due tomorrow and losing confidence with vbac

[carrotcake]

I've been having really strong braxtons all nights and just feel 'loose' today, like things are gearing up, but my scar is really tender and it's scaring me. I had so much negativity from a crap doctor and stand in midwife, that even though this is resolved after meeting with lovely consultant, all the 'rupture-five minutes to save baby-' speak has lodged in my mind. I suffer from anxiety so I'm trying all my usual things to stop repetetive thoughts but I'm just not sure how I'll interpret the labour pain if scar is hurting and I panic. I have a lovely doula who I know will say all the right things and I know all the statistics but that little demon inside keeps saying 'what if you're that 0.5 % and you asked to come off the monitor it will be your fault etc...
Has anyone had a successsful vac with scar tenderness and how did you remain confident with your body? I think I'd focused so much on what I wasn't 'allowed' to do that now I have been reasssured that everything is my decision and I have their support, suddenly I'm afraid. I'm also worried the anxst will stop things starting naturally and then face intervention anyway, although today would a weird day to have him as MIL died a year ago today. Hope I don't sound too neurotic, just feeling really odd

Poor you
I had 2 sections then 3 vbacs and soon hope to have my 4th.
I know what some doctors can be like at the scare tactics, it's a rotton thing to do. So glad you have a doula though. I honestly can't remember if the scar hurt or not. I do know that at various points during each preg that the scar felt as if it was stretching and burning. Have you talked with your doula about your worries? You know I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine, good luck

Thanks . In my heart I'm sure I'll know if something's wrong but it's the head that keeps screaming at me, I must try and relax today, congrats on your successful vbacs, and good luck with 4th!

have you called your doula for some reassurance

nd the monitor is not the only indicator of rupture, there are a lot more indicators, so don;t fear that coming off the monitor is a bad thing

if you have burning pain, or pain that doens;t stop between contractions, then you need to tell the midwife

i had a VBAC.....no tenderness however, but i was resolute in my aim for it....i did waver a bit at 34 weeks.....but then got it together again!!

try some visualization today of a gentle and positive start to labour, with your cervix opening and baby coming down...hop in the bath and focus on getting back to that positive place , dim the lights and listen to your body....

you can do this....truly..and any worries need to be dealt with sympathetically and honestly by the medical staff

if you are really worried about the tenderness, make sure you address it

yes, have just left a message for the doula, expect she'll call back shortly. I just wondered how common scar tenderness is really, in terms of feeling confident that it's normal. I'm concerned they'll whip you up for a section the second scar pain is mentioned etc.. I've just had a bath and feel a bit better now. I'm trying to just think of it being a weird day for dp, and be there for him, but it's so hard when impending birth is on the mind! Thanks for advice.

ok....i don't know any stats...but it will be worth talking about this with the doula, and asking for her to support you in not being taken for a section if you have any pain,but to be monitored more closely and advised accordingly....

i;m sure you will have gone through this already....

also, you will show signs if any thing is going wrong, it is not just about the CFM...

just as you are concerned for DH, he too will be concerned for you...you both need each other right now ( hugs)

According to Mary Cronk, scar tenderness can be due adhesions breaking down rather than an indication that something is wrong. I had lots of twinges in my scar throughout my pregnancy and it sometimes felt quite sore (after 2 cesareans) but went on to have a vba2c with no problems.

That said, if you are worried then maybe you should consider phoning the midwife and asking for her advice - they might be able to monitor you and reassure you that everything is fine.

Perhaps continual monitoring is worth considering for your own reassurance? You don't have to be immobile necessarily - you can ask about wireless telemetry monitoring where you aren't attached to a machine, or you can try moving around with the monitor attached. If necessary the doula or midwife can help hold the pad in place to get a good trace.

Making your own decisions when you've previously gone along with what you've been told to can be really scary. But you're a strong woman, you can do this and you've got your partner and doula to help you. You don't have to do this on your own.

I'd really recommend practising deep, slow breathing to help relax you and once you're in labour just try and stop thinking, just go with it.

Honestly, you can do this!