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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Terrified of another c sections should I vba2c?

48 replies

sp91 · 21/03/2023 11:22

Hi all I’ve currently had 2 sections first was horrible as it was an emergency section and said I would be able to birth naturally if I tried again and the 2nd was an elective which was better but not great as I chickened out of a vbac and consultant wasn’t very supportive. Wanting to get pregnant again but I really don’t want another c section has anyone had a vba2c? Or anything to ease my mind, I want another baby but I’m terrified. Thanks

OP posts:
FoxtrotSkarloey · 21/03/2023 11:29

Do you know if your discharge notes say whether or not you'd be suitable for VBAC-2? I'm sorry I can't help with direct experience, but when I was planning my second section, the docs were very keen to ensure I was aware it would almost certainly mean I'd have to have another section if I were to have a third child.

Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 13:51

Haven’t seen my notes but most here support you up to your 3rd section it’s just a higher risk :/ hard one as I hate hospitals enough lol 😂 thanks for reply x

OP posts:
justpoppingtotheshops · 21/03/2023 13:56

Well after 2 c sections no I wouldn't

A mum was in the papers just this week who died after attempting a VBAC

FoxtrotSkarloey · 21/03/2023 13:57

Yes, sorry I wasn't clear. No issue supporting subsequent sections, but you might find you are very strongly advised against a VBAC having had two prior sections, so the knowledge of anyone on here might be moot depending on your history (assuming you choose to follow medical guidance).

Might be one to discuss with a GP in the first instance?

Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 14:56

Yes that might be a good idea and for someone to go through my notes with me, tho appointments are good dust at the moment.

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Nursemumma92 · 21/03/2023 14:57

Difficult to say without knowing the circumstances that led to your first emergency section. Might be worth contacting the hospital you had your 2 sections at for a birth reflections appointment... most nhs trusts do this so this could help you with deciding the way forward if you were to get pregnant again x

lalaloopyhead · 21/03/2023 15:02

I was advised against it, though first 2 were emcs as both were back to back deliveries that didn't want to be delivered. I ultimately decided that a safe delivery was more important than my birth experience.
I think it will very much depend on your previous circumstances and also the consultant looking at your case when the time comes.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 21/03/2023 15:22

Actually a north reflections appointment is a great shout. I'd forgotten about those. They are more likely to have your notes and be able to answer more questions.

Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 16:12

First was an emergency c section as the cord was round her neck so every time I pushed her heart rate dropped and baby was to high up for forceps and also didn’t stop the heart rate dropping when pushing so a c section it was l, the second was elective.

OP posts:
Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 16:13

Never heard of north reflections what is that?

OP posts:
FoxtrotSkarloey · 21/03/2023 16:27

A typo for birth reflections! Sorry.

Nursemumma92 · 21/03/2023 16:44

Birth reflections is where you meet with a midwife who has your notes and can go through the circumstances of your births and what led up to the outcome that happened. As you know what happened that caused the first section, it may not be of use to you but sometimes can help inform future decisions. The midwife will not be qualified to advise you either way on what type of delivery to go for but it can help make it clear whether it is something that is likely to happen again or not.
It might be worth getting in touch with the hospital you gave birth at to find out the best way to get advice from an obstetric consultant if it is something you would like to discuss before getting pregnant.

Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 16:44

Oh sorry hun, I was Googling it and thinking I can’t find anything lol

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Original poster
sp91 · 21/03/2023 17:14

Thank you I will try that but I no longer live near that hospital, don’t know if that matters? Thank you for your advice I think talking to someone will help me x

OP posts:
breakfastbagel · 22/03/2023 01:38

You may not be able to have the debrief (birth reflections) if you live too far to travel back but you could request your full maternity notes via Subject Access Request. That might help you make a decision.

How long has it been since your last C-section? If both surgeries/recoveries were straightforward and it's been over a year since then I don't see a reason why you can't vbac. Interestingly, VBACs at home have a much higher success rate so if you hate hospital it's worth considering.

Original poster
sp91 · 22/03/2023 10:52

Thank you yes it’s been nearly 8 years since my c section and both went well emergency one the recovery was abit rough but think that’s because I was induced and at the pushing stage and then it happened, I would love a vbac at home but I’m 30mons away from the hospital if anything went wrong, touch wood it doesn’t. X

OP posts:
FoxtrotSkarloey · 22/03/2023 11:03

@breakfastbagel Can you share that data point please? And especially if it relates to VBAC after two sections.

I'm happy to be corrected, but I don't think VBAC at home was recommended because of the higher risks?

Even if previous surgery and recovery have been straightforward, there is still a risk of scar rupture hence the reco to be close to an operating theatre just in case.

OP, you may be able to do a birth reflections appointment over the phone with your previous hospital. They were the most helpful people I found when trying to choose another section or VBAC for DC2 and as it was during Covid it was all on the phone.

breakfastbagel · 22/03/2023 15:21

You might be right about 2 c-secs actually, I don't have stats for that.

I can't find where I saw the hospital v home numbers but I know that successful vbac in hospital hangs around 18-19% (i'm taking that from looking at multiple trusts maternity statistics) but if you look at the stats for home birth practitioners it's more like 80-90% success for those that attempt (I'm giving that a wide berth as I can't find the source!).

If I find where I saw it i'll come back. I'm a bit of a birth nerd so I have lots of these things in my head but I don't write them down or anything.

I imagine this would count as 'birthing outside of guidelines' as you are correct in saying that a consultant is probably not going to recommend it. But it's up to the woman in the end and it's good to know your options.

Original poster
sp91 · 22/03/2023 18:34

@breakfastbagel can I ask did you go for a vbac in the end? I will ring the hospital and see if they have me a debrief on the phone x

OP posts:
Original poster
sp91 · 22/03/2023 18:35

sp91 · 22/03/2023 18:34

@breakfastbagel can I ask did you go for a vbac in the end? I will ring the hospital and see if they have me a debrief on the phone x

Sorry meant @FoxtrotSkarloey did you choose a vbac in the end? Will ring them and see if they debrief me on the phone x

OP posts:
Original poster
sp91 · 22/03/2023 18:36

@breakfastbagel yes I don’t think I could do it at home as my risk would be to high especially as I have had group b strep in last pregnancies so need antibiotics x

OP posts:
AHobbyaweek · 22/03/2023 18:39

I would suggest you join a VBAC Facebook group.
I had a home birth after one c section and several people in the group had a home vaginal birth after 2 or 3 c sections.
That long after a c section is a reduced risk and unless you had a vertical cut then normally you are fine for a VBAC.

AHobbyaweek · 22/03/2023 18:41

You mention you have group b strep. Also up to you if you have antibiotics or not.
Risk either with antibiotics or without so it is worth seeing what the options are and deciding for yourself.

MrsPetty · 22/03/2023 18:47

It sounds as if your C-sections were not for anatomical reasons - but for safety. I had an emergency Section with DD1 & elective with DD2. I elected as after DD1’s birth, I wanted to know why I didn’t dilate at all during 12 hours of labour. Apparently my uterus points to the side and backwards instead of to the front and forward. Just an anatomical anomaly…but I was advised it was likely I would experience the same again. I’d see an obstetrician and ask for a scan …

weststreet · 22/03/2023 18:47

I personally wouldn't. I only have DD who was c section but due to previous (a lot of, 7 In total) surgeries to my abdo they recommended c section for my first.

We are planning on DC 2 next year and they have advised already that a planned section would be better.

I'm all for making a choice you want, but babies safety and your safety trumps that IMO. I'd go for another section if I were you OP, and I definitely, definitely wouldn't attempt a home birth VBAC especially after 2 sections. At a push, maybe try a vaginal birth but I don't think they'd encourage a VBA2C at home at all.