VBAC vs ELCS

[RealBabyFoodBaby]

I'm really struggling to make a decision as to which way I'd like to go with DD2. My first daughter was born EMCS after failure to progress, and my recovery after was surprisingly good considering I'd been in active labour for over 24 hours.

Would anybody be willing to share their experiences? Or even just any facts or guidance at all really. I have an appointment with a consultant at the end of July but I'd like to be super prepared.

I've recently made this choice for myself and found both the Which? guidance on my local maternity unit and RCOG guidance on birth risks to be very helpful.

www.which.co.uk/birth-choice/beta/your-maternity-options/labour-ward

www.rcog.org.uk/

Between these sites I found that the local hospital had a VBAC success rate of 50% last year, and that the circumstances of my first birth meant my chances of success were further reduced whilst the risk of birth injury increased. I took this information with me to the consultant and am now booked in for an ELCS in two weeks time.

My hospital success rates are rather lower than the norm, whilst various personal factors put my risks up, so you may well find a VBAC is much more favourable for your circumstances.

Good luck with your decision

I'm not currently pregnant but I had my DS (1st child) two months ago by EMCS because my labour wasn't progressing and he had a huge head anyway so would have had trouble coming out even if I could have made it to 10cm.

I was in labour for 5 days before they made the call for a section so for any future DCs these reasons mean that I'll opt for an ELCS. I personally would hate to attempt VBAC and end up with an emergency section again after going through so much prolonged pain of days of contractions.

Best of luck with your decision and DD2's birth whatever you choose! 😊

I had EMCS with dc1 (big baby, long labour, awkward position didn't progress past 8cm).

Booked in for ELCS with DC2 supposed to be another big baby, etc. Dc2 had other ideas and came 10 days early, completely different experience to dc1, wasn't as big, v quick labour and unplanned VBAC as I was 9cm by the time I got to hospital! Really glad it happened this way although had stitches and small prolapse so in general I recovered quicker from EMCS than VBAC.

Dc3 was ELCS as I had gestational diabetes and had to be early and induction wasn't ideal with previous CS. Actually enjoyed it, weirdly although got a bit panicky when they were starting. Recovered similar length to EMCS although a bit easier in the early days as I made myself get up and walk often which I was too scared to do first time round.

So no actual advice, have done all 3 ways and would do VBAC or ELCS again ( although definitely not having any more!). Good luck OP!

Thank you for your replies. If I'm going to be monitored for the entire labour and made to lay on my back then I think I will be going ELCS as I really struggled with that last time and felt if I'd been allowed to move around it may have helped. Otherwise... unsure!

Hi, i just had a VBAC a week ago. First birth was a EMCS which i found very traumatic and hated the recovery so i was determined to avoid another one. We probably differ there as it sounds like you coped like a trooper after the first!

Continuous monitoring doesn't mean you are on your back - i could be mobile on birthing ball etc and was actually pretty contented with gas and air, obviously also having had a long first labour like you i was prepared.

In the end i needed an episiotomy and forceps and i am still finding the recovery much easier than c-section. This is obviously totally personal, but i am much more mobile, and stomach all knitting together really nicely, compared to section where i had a noticeable paunch for at least 6 months.

I guess the only thing is there are still side effects from natural birth - knackered pelvic floor which feels like all my insides are going to fall out through my ladyparts, and heamarroids amongst them i hadn't anticipated.

I had some serious complications but these were nothing to do with VBAC so won't go into them xx

Ps: i probably shoudn't have mentioned the forceps as they were related to the complications and not the VBAC itself. Just as a benchmark, even an instrumental delivery i am finding easier to recover from than c-section

I had to have an emergency section , my contractions were crushing his cord and his heart was stopping. I fully understand why I had it but I hated it I felt like I'd been crippled and I was determined I wouldn't have one again. Luckily my next two labours were fine. I hope everything goes well for you

First time around, I had an EMCS following 'failure to progress', although I was nearly 9cm. It was an easy CS and I had a straightforward, successful recovery.

Only when meeting consultant to discuss choices for second time, did I learn that the CS was more due to DD1 being in an awkward position. (a prophecy really )

Second time, I gamely agreed to VBAC, fully expecting to agree to EMCS in media res. However, DD2 was born the old fashioned way after 4 speedy hours of labour once my waters were broken and I had been jump-started on pitocin. Due to my previous CS, I had placental adhesion and nearly bled out on the birthing bed! I spent 2 hours in theatre immediately following her birth. My ladybits were quite numb and I was incontinent and on a catheter for two weeks! Thankfully, my waterworks began to work again but I then discovered my prolapse for which I had physical therapy and finally, surgery which necessitated a further 8 weeks off work, and I still am supposed to avoid heavy lifting/vigorous running.

So I really wish I'd insisted on ELCS.