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Childbirth

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

Original poster

VBAC After 3-Sections?

41 replies

HeyaAll · 26/05/2023 20:43

Hi everyone! :)
i'm hoping for some words of encouragement - please, anyone have a successful VBAC after 3 CS?
these 3 were with 2 year gaps in between. And it would be a 2 year gap since my last one.
i had a natural birth before, and would love to - again. Last pregnancy I started contracting early (without realising) and my scar got too thin. I was advised yet another c-section which I was really hoping to avoid...
if i was to try again, is there a hope for a natural birth? any stories? Good or bad?
thanks in advance ! X

OP posts:
Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 05:24

Anyone?? 🥹🥹

OP posts:
RebeccaCloud9 · 27/05/2023 05:47

I was told after my 2 sections that my third baby would NEED to be another section, that if I went into labour naturally, they would whip me in for an emergency section.

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 05:56

hi! Thanks for your reply. i was told the same (us style health care) BUT i know in the UK and other countries they do allow for VBAC even after more than 2! ..Hence why I am wondering HOW 'risk-averse' the rule of 2 CS means CS forever is and if there is ANY hope... ☹️

OP posts:
RedRobyn2021 · 27/05/2023 05:59

My sister in law had 2 sections and her third was a planned HBAC but she was transferred at the end of the labour and gave birth at the hospital with forceps.

She was amazing.

If you want a VBAC you should definitely look in to it.

Goldencup · 27/05/2023 06:00

You have 4 children ? 1 SVD then 3 C-sections ? Can I ask what the indications for your previous c-sections were for ?

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 06:14

@RedRobyn2021 thanks for words of encouragement! I am glad to hear all went smooth for your sister and hope that she and the baby are doing amazing 🤗 so there is hope maybe! 😬😬

@Goldencup hi! Thanks for your reply. Yes, exactly as you said. My 1st CS was emergency (placental abruption), 2nd was selective (it was at the same hospital as the emergency and me and the baby almost died because of the midwives lack of care then, so frankly I was scared to deal with them again and opted of 'controlled environment' - in the hindsight I really regret this because I could've just got on with it but I was mortified by what I saw on the ward when admitted (corona times) and I was alone - husband at home with other kids - I chickened out! 🫠
3rd CS was because I stared contracting for over a week (I didn't feel it but they measured them regular and strong enough) and after a week of medication to stop them they didn't. It really thinned out my scar and the doctor was worried for rupture and STRONGLY advised my to immediately get a section. So I did.
BUT here I am, still hoping for a natural birth some day... 🥹🥹🥹

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Goldencup · 27/05/2023 06:25

Wow, I afraid I have no idea. I am completely guessing but do you need to measure your scar thickness ? Is that even possible ? Do remember though that 1 in 8 women died in childbirth before about 1900 and many more infants. Even if you do need another C- section you are are (almost) guaranteed a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

droghedalady · 27/05/2023 06:37

Hi op. I think there's a risk of uterine rupture which I wouldn't chance, to be honest.

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 06:37

@Goldencup
🤗🤗 thank you anyways. No they can't measure it prior (from what I understand) because it changes during pregnancy and prolonged contractions are what thins it out.
Yes you are right, I feel the same way but would LOVE to have a natural experience still...
Maybe because I know I took the wrong turn with CS No2 - I shouldn't have been scared and all would've been fine now !! - I'm just annoyed because I feel like I 'signed a deal' for forever CS's without knowing it.
at least thats how the doctors are all acting. 😢

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Trixiedrum · 27/05/2023 06:40

Medical staff can’t make you do anything, so I suppose you can try if you want to, and probably a hospital will agree to monitor you and hopefully catch any complications early.

But every unit I am aware of (and I know a few) would strongly advise against labouring if you have had two or more C-sections. Especially since your scar thinned last time without even being in active labour, which is unusual and very worrying. What if it hadn’t been picked up? Your uterus could just have split open, and a uterine rupture is incredibly dangerous.

I think the wise thing would be to stop considering this, but of course you should ask the team looking after you to discuss.

AskingForAFriend12 · 27/05/2023 06:41

If your scar was getting too thin with contractions, it will only be worse in a subsequent pregnancy. There is more scaring and uterus is weaker. There are risks of pregnancy after 3 sections, nevermind actual labour.
It would be very reckless to even try.

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 06:45

@droghedalady hi! So I've heard but no-one can tell me how high is the risk. Like is it 30-40%? Is it 1%? Is it 0.001%?
i'm certain there were women doing VBAC after more than 3 just fine - surely they were given the same advice. obviously I wouldn't want to risk anything too much, but also don't want to remain stuck in CS's FOREVER if not truly necessary.... 😵‍💫😵‍💫

OP posts:
Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 06:55

@Trixiedrum
hi. Thanks for your thoughtful reply! 😭😭😭 I just am really Kicking myself for chickening out when it wasn't necessary with CS2. I want to fix that error of judgement so badly. 😢

@AskingForAFriend12
hi, thanks for your reply.! Is this true? About the scar?
I can't find much research and info on this - other than anecdotal from women who just went for it / or who didn't - it seems most women follow the advice (obviously) and therefore there isn't much of an info on what happens if you don't so it's really hard to evaluate for yourself... 😵‍💫

OP posts:
Goldencup · 27/05/2023 07:00

HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 06:37

@Goldencup
🤗🤗 thank you anyways. No they can't measure it prior (from what I understand) because it changes during pregnancy and prolonged contractions are what thins it out.
Yes you are right, I feel the same way but would LOVE to have a natural experience still...
Maybe because I know I took the wrong turn with CS No2 - I shouldn't have been scared and all would've been fine now !! - I'm just annoyed because I feel like I 'signed a deal' for forever CS's without knowing it.
at least thats how the doctors are all acting. 😢

I do understand that OP nature is beautiful but also brutal. The natural way may just be very dangerous for you. Also and I mean this kindly think of your other children in the worst case you might be leaving them motherless or with you very unwell for a prolonged period.

Superfrog3 · 27/05/2023 07:08

I've had 3 sections. When I was pregnant with my 3rd I was told the risk was a lot higher of scar rupture, basically with every pregnancy the scar is more likely to rupture. I think if your scar got very thin last time then the risk would be even higher again. Even a 4th pregnancy was explained to me as risky and I've had no scar complications. Good luck with everything, I hope you get what you want ... I really struggled with the fact I never had a VD but I have 3 beautiful children and I had to make the decisions that was safest for me and my babies. Good luck OP I hope you get some answers you need 💛

Thelittlestranger · 27/05/2023 07:14

I had a VBAC after two sections. First section was emergency after long labour, second was because I didn't go into labour naturally within 10 days of my due date and they couldn't manage to break my waters (wouldn't give me drugs to put me into labour due to risk of scar ruption)

For my VBAC I read up a lot. I really wanted a water birth but had been told it was impossible because they would want to monitor me constantly for potential scar rupture. Apparently the baby's heart rate raising is a good indication of that ( if I remember rightly - it was 11 years ago now!!)

I read that it is the hospital's responsibility to monitor me however I am labouring - if I'm standing up, moving around etc. Not just lying on the bed, which is easier for the hospital because they don't need to hold it. And I also found out they had a waterproof monitor that could be used in the pool. I researched and knew there was a consultant at the hospital who was very pro VBACs and asked to be put under her care. She was incredibly supportive, and we agreed the parameters of my VBAC. ie - if any risk was noted I would be sent for a section immediately.

As it turned out, I hated the pool as soon as I got in it!! I laboured for 3 days - I start off really slow - and then for 12 hours in the hospital very intensely. And they let me push for half an hour only - we did it though (with about 12 people in the room and a multitude of tools) They were all incredibly supportive.

With hindsight, would I do it again? It was the slowest of my recoveries and I was so focused on the VBAC side, I didn't concentrate on the how to manage labour better side.

Long post - sorry! In the UK, you can do it with the right support on your side. Read up, educate yourself so you can explain your choices. But also listen to the experts to make sure you are both safe.

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 07:40

@Goldencup Thank you I appreciate your words a lot 🤗

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Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 07:42

@Superfrog3
im sorry to hear you too struggled with this concept. Its a tough one. I fully understand why you made the decision you did. I wish all the best for your three littles and your family 🤗😊

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DontTouchMyMug · 27/05/2023 07:45

It's absolutely ok to ask about it, and who knows it may be possible for you. I would have thought with 3 sections it would it much more dangerous and difficult to labour. They will advise you of the safest way for you and your baby.

I've had 3 sections and I know what you mean about signing up to a lifetime deal after the 2nd but I am ok with that. I was advised my 3rd via section would safer and I was ok to go ahead. In the end she was a surprise footling breach! So it worked out well. The recovery was very very tough and part of the reason I'll never have a 4th - I know it would be another section and I can't put myself through that.

Good luck no matter what happens and fingers crossed for a safe and healthy delivery 🙂

Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 07:47

@Thelittlestranger Hi! Thank you for your reply and what awesome story to share!
yes, uk is way more naturally oriented than most of the other places I had the privilege of living in. (in my experience sometimes even too much lol!)
was you initially advised against VBAC? And only upon your insistence / research they accommodated you? Were you worried at all? How did you deal with people around you being discouraging?? 😵‍💫

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Original poster
HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 08:05

@DontTouchMyMug
thank you for your reply. I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time with the recovery! I hope you are back to 'fully-normal' now? Is there even such thing after 3CS? Do you also still get some pains sometimes? Off topic, but its nice to hear from 'fellow survivors' lol 😄
glad to hear you are enjoying motherhood and its a true blessing you are just FINE with how things are and with 'the CS deal' 😉 I am super NOT so well done to you 😀

OP posts:
Goldencup · 27/05/2023 08:20

I have an Aunt who had 4 c-sections, apart from a hip replacement in her 60's she seems absolutely fine. Very keen swimmer and cyclist FWIW

Thelittlestranger · 27/05/2023 08:24

HeyaAll · 27/05/2023 07:47

@Thelittlestranger Hi! Thank you for your reply and what awesome story to share!
yes, uk is way more naturally oriented than most of the other places I had the privilege of living in. (in my experience sometimes even too much lol!)
was you initially advised against VBAC? And only upon your insistence / research they accommodated you? Were you worried at all? How did you deal with people around you being discouraging?? 😵‍💫

I think it's considered a given that you will have another section and not many question it. When I did, I was able to have very insightful conversations with the consultant.

I found when I got questioned it was generally by people who hadn't researched it as much as me and were quoting assumptions and things they'd heard rather than facts and knowledge.

At the same time, I would also say that while I knew what I wanted, its important to not let that cloud everything. I would hardly call the vaginal birth I had 'natural' given the tools involved 😁And we give ourselves such a hard time over these things. 16/15 and 11 years later the births are so far in the past, it is a story we might share - but such a small detail in the lives of our children. Try not to let it become your focal point.

DontTouchMyMug · 27/05/2023 08:56

Yes definitely get odd pains and things from the 3rd. My stomach will never be the same 😂

I think I was ok with because whilst I was open to a vaginal birth with my 1st and 3rd I wasn't totally keen for one. I just wanted the birth to be over no matter what form it took! So when they said a 3rd section would be safer I just kind of shrugged and said fine. I can imagine if you strongly want to try for a vbac it could be really disappointing.

RebeccaCloud9 · 27/05/2023 09:14

My surgeon told me during my 3rd section that even getting pregnant again would be incredibly risky and highly not recommended.

From what you've written, I wonder if what may help you more than a natural birth is counselling to come to terms with your 2nd c section?

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