Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

[Noor2013]

I'm currently 15 weeks with DD2, my DS was born by EMCS at 42 weeks.
I really want to try for VBAC but also fear that if I tried for it I'd end up with another EMCS, especially as I've not had a previous vaginal birth. I'd rather have an ELCS than a EMCS, just for the greater rest beforehand!

So, if you tried for a VBAC, did you have one? Did you have an assisted delivery? And most importantly, would you recommend giving it a go?

Congrats on your pregnancy. Im currently 17 weeks and planning my second VBAC. Personally, my VBAC was a more positive experience than my c-section- but lots of different women have different feelings surrounding this topic. As you said, you need to weigh up what's important for you- would it be more positive for you to have a planned c-section or have that risk of a repeat EMCS over your head? For me, my desire for a VBAC was greater than my fear of a EMCS. I think its worth keeping in mind that true EMCS are rare and there are normal warning signs that things are going wrong. You can think about the type of birth plan you would want it your VBAC did turn into a c-section, as well as stipulating at what point you would want to agree to a c-section over continuing with a vaginal delivery. I do think its important to have a solid plan for a c-section and express this- as ultimately you understand it is a possible outcome.

It was an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. I felt a lot of closure. But closure means different things to different women

I was offered the choice and went for vbac

Had an emergency c section due to brow presentation, so unlikely to have a repeat

Had forceps delivery as Dd2 was back to back

I’d say it’s really your choice, don’t worry over having to have a vaginal birth but concentrate on what’s right for you

I had a csection after a 'trial of labour' for a breech baby, i.e. after 18 hours in labour and meconium leakage. My second and third deliveries were both vaginal without any intervention - I didn't see a doctor during delivery, just a midwife. The only pain relief I used was a TENS machine.

I had a textbook vaginal delivery 2nd time round. My advice would be to expect a VBAC, prepare as much as you can - for me this was plenty of walking throughout my pregnancy and lots of time on all fours in the final weeks! First baby was OP and the back to back labour never progressed leading to the EMCS so I was a bit obsessed with getting baby no 2 in a good position!

But above all else keep in mind that anything can happen and at the end of the day whatever gets baby out safely for them and you is all that matters. Good luck!

Had ELCS first time round - breech baby.
2nd time - was during first lockdown. Had very uncomplicated VBAC. Was desperate to be out of hospital ASAP, not have to hang around for days post CS, so pushed for VBAC. Did a LOT of research - read up a lot. Was adamant i didn't want CS, made sure I knew all I could as I felt sure for some reason that they'd push me into induction/CS. In the end, my wonderful baby came a day early (desperately didn't want induction) and with gas and air and tens machine only.
Would honestly do it again in a heartbeat - recovery was SO much easier than with CS. Currently 12 weeks with DC3, hoping to have VBAC number 2.

I was the same as you, EMCS with DS then option of VBAC or elective cesarean with DD.

I had another section with DD - no way was I risking a ruptured uterus.

I had an EMCS with DC1 and a VBAC with DC2 recently. The main reason for wanting to avoid an ELCS with DC2 was that I thought it would be an easier recovery than another CS. It was not. I ended up with forceps and episiotomy, which was the thing I most wanted to avoid and I found it pretty traumatic. By the time it was clear that intervention was needed, it was too late to switch to a CS, which I would have preferred.

It turns out that recovery from my CS with DC1 was much easier than recovery from my VBAC. I could only lie down for the first two weeks after my VBAC and I have some ongoing pain and bladder issues that I'm having treatment for. If I knew all this I definitely would have gone for an ELCS.

I preferred my v bac although suction and forceps were used at the end. Recovery was quicker. There is a v bac group on fb although I warn you there are a few extremists on it! If your dr thinks it is a good option then go for it. Also you can change your mind nearer the time. More than likely you will have the odd wobble, that’s the problem with childbirth any way can be awful or good and we don’t know till it’s too late! I was closely monitored for my vbac and felt safe in the knowledge of anything was going wrong I would be taken for section as it was things went fine other than some extra help at the end.

I had an emcs at 42 weeks for my first as he was too big to exit after a long labour and booked a cs for my second
I went into labour early and had an unplanned VBAC. It was quite a long labour (no where near as the first) 12 hours with a long pushing stage but no assistance other than an episiotomy and I wouldn’t have got her out without that.
Recovery was so much easier

I had a VBAC with my second. If I had it to do all over again I would do an elective CS with both.

Although others say that their recovery was quicker with the VBAC, in my case not only was recovery not quicker, but I almost died giving birth and have lifelong painful damage from the tearing.

I had a VBAC after EMCS with my DS

DS had been an induction and he reacted badly to the suddenness of contractions. So it was agreed I would try for a VBAC if I started naturally.

I needed suction and an episiotomy but found my recovery so much easier than the c section and the fact I could still lift my DS, when I got home made the transition for him easier

I really wanted to try for a VBAC as I wanted to prove to myself my body could do it. And as another pp said it gave me closure from my first birth.

You will find a host of views here, OP. I had a wonderful VBAC but I know others who have had a bad time from a vaginal birth. I think it's a very personal thing which differs according to your history, physical health, etc etc.

Tried for a vbac, ended up with another emergency section that was more traumatic than the first. Wish I have booked an elective!