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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

VBACers support thread

211 replies

Coldest · 26/02/2016 09:22

I know there are a multitude of threads on this but was hoping for a thread where is anyone is at the same boat as me.

Had an EMCS with my first at full dilatation and after 12 hours of labour due to fetal distress but I feel that care was really mismanaged and I probably could have b even birth vaginally if I had been allowed off the bed but for reasons which the midwife couldn't justify later I was on ctg and not allowed off the bed. The resulting section was very difficult to recover from but 2 years later I feel fully recovered. Am 25 weeks now.

After all my research I have hired a doula this time and hoping for a VBAC but after the consultant appointment yesterday I am feeling quite wobbly. Feeling like an ELCS would be better. Also I was talking to friends and colleagues who say that they still feel quite tatterted vaginally after y even birth quite a few years ago while feel completely recovered ROM my section. So maybe a section wouldn't be so bad.

Anyway sorry for the long intro but I am sure I will oscillate from VBAC to ELCS throughout this pregnancy so would appreciate to chat with those in a similar situation.

OP posts:
mrsmugoo · 07/05/2016 08:19

I haven't written any birth preferences yet Coldest. I'm too nervous that it might jinx my VBAC!
I'm very much erring towards declining induction though and if I haven't gone into labour spontaneously by 42 weeks just going straight to ELCS.
I'm 35+4 now so still loads of time. Haven't even packed my hospital bag yet!

RockCrushesLizard · 07/05/2016 12:55

I had an appointment with the consultant yesterday, and it turns out I'm growing a monster. 8lb12 at 39 weeks.
So they don't want me to go overdue at all, because of the strain on the scar, and don't want to sweep or break waters as that will increase risk too.

So basically I have five days to go into labour, before my booked ELCS.

I understand all the reasons, and I am content that it's the best option if I get to that stage, but I am pretty bitterly disappointed.

mrsmugoo · 07/05/2016 20:25

Rooting for you Lizard!

RockCrushesLizard · 07/05/2016 20:59

Tempted to book really expensive tickets for something for Tuesday, to jinx myself into not being able to use them!

Original poster
Coldest · 07/05/2016 23:01

Best of luck lizard! Also rooting for you.

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Original poster
Coldest · 10/05/2016 13:13

How r u doing lizard?

I am having lots of stabbing pains in my scar. Anyone else had these? They come and go since last few weeks but more intense now. They are just along the scar line and not radiating anywhere

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mrsmugoo · 10/05/2016 14:33

My knickers were really digging into my scar last night because my bump has dropped a little. Really sore :(

RockCrushesLizard · 11/05/2016 00:11

Re knickers, I bought some from Amazon, from a company called 'charm leaks', that have a crossover that sits below the scar - by far the comfiest I've tried.

I had the stabby pains too, particularly at either end of the scar - I think it's pretty standard, in fact, I think I remember having the same pains first time round, before I even had a scar!

I've had no labour action yet. The odd vaguely contraction-ish feeling, but the head isn't engaged (probably too damn big!) and babe seems very comfy!
I rather suspect I'll be using that ELCS appointment.
To be honest, given my revised odds of successful VBAC after 40 weeks are about 30%, it's more a choice of ELCS or EMCS, rather than VBAC or ELCS. I'm beginning to come to terms with that.

Original poster
Coldest · 11/05/2016 01:06

Oh wow 39% is as low as saying 0%. I didn't know that. My consultant said that she would schedule ELCS for 41 weeks if I don't go into.labour. I will push for 40 weeks. Tbh I am.so uncomfortable at 36 weeks I can't fake much more. Along with the scar pains I am so sore down below. Constant sharp pain as well as a deep ache. Coupled with the SPD well I m not very happy ATM.

I would hate another EMCS and tbh am warming up to the idea of an ELCS , its just my very active toddler and my previous terrible recovery that is keeping me positive towards the VBAC

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Original poster
Coldest · 11/05/2016 01:07

Excuse the fypos. Fat fingers on phone

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RockCrushesLizard · 11/05/2016 02:02

The odds aren't because of dates, it's because of the 95th centile head - this baby better be brainy!
I'm hoping that I'm worrying too much about ELCS, because like you say, recovery last time was grim, but elective recovery is supposed to be totally different, so it might be fine.

I'll know in about 48 hours!

I didn't realise you had SPD as well - that's extra rubbish.

Original poster
Coldest · 11/05/2016 07:36

Ah OK. Sorry for misunderstanding. I am.sure the baby will be extra brainy. :)

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mrsmugoo · 11/05/2016 07:40

Pretty unwieldy and uncomfortable here too at 36 weeks and unengaged head which I'm told is normal for a second baby because you've been stretched.

I'm keeping my eyes on the prize though - not even entertaining the idea of another section! No matter how uncomfortable I feel now it wouldn't be as bad as trying to look after a newborn and a toddler with a wound and no car for 6 weeks.

Only two more days at work and at least then I get my DS's 3 days at nursery to rest.

RockCrushesLizard · 13/05/2016 20:52

Rockette is here!
The ELCS went very smoothly - she was so wedged into my pelvis with her 98th centile head that they needed forceps even in a section!
Apparently there is no way she'd have got out, so I'm glad I dodged an EMCS.
In reassuring news for anyone who can't have a VBAC, recovery has been totally different. I'm home on the couch after 36 hours, feeling pretty human.

So good luck everyone, I still have my fingers crossed for you guys, keep posting your news!

mrsmugoo · 13/05/2016 23:18

Congrats Rock!

I had 36 week appointment today and head has started to engage. It's all getting quite exciting!

Original poster
Coldest · 14/05/2016 08:37

Congrats rock!!!! That is brilliant news. Flowers enjoy the new born snuggles.

Mrsmugoo that is exciting times :)

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BaskingTrout · 14/05/2016 11:12

Congratulations Rock so happy for you and glad all is well Flowers

Original poster
Coldest · 17/05/2016 19:21

Hi mrsmugoo, r u on mat leave now? I took DD1 out of nursery as she was so poorly but am really missing the two days that I got to do chores and get to my appointments.

Am 36+5 now. Keep getting muddled up in weeks but I think I got it right now. Midwife was concerned about bump size but another growth scan showed baby growing well. Did born at 37 weeks so hoping not long to go now.

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mrsmugoo · 17/05/2016 19:44

Hi - yeah today was my first day of mat leave properly with my DS at nursery.

I packed my hospital bag and sorted out a load of feeding bras and tops then spent he afternoon on the sofa - bliss!

I'm 37 weeks today but I don't feel close to labour - infact I was really banking on at least a couple of weeks mat leave before she comes so I'd be disappointed if she did arrive this early! I worked til 38 weeks last time then had my ELCS at 39 weeks so I hardly had time to think or get into baby mode at all.

Original poster
Coldest · 17/05/2016 20:03

That sounds lovely! And the weather was good too today.

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mrsmugoo · 17/05/2016 20:26

Tomorrow I've got to attend a speed awareness course for speeding so not such a nice day! Blush

Getting my bag packed got me really excited though! And I stumbled upon my original hospital bag packing list from the first time - quite funny what I thought I needed!

Original poster
Coldest · 23/05/2016 15:24

How is everyone doing? I am having really bad backache and tummy ache. Not contractions but constant pain. Dosing up on the paracetamol.

37+4! Here.

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ohanami · 23/05/2016 15:41

Still only 25 weeks, and it's been a while since I checked into the thread. Congratulations Rock, hope everything is going well for you and Rockette!

Feeling good and things are going smoothly so far! (Had a scary dose of preeclampsia which led to an early emcs last time round but the consultant is "cautiously optimistic" about avoiding a repeat).

Consultant and midwife both very supportive of a vbac and mw has suggested starting sweeps before 40 weeks (I think she said 38?) to buy a bit of extra time - has anyone else had that suggestion?

Good luck to everyone who's approaching due dates, wishing you calm and healthy deliveries whatever route you end up taking.

Original poster
Coldest · 23/05/2016 15:52

Ohanami my consultant also suggested sweep at 38 weeks. But baby is still very high. I am seeing at 38 weeks for a follow up. Will discuss the sweep with her. I am.not sure how successful sweeps generally are? My friends who had them either they didn't work or were already 2-3 cm dilated and were in early labour anyway

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mrsmugoo · 23/05/2016 17:51

I already decided with the community midwife, contrary to the hospital VBAC midwife that I wouldn't be starting sweeps at 38 weeks. I don't want to give birth too early! I think at 40 weeks I'll accept any help to get things going.

Mine has started to engage, only 1/5 2 weeks ago, will find out Wednesday if she's gone down further. I don't feel remotely on the verge of labour though so I'm assuming I'm still a while off (38 weeks tomorrow)