Second baby - elective C section Vs VBAC

[Jessabean]

Know there are like a million posts like this one on here already but just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences to me with their first and what they decided and why for subsequent pregnancies & hoping this will help me figure out how I feel/think.

My first pregnancy was majorly overdue and I was induced with first balloon catheter- got me dilated about a cm- and then waters broken and on syntocin drip. Was labouring on this for about 5-6 hours but my babies heart rate kept dropping and was only another couple of cm dilated so ended up having emcs. I really didn't feel like I missed out not having a vaginal birth, felt like I didn't have to have a long drawn out Labour with lots of intervention and found the recovery from c section really good and overall despite having emergency c section felt like I actually had a positive birth experience. Especially when I heard what some of my friends who have had vaginal births have had to deal with afterwards with incontinence, stitches/episiotomies etc.
So I'm not sure how I feel about whether to bother trying for a VBAC or not. Part of me would love to have a vaginal birth for the experience especially if it was straightforward but at the same time I don't have a burning desire to have a natural/vaginal birth and I feel like if it ended with intervention and/or complications (which considering I didn't really fully labour last time I might be at higher risk of just as a first birth) I might regret it.
Anyone else been in similar situation? What did you decide?
Obviously I know the stats eg risks with subsequent pregnancies and c sections and also of rupture with vaginal birth but know risks both sides are quite small and I'm not wanting a massive family!

I was 1 week overdue with my first, not induced, but Labour was long, and I had emcs for failure to progress. I tried for a vbac, but they were worried my scar was bursting, so had another emce (it wasn't, and they didn't help with labour as made me lie on my back in bed instead of letting me move about). My third was elcs, and it was so much more relaxed! No labour pains, everything planned. I do feel like I missed out on a vaginal birth, but it's not the end of the world.

I had elective c section with my first as he was measuring big. Lovely positive experience.

Second child decided to have elective c section again. Lots of reasons but generally it seemed the easier option. Again lovely positive experience.

Part of me wonders how I would have coped with vaginal birth and what it would have been like. However I’ve had 2 lovely births and no issues with recovery etc.

How long would it be between c sections?

Thank you for your responses. Good to hear others experiences and perspectives too.

@Natalie654321 I had my daughter April 2019 and will be due Jan 2021 so about 21 months between.

Recommend the royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists publication on VBAC. It lists factors, stats etc. V useful!

I think they say if you wait at least 18 months between c sections there are less complications with a VBAC. I think there are so many pros and cons to each way... But I would personally go for an elective c section.

I am a similar position. Had ds1 20 months ago via emcs and have just booked an elcs for ds2 in two weeks time when I'll be 39 weeks. I was going to go for a vbac but decided I didn't want to risk another long labour and end with birth injuries or a c section anyway. I'm happy with my choice in that it's planned and I can have a good nights sleep beforehand and I know what to expect.

@Maryam18 yea I think what's pushing me slightly towards elcs is the fact that you know what's entailed where as attempting VBAC there is so much uncertainty and it can end up in so many different scenarios. The peace of mind is tempting!
Best of luck with the birth of your son!

I had an EMCS with DC1 after failed induction and thought the CS part was a great birth. Having looked at the stats about risks with ELCS vs. VBAC I went with ELCS for DC2 (23 mo gap). The consultant kept pushing for a VBAC ('but don't you want to feel like you tried?' was her favourite gambit) but the ELCS was a great experience - none of the stress and worry I had with DC1 - and I have no regrets at all

I chose a ELCS for DC2 after an EMCS for ‘failure to progress’ with DC1. Like the OP I had no burning desire to have a virginal birth although a straightforward one the first time would have been ideal! And I felt much happier when I knew I had a date and a plan - don’t deal well with uncertainty.

DC2 had other ideas and I went into labour at 37weeks - still had my lovely calm CS but in the middle of the night and they called it an EMCS. Recovered quickly both times and have no regrets.

DOI - I’m an anaesthetist and because we only ever get involved in births that aren’t straightforward I do have a slightly warped idea of how many progress smoothly. And the operating theatre is my safe place!

I had a second c section- elective as baby was breech. I wish I could have had a vbac. Recovery has been pants for second section, having to look after my toddler has meant healing has not been as easy and I'm still in pain. It's definitely not the easy route.

I didn't enjoy the birth either or the post natal care all in all I wish I could have had a vbac and been discharged straight home. I appreciate vbac a don't always go to plan.

Ultimately it's your choice and whatever works for you and your family. If you're able to have lots of support post birth then that'll help. Husband went back to work after 3 weeks, no support from family due to covid meant me having to deal with toddler and baby on my own which as I say has definitely impacted on healing.

Baby had to be re tested for hearing as they're discharging you after 24 hrs for c section atm and do the tests are not accurate especially for c section babies and dd was majorly mucusy for weeks after.

There's also the consideration if you'd want another baby and the impact having 2 c sections has on your body.

I appreciate this is not the case for everyone but just wanted to put my experience across!

I had an EMCS followed by an elective CS and I would recommend it. My recovery was good both times. My oldest was 3 which did mean he was a bit more able to help himself but I've seen friends have trickier recoveries from natural births.
I also think that further down the line I have a much better pelvic floor than my friends that had natural births.
I liked the planned nature of the csection. I just wasn't wanting to go through what I did before, overdue, induction over two days and then section.

Another vote for ECS! After a horrendous, life-threatening and utterly traumatic 5 day labour with my first which ended in an emergency section, I went for an elective with my second. It was a calm, joyful, empowering and all round really positive experience - the complete opposite of my first birth. I would do it again in a heartbeat. We even had our own music playing and dimmed lights For me, the recovery was fine. I work with many post partum women (I’m an osteopath specialising in women’s health) and hear far more horror stories about recovery/lasting damage from natural births than planned caesareans, which let’s not forget are statistically the safest way to birth. Wishing you a wonderful birth whatever you choose!

Exactly same position as you. Had EMCS after undiagnosed breech. Really good recovery, not sure whether to risk injuries etc by attempting VBAC this time. My only concern is having a toddler and possibly not having as good a recovery as last time? I also didn't have a great experience with the spinal so waiting on a birth options appointment to go through everything from last time and attempt to make up my mind. Asked my MW if she could refer me to a.magician who could magic the baby out instead 😂