VBAC & Induction questions.

[Fuppy]

I'm a little way off of giving birth yet (touch wood) but this is something I'm worried about. DC1 was born very premature via EMCS, it took me a long time to recover from it and I'd like to try a VBAC this time.

I'm going to insist on an epidural ASAP because I'm really worried about the section scar tearing and I'd rather another CS than the risks associated with a ruptured CS scar.

My research has also suggested that the risk of rupture is increased with being induced.

Firstly has anyone had a smooth experience of an induced VBAC?

Secondly, if the risks are much greater then any suggestions for going overdue?

Anyone?

I don't think an epidural will reduce the risk of rupture OP. If anything it could make labour last longer and stop gravity from working on your side, which would increase risk.

Most hospitals won't induce you for VBAC because it increases risk. They might do sweeps or break waters but definitely not the full whack. The guidelines are to go a week or so over then opt for repeat c-section.

Although they talk a lot about the risk of rupture the likelihood is 0.5%, to put it in context things like cord prolapse, which could happen in any birth, are much more likely. Not all rupture type events will be of the worst kind either, most just involve the scar opening a tiny bit.

I'm preparing for VBAC, there are a couple of books out there and info on AIMS and NCT sites as well as the NHS site, it might help to read up on it a bit. I had a consultant meeting at the hospital around 20 weeks where we could discuss risks and how they are managed.

Our trust doesn't induce for vbac or offer epidurals for labour.
I think if you write all your questions etc down makes it easier for when you.speak to consultant.

Was coming to say exactly what houston said

My hospital refuse to induce for VBAC. I was allowed to wait and see until 40 weeks and of nothing I had to have a section. Maybe that could be a possibility for you?

Nothing happened for me so had an elective. It was like night and day, and a much nicer experience and recovery.

The only “induction” you’re likely to get @fuppy is a Foley catheter which - crudely put - is where they insert a little balloon into your cervix and inflate it to see if that makes the magic happen. Most trusts will not give hormones as they can increase the risk of scar rupture.

I don’t know how many years it’s been since you had DC1 but as you know the longer the wait, the greater the repair and the lower the chances of scar rupture. However, as someone who is considering a VBA2C I’m researching the tits off this at the moment and the risk of scar rupture overall is really, really low.

I can’t recommend the book “vaginal birth after Caesarian” enough PLUS email your supervisor of midwives for a chat. I had a traumatic CS 2nd time round and my SoM has cleared me for trying VBA2C until 40+3 otherwise it’s another CS for me.

Here’s a link to the book, it’s not propaganda, just gives a decent empirical look at what to consider:

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean: The VBAC Handbook www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1905177240/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XozFCbC49SH8T?tag=mumsnetforum-21

Also have a look at “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster too for ways to arm yourself with information to make an informed choice for you whilst taking on board proper medical advice.

Lecture over

Good luck with baby number two x

I am hoping for a successful VBAC - hopefully soon!! (Am 39 weeks and very fed up!)

In my trust they will use the "normal" induction processes, so pessary, waters broken and the drip. It just really depends on your individual trust. They will let me go up to 12'days overdue which is the standard in this trust also.

I'm not having an epidural, hopefully, this is because one of the warning signs of rupture is pain between contractions which I wouldn't feel with an epidural.

However, as they know I'm keen to avoid indication they have let me have sweeps early (had my first on Friday).

They have also agreed to let me go into the birth centre - but won't be an option if i go over 12 days. I did have to have a risk assessment though for the birth Centre. This is because they don't continually monitor you in the birth centre, it'll be every 15 mins. However the birth centre is in the hospital and about 1 min from labour ward so they will transfer me there quickly if needed.

Thanks for the replies and book recommendation, I'll definitely be reading it.

I know epidural won't reduce the risk, I'm hoping it'll save time and a lot of pain if something does go wrong.

Hi Op
I had a successful vbac 23 months ago and am hoping for another in the next few months!

I was offered sweeps from 38 weeks last time (I was in ‘Latent labour’ and had been for 2 weeks) I didn’t laboured at all with my first so no one really knew how it would go!

Baby was in a terrible back to back position so labour was long and I stalled at 8cm for a good few hours. I opted for an epidural at that point, which was 100% the right thing for me as baby was stuck and as it turns out very big! I ended up in theatre with a rotational foreceps delivery. The consultant said there would have been no way I’d have got him out on my own. Despite the intervention I was very pleased I still managed a VBAC and am hoping this time will be much easier!

Good luck!

I had a successful induced VBAC three weeks ago. I hadn’t quite realised that my trust use the drip as I was so intent on having another c section I didn’t really bother to find out about VBAC. Then, three weeks before my due date I did a massive U turn and felt very strongly that this baby wanted to come naturally!

So, as I was approaching 41 weeks and with planned section booked for the Tuesday, I started having mild contractions. I cancelled the c section and agreed to go in and see if they could break my waters. I was 3 cm and they broke them easily so I thought we were away. BUT seven hours later there was no progress so they started talking about the drip. I was scared of it having heard so many horror stories but baby’s position was perfect and I was not having any issues with my scar so I decided to take all the epidural I could get and go for it.

It was surreal to be strapped to the bed unable really to feel anything but also exciting. After ten hours I was ready to push - and I LOVED the pushing stage as I could actually do something to move baby along! Pushed (a bit too enthusiastically, ouch) for an hour and he was born.

I know this sounds cheesy but pushing him out was honestly one of the most empowering and amazing experiences of my life.

I could paint it as a horror story: failed labour, drip and epidural, feet in stirrups, almost 24h since waters broke, second degree tears etc etc. But baby was amazing and healthy and I don’t regret it for a second. I’d definitely go for VBAC again.

@AmberRose17 & @Puggleface
Thank you for sharing your birth stories with me it's really reassuring and giving me more confidence to read these positive VBAC stories