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!

Hi @BigGreenPepper and @RainbowSlide! Sorry I've not been on here much. Currently 39+6 and pretty sure my waters are trickling very slowly but nothing has really picked up yet. Going to see how things progress overnight and if nothing, I'll go and get swabbed tomorrow. How are you both? X

Oh 😐 spinning babies might be worth a look?!

Yes second that about the spinning babies website, lots of useful info on there about how to get baby in good position, don't let it worry you! And a long walk a good idea too. And doing something nice - something good to eat? Favourite film?

Ooh that's exciting! Is the swab to check if it is in fact your waters and to see if you're dilated?

That was a name change fail of mine so both those user names is me (whoops). I'm ok, went on a huge walk today, lots of exercises from spinning babies to get bubs ready to move and in position. No further pains or cramps though so not sure I have much more to report! Keep us posted on how you go

Any news Pepper? 🤞🏻

Woke up at 3am, couldn't sleep, feeling kinda sick and agitated, and very crampy. (I'm in Australia so it's late morning here)

Just monitoring things at this point and could turn to nothing but I'm tentatively excited.....

eeeek! Hopefully there’s a baby by now?

Nnnnnope! Stubbornly still in utero. I'm 40+1 today, doing regular diy sweeps which are telling me my cervix is softening and opening up but no other signs of labour.. I'm also doing nipple stimulation, and will have my acupuncture "induction" tomorrow which will be three sessions over the next 3 days so I'm hoping something comes of that...

Good luck! Let us know how you get on 🤞🏻

Hi @BigGreenPepper, how are things going? Just coming on to update you! I gave birth just after midnight on Sunday morning. Unfortunately it wasn't the VBAC I so very wanted, but I'm grateful he's here and safe. After 46 hours of early labour at home, we decided it was time to be checked out because things weren't progressing but contractions were very strong. At 10.30pm on Saturday evening we arrived at hospital. The monitor showed baby was okay and doing well, then after an internal examination, his heart rate dropped to 50bpm and next thing we know, I'm rushed off for a section! But this time under general anaesthetic because there wasn't enough time. I was so calm this time round and don't feel it was as traumatic as my first birth, despite the situation being very similar.

I really hope you can experience your VBAC. Please keep me updated!! Xx

Congrats Cruz! 46 hours - you tough cookie 🍪 💐

Congratulations @Cruz86 Very much hope you are enjoying your new baby and aren't too traumatised from c section under general. Hope you're doing okay @BigGreenPepper I have everything crossed for you.

Congratulations @Cruz86 ! That sounds like a rough old ride though, I hope you're recovering well and baby is as snuggly as ever.

I'm still pregnant.. 40+3 today. Today I've had an internal procedure done by my women's health physio to try and release some muscle tension, I've had day 2 of my "induction acupuncture", and a nap. Tomorrow I'll head into the hospital for a post dates check and ctg and hopefully get a sense of where things stand. Then more acupuncture and seeing the obstetrician in the afternoon. I'm booked in for a c section on Friday at 40+5 bc of my age, but was really hoping not to need it. Feeling a bit disheartened by the whole thing but at least I've given it all I've got.

Sat in the birthing suite for my checks. Nurse has said she's not doing an internal check or sweep if I'm booked in tomorrow for cs and seeing my obstetrician later. Also kindly told me i have a pendulus abdomen, not much muscle there, I'll need lots of physio afterwards.. "ah well third baby, you can't be beautiful forever". Umm... Thanks... feeling very deflated.

Whats a pendulus abdomen?! Never heard of it! Would they give you one pessary just to see if they can kick start things? Hope you’re okay x

She doesn't sound very helpful! Get home and relax!

I found Birth after Cesarean by Jenny Lesley to be a helpful short read. Something in there about trusting mothers who have had csections to make that decision again if needed and for medical professionals to trust then to do so. So be confident in your decision

My nurse friend just told me a "pendulus abdomen" is when your bump hangs lower than your vag, which is definitely not where I'm at. So not only rude, but wrong. Cheers love.

Thanks for the book recommendation, I've read Hazel Keedle book "birth after caesarean", which I found really empowering but also evidence based and balanced. Highly recommend

So the midwife called my obstetrician, he asked her to check me and sweep (finally some support!).

So she did. I'm 3/5 engaged and she did a bit of a sweep. Think I've just lost some mucus plug now as it was more than spotting. So some progress...

How exciting, best of luck!

That sounds good. I think I read that 3/5 engaged means the baby can fit through your pelvis - my first two never really engaged so when I got told this with no3 was a positive sign!

Eeek! Get climbing those stairs 🤞🏻

No vbac for me! Bubs was in just such a bad position, so we scheduled a c section and that happened yesterday. Little girl is doing very well earth side

Congratulations! Sorry you didn't get your VBA2C. Glad your little girl is doing well, and hope you are too.

Congratulations! Hope it all went well and you are recovering ok. Sounds like a good decision

Congratulations! 🎉