Chances of VBAC/successfully going into spontaneous labour

[Mumbleer]

Just looking for some advice/wondering if anyone has experienced similar.

With my first baby (born Jan 2023), I was told that they were worried about her size (too small) and was offered an induction at 38 weeks. Nothing happened - I had two pessaries over 48 hours and the gel, and no contractions, no dilation, nothing.

I was told I couldn't go home so either I had to start again or accept a c-section. I wasn't very happy with either but wanted to meet my little girl so went with the c-section which was fine. Very calm, nice experience, healed quickly and my scar is barely noticeable.

She turned out to be absolutely healthy (5lbs 13oz - not so small really? And could have gained quite a bit if she had been left 2-3 weeks?). So I felt a bit miffed and cheated out of a labour experience. I know this is stupid and everyone's experience is so different, but I still can't shake it off after nearly two years.

Anyway, planning baby no. 2 for next year hopefully and would really like to at least try for a VBAC. What are my chances?

I had a somewhat similar experience in that I was induced for reduced movements, it ended in a C-section and then it turned out that my son was small (6lbs at 39+5). Like you I wondered whether it would have been better to leave him inside for a little longer, but I now understand that if they are concerned about restricted growth it's best practice to have the baby be born sooner rather than later. They can't control how much weight the baby gains in utero because it all depends on how well the placenta is functioning, whereas once they're on the outside it's easier to fatten them up by feeding them (using formula if necessary). Once I realised this it helped me make my peace with the decision to induce.

Second time round (my next baby was born the same month as yours) I was given extra growth scans and closely monitored but my daughter ended up being a healthier weight. I was booked in for an induction at 41 weeks but had a sweep at 40 weeks and a successful VBAC at 40+2.

Absolutely no reason you couldn't. Attempt a vbac @Mumbleer

I had a c-section (for breech baby but they were also concerned about growth restriction and would have taken her out early for that anyway - she was 6lb 4oz at 39 weeks), and am now preparing for the birth of my second baby. I'm also considering VBAC and have been told that given I have no other risk factors this will be fine. I've chosen not to attempt induction - I know they won't use hormone pessary to induce for VBAC anyway because of the risk of rupturing your existing scar - but they are happy for me to labour naturally.

It definitely varies from hospital to hospital/trust to trust as my community midwife who works out of one hospital in my city said she expected I would still be able to VBAC on a midwife-led unit; however the obstetrician I've met with at the hospital I plan to deliver at has said that they will only let me VBAC on a delivery ward. Apparently the two hospitals have different thresholds for risk.

We have agreed to set a date for elective c-section for about 40 weeks, but if I go into labour before that then to just go with it. Obstetrician is very happy with this. I would imagine if you are similar to me and have no other complicating factors your options will be broadly similar.