VBAC after 1st traumatic labour/birth?

[BeeBear2019]

I had my little boy in June 2019 - it was an induced labour (although I was already in early labour stages naturally), due to reduced movements in my last week of pregnancy.

My labour itself progressed well, I didn't need any further induction once the pessary had fallen out after an hour or so and I coped with the pain. I got to 10cm and to the point of pushing. I never experienced the "huge urge" to push, as at the time I didn't realise babies head was not in the right place. He was chin up and facing the wrong way.

Things basically never got past that point - it was all very scary as baby got distressed and my levels/vitals also changed and became worrying. I was rushed to theatre for an attempted move of the baby, following by failed ventouse and then a c-section.

When I write it down, it doesn't seem THAT bad, but just the whole experience was traumatic. I didn't recover well from it after birth and struggled mentally for a while. I am also on low dose anti-depressants for PTSD and PND.

I am now pregnant with my 2nd, due in September. During my first appointment with my Midwife, she was fairly keen on me going down the elective c-section route. I was too - but as the days go on, I feel more pulled towards attempting a VBAC. Obviously I will discuss this further with the professionals and make sure I get all the right facts and figures.

I basically wanted to see, if anyone else had experienced a similar or traumatic 1st birth with c-section and went on to have a successful and positive VBAC, or if anyone else has been through this and recommends an elective section?

Thank you! xx

It’s really up to you. The fact you got to 10cm and it was just the malpositioning of the baby is promising for a vbac in my opinion. You can always ask for a low threshold c-section, that is to be taken for a section the moment things aren’t going quite to plan so it isn’t so rushed/scary. Good luck 💐

I think the fact you got to 10cm is a huge positive often VBACs are said to not be successful if the reason for your previous section was failure to progress. @BeeBear2019

Thank you both for replying!

If I was to go for a VBAC, I have seen it would be likely I would need constant monitoring, so that would take away the option for a water birth, or being able to move around/walk around to help with the labour. That is another thing putting me off, as I feel being stuck to a bed all strapped up would bring back unwanted feelings from my 1st birth xx

I think some places have wireless monitoring so you can move about, I think they might even be waterproof - check with the labour ward xx

@MinnieMous3 Ahh brilliant. I will ask my Midwife at my next appointment. Thank you x

I had a csection in 2011 with my first after a failed induction. Basically baby was back to back and became distressed. I laboured for over 24 hours. It was very traumatic. Lots of other factors that I don't need to retell. Recovery was awful as well and I said I wasn't having another baby as I'd never want another c-sec! I had a successful VBAC in 2015. They did want to constantly monitor me in my maternity hospital but I insisted I had to be able to move around and labour as naturally as possible. They attached a small wire to baby's head rather than strapping me to a monitor so I could move. It all went very smoothly and I have to say was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I couldn't have a water birth for you the monitoring but all hospitals are different so you should ask and see. Always remember you have choices and don't have to do exactly as they say!

@BeeBear2019 check in your trust I know my hospital has one or 2 monitors that you can move around x

I think new NICE guidelines day you don't always need constant monitoring for vbac now, though individual trusts might have their own guidelines.

I had an obstructed labour ending in cs, dd's head was wodged in the wrong way. I dilated a lot, can't remember if I got to ten. Whole thing took 2.5 days then a week in hospital and it was awful.

Vbac a few years later, ds was out in less than 12 hours from first contraction. I made a fuss about monitoring but was on bed when it came to it and didn't give a stuff so long as he came out! The labour bit was not a walk in the park but infinitely preferable to first time around.

Good luck, whatever you choose!

Thank you everyone.. definitely a hard decision, as ultimately you never really know what will happen, even with a planned c-section!

Definitely helpful to know people have had good experiences with VBACs though :) xx