Can you book elcs for due date but try for vbac if spontaneous labour before?

[ag123]

Just that really...
Only just starting TTC for dc2 but have SO many anxieties about going through whole birth process again that it's already very much on mind.
Had what seems to be rather the usual traumas with birth of dc1- syntocyn induced, no progression past 7cm, emcs which itself turned traumatic when ds got stuck being extracted through cs wound and wound 'extended' (i.e.ripped) resulting in 2l blood loss (ds was 11lbs btw), ds taken to special care only for an hour admittedly but still no skin-to-skin etc, then I got ill during cs recovery with bad infection and had to be moved back to labour ward for closer monitoring and 6 day hospital stay. (Phew!)
Anyway, the upshot of that is that I have anxieties not only about a failed 2nd labour but also about having another cs at all (even if elcs). I think it's all about wanting to be in control next time round but I was wondering if this (i.e. thread title) could ever be an option??

A friend of mine had an elcs booked for 39 weeks after an emergency cs with her first. Went into labour at 38 weeks and had a vbac. So yes, definitely possible!

Yes - I ended up with emcs for dd1 (undiagnosed breech) and was given the choice for dd2. Section is booked for Monday. Would've liked a vbac but sadly this one is breech too! Midwives were v supportive of my initial vbac plans and have said that I can still try for a vbac now if I want to!!!

Absolutely !

Thanks for replies looks like is possible then... Just wondering, has anyone done this at a London hospital specifically?

I had a c section last time. The plan this time is to have a ELCS at around 42 weeks but go for a VBAC if I go in to labour before then. Assuming the consultant I'll see at 40 weeks agrees. Slightly different to your situation, but I do not want to be induced.

That's a London hospital as well.

Yes, this is what I agreed for DC2 (although I made it to my ELCS date), and what I have also agreed for DC3, even after 2 c-sections.

I would say thought that my first (emergency) c-section for fetal distress after a failed forceps delivery was awful. DC1 had a week in special care, I had an infection, and my recovery was painful and slow. My elective section, which I'd been dreading a bit, with DC2 was a dream - calm, relaxed, and I walked out of the hospital the next day with a well baby. It was a very easy recovery.

They generally want to book the ELCS in for 39 weeks to avoid the prospect of doing a CS while you are in active labour.

I was booked in for 39 weeks and had an unplanned VBAC at 37 weeks. I had decided on a second CS [first was untraumatic EMCS for failure to progress] on the grounds of devil I knew, potential to trauma to nether regions, risk of uterine rupture etc etc. I also met with a senior consultant who told me that a second CS is very much routine. Only someone having a 3rd or 4th CS [should I wish to have more children] would be considered as higher risk and only in the sense that a more senior staff member might carry out the operation due to scar tissue etc.

Have you reviewed your previous birth notes with a senior midwife/consultant as yet? It was extremely useful and really helped me to make up my mind as mine indicated that my pelvis was narrow and examinations had been very difficult. None of this was mentioned at the time obviously.

In your position with such a large first child, and damage to your stomach area I'd personally be opting for a nice planned and well controlled ELCS. I understand the attraction of a VBAC. Culturally we are conditioned to feel that a VB is the proper "natural" way to do it. As someone who has done it and initially had a high, I still wish I'd had my planned ELCS. My nether regions will never be the same again.

Hmm, thanks for that-really nice to hear from someone who has been through the same decision making process. Haven't been through notes with anyone official yet, no as only just ttc no.2- not even pg yet! But do have major advantage that one of my best friends is an obs and gynae doctor so ordered and went through bites unofficially with her!

Yes this happened to me. I booked a C section for 41 weeks as couldn't decide whether to try for a Vbac. Went into labour so decided to give it a go,ended up with a C section but it was a million times better than the first,more calm etc.
This was at Kings college hospital,they were bloody marvellous.

When I booked my ELCS I was specifically asked about this. ie: If you go into labour sooner do you want to try for a VB or stick to ELCS plan?

So I think it's something you can specify if you want to.

Oh, I was London St Georges.

Yes. I was offered the option to actually go overdue then if nothing happened by the set date go for the c-section. Good luck! Xxx