Expecting twins - could I have a VBAC?

[birdy1978]

I had an ELCS with my son as his heart rate was a concern. Spontaneous labour, no complications in pregnancy. He’ll be 3 when the twins are due. I’d love to try a VBAC but what are my chances? And what are the factors that might make another section the better option? Thank you!

EMCS with my son, not ELCS!

You could assuming the presentations are favourable
Not sure it would be worth it though as vaginally delivering twins is not a given, neither is VBAC success.
I assume that ypu, like me, are on the mature end of baby producing which may also be a factor.
One to discuss with your consultant for individualised info, I think.

My SIL had twins recently. She had the choice of whether to have a section or try for a vaginal delivery - I know a big factor for consideration was the fact that sometimes the second twin doesn't move down after the first is delivered, so you end up having a section as well. No idea how common this is though! I guess it's just something to discuss with your consultant/midwife to see what other factors might be a consideration.

Thanks for your replies. I’m just really hoping I’ll be able to have a VBAC - it’s going to be tough enough already with 2 babies and a toddler - I could do without recovering from surgery on top! A while to go yet, so I’ll concentrate on keeping fit and healthy.

I had an EMCS and then found out I was pregnant with twins. Before I'd made any feelings known on the matter, the consultant said he highly recommended that I didn't attempt a natural birth. This was at my first appointment with him at 16 weeks. I was ok with this. He said that any twin natural birth at my hospital takes place in an operating theatre with everything set up ready for a section, and as soon as anything looks even remotely unfavourable, they want to do the surgery. I didn't fancy that, nor did I fancy one being born naturally and then having a section for the second.

Discuss it fully and see how you go. I was shown some stats at the time, and the figures for natural twin birth were pretty low, although I can't remember exactly. How complicated your pregnancy is may also have an impact. Do you know if your twins are identical or non-identical. Mine were non-ID which I understand to be the safest type. I have no idea what birth plan would be made for identical, but I know they're usually born a little earlier, which might impact on the type of birth.

Recovery from an elective Cs is often quicker than from a traumatic vaginal birth. And with twins you risk one coming out vaginally and the second needing cs. I'd go for Cs any day.