37+4 trying for vba2c, come along for the ride

[BigGreenPepper]

I'm due with dc#3 on 6th November, and after an emcs 6 years ago and elcs 3 years ago, I'm keen to try for a vbac.

First birth I was induced at 41+3, fully dilated but after 24 hours established labour dc was distressed and posterior so ended in emcs at 41+6.

Second birth, was a bit traumatised by the first birth, baby was posterior at 37w so obstetrician recommended elcs and I agreed. Very easy birth and recovery.

I have a supportive obstetrician who is letting me go to 40+5 then will book an elcs on 11 nov if no spontaneous labour.

Join me for the ride over the next few weeks - taking bets on the chances this kid will be born by vbac, and when the birth will happen. Keep me entertained!

Good luck! What made you decide you’d like to try for a VBAC this time over ELCS? Really hope you get what you want and that you’re currently feeling good!

Good luck. I was hoping to try for vba2c with ds3 but I had gestational diabetes and my consultant didn’t want me to go over 39 weeks and wouldn’t induce because of previous sections. She tried to give me a sweep a couple of times but cervix was too high. Really hope you get yours. I had first sections for similar reasons to you and second section due to breech.

Thanks so much! I think I want to avoid the long recovery of a c section, and also see if my body can actually do it. I got so close with my first, and feel like there isn't anything in the way of a vaginally birth at this stage - I'm in good health, baby is growing and I'm a good position, I'll be trying for an active birth again.

No induction because of previous cs and ivf (I think that's one of the reasons?) so hopefully won't be connected to a bunch of drips like the first time round.

If it has to end in cs I think I'll be ok, I'd just like to give it a real go.

Whoops name change fail 🤦‍♀️

I'll be having a sweep on Tuesday (38+2) and again at 39 and 40 if baby hasn't arrived.

Acupuncture booked for Monday too. I find it calming, and not really sold on the effects, but it's a nice way to spend 45 minutes..

Good luck. It is entirely possible it will happen for you. I just had my second section at 40+5 as I didn't go into natural labour before then and my consultant advised no induction. Some people recommended reflexology to get labour started. How big is your baby predicted to be? How do you think you'll feel if you end up with 3rd c section? I was quite upset and ashamed at first but I've made my peace with it now and the birth was a much better experience to no.1 (similar story to yours)

I'll have a look around and see if there's any local reflexology place, thanks for that.

Baby is 40th centile so not big. If I end up with a 3rd cs I think I'll be ok. It's about not wanting to be pushed into it too early, giving my body a chance, and making the right decision when the time comes i reckon.

I'm sorry you felt shame around your second cs, it's hard isn't it. Is definitely not the easier option, and vaginal birth can get a bit fetishised these days.

You sound like you’re really prepared for all angles that may happen, you sound like a real strong mum 💪 I do have a friend who swears acupuncture put her into labour, maybe it was the relaxation but I do thing there’s a bit more to it tbh, hope you enjoy it anyway! Are you eating dates, drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating pineapple etc? All the non-harmful but potentially labour inducing things 😄

Good luck! Hope it all goes smoothly.

Good luck, I had a vba2c and all went well. Same as you with emergency followed by elective about 3 years between each. I found just trying to stay relaxed and positive really helped and being open to the fact I may have another c-section.

koala I have been eating a few curries of late! Thanks for your kind words 😊

I hope to follow in your footsteps! Was it an active birth? Can you share a bit about the labour and the birth?

Hi @BigGreenPepper, I'm 37+6 today and hoping for a VBAC! Similar situation to you with my first, posterior and low heart rate, not dilating etc so induction ended in emcs. This time round I've said I'll give myself until 42 weeks to go into labour spontaneously and if it doesn't happen, I'd rather have an elcs than another induction. Fingers crossed it happens for us!!

I had vba2c earlier this year. I ended up with episiotomy as Dr didn't want pushing to go on too long, but it has healed well, and recovery much better than the other two. I feel very pleased I managed to do it.

I'm not sure what helped. I did some yoga / Pilates every day and things from the spinning babies. I had made my peace with having another csection which was booked for 40+4 had nothing started. I accepted it was higher risk and decided not to fight about things like being on delivery ward, cannula, continuous monitoring. I was very convinced baby was coming on / by due date (missed that by 10 minutes) whereas had gone way over with others. I was lucky to have a really supportive nearly qualified student midwife cheering me on. My 'birth plan' just asked that no other people came in the room unless absolutely needed (partly to stop drs checking by too much to do checks etc) and that whatever delivery I wanted to hold baby straight away (this hadn't happened with first).

I'd do it again but am definitely not up for a fourth child!

Good luck! You can do it!

@Cruz86 oh brilliant, great to have a buddy at the same stage! How are you feeling?

@archimedescat thanks for sharing your story, your first birth was very similar to mine. I've been recommended not to go to 42w as I'm old (39) and there's a risk to the placenta beyond 41w my ob says.

I've seen a women's health physio over the months who has been great with preparing my body and doing internal checks etc to look at my pelvic floor and she is really supportive. Lots of great stretches to use gravity to keep baby away from a posterior position, child's pose and all fours.

I was getting some twinges over night down low in my bump so not sure if that's baby trying to move down or what. Different to braxton hicks or other muscle pains.

@Cruz86 how are you doing?

38 weeks today and lots of pressure down low, as well as some other period like cramps. I'll be using a sweep on Tuesday so we'll see if baby is engaged and if anything else is going on.

Ok I'm 39+1 today and having some really stabby pains in what feels like the cervix. Is that a sign of early labour? Lots of other period like pains for the last week or so too.

No, I wouldn’t say stabby pains are. For me early labour felt like period pains which just got stronger and stronger. You might be waiting a while yet!

Is this not ‘lightening crotch’ 😂 how are you feeling otherwise?

Well it certainly wasn't pre labour as I'm still here! I think it is lightening crotch..

Feeling full of beans today despite a terrible night with the 3yo, some BH and period like cramping still. Trying to get booked in for a sweep this week too.

I had lightning crotch in the week leading up to my labour!

Hope it works out for you OP. I’m not pregnant yet but am hoping for a VBAC with my second. I had an EMCS due to baby getting stuck but I went into spontaneous labour at 39+2 with my first and dilated to 6cm so I’m hopeful.

Oooh @buckingmad that's what I want to hear! Hope you fall pregnant with your second nice and easily.

Back and pelvic pain also ramping up so we'll see.. come on little baby!

Had a sweep today, but baby is now posterior for the first time so I'm feeling a bit deflated about that. Obstetrician said spontaneous labour is unlikely as a result, even though I'm partially engaged. Now spending all my time on all fours trying to turn baby and need to go for a long walk.

Hope others at this stage are doing well @Cruz86

Baby could spin at any point so don’t loose hope they’re not coming soon! I’m gonna full on predict a Saturday baby 😃 sending positive vibes x x