VBAC or C-Section?

[redrum29]

I'm 37 weeks pregnant and in a bit of a quandary over whether to have a VBAC (my preference) or C-section.
I live abroad, so I'm not actively being encouraged to have a VBAC as might happen on the NHS.
On the contrary, my dr has erred towards CS despite my earlier requests to have a VBAC (this is my 3rd pregnancy: 1st delivery was normal with a ventouse; second an elective C-section b/c of breech baby, which was four years ago). But now as I near delivery, I'm worried about the risks of a VBAC, however slight, as I have traditionally suffered from high blood pressure in pregnancy (although it's not at dangerous levels with this one) and also know of someone who lost a baby through a uterine rupture in this country. I know the risks of a rupture are tiny, but I would never forgive myself if for the sake of my own recovery times and preferences, I opted for a VBAC that went wrong. I'm turning to Mumsnet for advice / experiences because my dr here won't actively encourage me on the VBAC front b/c there is no cost incentive to do so, plus she's a cautious type, and so I feel I don't really know what the real risks are beyond the statistics. For example, if I did rupture, would the chances of saving the baby be good? (It's a properly-equipped hospital etc)
I'd be grateful for any thoughts / advice..

Hi redrum I’m not going to be much help to you as I’ve not been through it myself but I’m at the same stage of pregnancy as you and planning a VBAC. I have done extensive research on this and actually saw something that said there has never been a mortality due to uterine rupture so I’m really shocked to hear you know somebody who lost her baby this way. There is nothing recorded (at least in uk) that this has happened and the 1 in 200 chance of rupture also includes dihesence and not just full rupture. I also believe because you’ve already had a vaginal birth (I haven’t) it puts you at an even higher success rate for vbac. However, it has to be something you’re comfortable with and only you can make the decision. Do as much research as you can (the AIMS vbac book is fantastic) and good luck! We could be giving birth at the same time!

Thank you LadyPug! Yes, I know it's very rare, and perhaps there were other circumstances that led to this lady's rupture that I'm not aware of. I think I'm leaning towards CS as my half in / half out mindset probably wouldn't be very helpful towards a successful VBAC... good luck with your birth!

I recently had a lovely elcs but had wanted vbac. Consultant definitely made it clear her preference was to go with elective as soon as due date was reached.

After having such a calm and positive elcs I would recommend it!