VBAC induction - help!

[EPfds]

I’m 39 weeks exactly and have been told I cannot go to 40 weeks for medical reasons, so have an elective section booked in 2 days unless I manage going into labour before.
I’d like to avoid a section this time if possible and would like to trial for VBAC, but my doctor isn’t very supportive. I suspect this is the case because of his tight schedule rather than because he has safety concerns re a VBAC.

I’ve had a membrane sweep and have been told I’m 1cm dilated, and could have my waters broken tomorrow. All other forms of induction have been ruled out because it’s VBAC and it’s been suggested the induction should be aborted 12 hours after my waters have been broken unless I’m in established labour by then, which seems very early, I thought normally they give you more time if baby is ok.

Has anyone had a similar VBAC attempt via water breaking or has any tips what else I should be asking for to increase my chances?

Hello!

I was induced at 36 weeks for medical reasons, also wanted a VBAC as was terrified of another long awful recovery from c section…. But similarly was terrified of long awful induction (which led to my previous EMCS 🫠).

The consultants initially wanted me to go no longer than 6-12hrs after having my waters broken, but I advocated for myself and pushed to be allowed at least 24hrs if no signs of distress for baby/no increased risk to either of us. I trawled Google, forums, NHS sites, medical papers… and from my own research I came to the conclusion that if there were no high risk/red flags, then this was ok. However, it would be with continuous monitoring - which was a good compromise.

So yes, do your own research and push for a patient informed/led choice - they can’t force you to have or do anything. They can advise, and you can take that onboard to make YOUR decision about YOUR body/baby. Especially if your doc isn’t giving any actual reasons re. 12hr limit… you’ll likely need continuous monitoring (but hopefully your hospital will have wireless monitors like mine did so you can still move around to get gravity working!).

My first baby’s induction was awful. 5 day horrendous, painful, hospital failing, nightmare……. My second (2 months ago) was so healing and incredible. Waters broken around 4pm, lots of dancing around, music, oxytocin cuddles with hubs, low lighting, calm as possible….. and she was here at 1am 😃 she coped so well with no signs of distress.

Wishing you all the best!!

I daresay (from experience) that the reason he’s discouraging is less his own schedule and more the poor likelihood of success. Yes this method can work, but they have nothing else to throw at it if labour doesn’t kick in on its own.

(in my case my blood pressure started going up again before the deadline and off to theatre I went for a repeat)

Thank you that’s really helpful, and encouraging that this worked so well for you!
Can I ask how dilated you were when they broke your waters?
I wondered whether I could request the foley balloon to help with further dilation but consultant dismissed this saying this was only used if cervix was completely shut and waters couldn’t be broken, which doesn’t make that much sense to me. Surely getting mechanical help with dilation can help bring labour along?

Hello!
Glad to help. Yes it can fail, but it’s absolutely your choice to try - as it may well be a success, as mine was!
I was 2cm dilated (just), so managed to get in there to pop waters. It would have been the balloon if no dilation. I was told balloon is just to dilate enough to be able to break waters. My contractions started within an hour or so of it happening which I wasn’t expecting. Just made sure I was up and about and bouncing on the ball as much as possible. And trying to stay in a positive mindset (despite how worried I was deep down). Get that oxytocin going!!

Go with your gut 🙂

Obvs am aware that there’s a good chance it wouldn’t work, but I don’t really understand why I’m being discouraged from trying in the absence of a medical emergency. If either of us were to become unwell we could spontaneously pivot to a section any time ofc. I think this is why the consultant doesn’t love the idea - easier to schedule a planned section than an emergency one.

Thanks so much for the info, that’s v good to know re the foley and chimes with what I was told. Let’s see how it goes!