Has anyone had an early c-section (pre 30 weeks) and gone on to try VBAC?

[abgirl]

I had a c-section with DS at 29 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. I am now pregnant again and after being quite negative at the start and saying I would have a good chance of getting another c-section, the consultant is now very happy with how the pregnancy is going and says that VBAC is a definite possibility.

I have already read quite a bit about it but would really like to hear experiences from anyone who had an early c-section with their first pregnancy and then attempted VBAC, whether the outcome was successful or not.

Still unsure how I feel about attempting it, I know there are lots of advocates on here for VBAC but I've yet to make up my mind and still have lots of time to do so. Baby is breech atm anyway so decision may be out of my hands!

i would look at joining the Yahoo VBAC group, DaisyMOO has a link, i have lost mine!

and this site too should have good info!

not really sure how the fact your c.s was early would affect the chances of a VBAC...what does your obs say?

I had a csection at 34 weeks- not 'early', but not full term, either. It was planned due to DD having hydrocephalus. Went 40 weeks with DD2 and had VBAC. IMHO giving birth is no picnic no matter how you do it, so there's no perfect way. Whatever feels best for you and your family is the right thing. I'm sure stress around DD1's birth made the experience particularly traumatic/painful, but my VBAC was great and recovery was SO much better. This is especially helpful if you already have a little one to take care of at home.

My Dr was mostly supportive of my vbac and never mentioned any increased risk from having an earlier delivery the first time. In fact, I think it helped as I hadn't had the opportunity to labor the first time so they were more supportive of me giving it a try than they would have been of someone who had labored unsuccessfully the first time.

Hope you have a great experience whatever you decide

Hi abgirl,

How pregnant are you? I had my DS at 31 weeks by cs and am wondering the same as you. Haven't discussed it with mw yet as booking in appointment isn't until tuesday. Will see what they say.

From what I have read, they will probably just want to see how pregnancy progresses and make the decision closer to due date.

My feelings are mixed. I didn't heal very well last time - got infected and couldn't stand up straight for a month after.

But I am a little scared of VBAC. On balance I would like to have a go - especially if recovery is better.

Hi Choudru

I was 29 weeks on Friday, so this is very much at the forefront of my mind at the moment. However pregnancy is going really well so far and I feel much better this time than I did with DS.

I had an infection last time too, but there are also potential risks with VBAC. Think I am going to wait until 36 week scan (if I get that far!) and then see how I feel...