the longer you are in hospital the more likely you are to experience unnecessary intervention.

Things to look for are waters releasing, regular, strong surges that require focus, a birth show.

If however, you have any constant pain, scar pain, or are unsure of baby's movements then do head in. Have you done birth preferences?

Sounds ideal jaggy! And I would LOVE if it happened after my kids were in bed, I would be much more relaxed!

Thanks calmbirthbecky. I'm almost 29 weeks now so haven't done or put too much thought into birth plan yet.