Need your childbirth experiences!

[Rosieeo]

I'm hoping for a VBAC soon, and have been given the normal 'trial of scar/CFM/come into hospital as soon as you get a twinge/taken for a section when we feel like it' talk beforehand.

The bit that gets me (the most) was that the consultant basically said that I wouldn't be allowed the same amount of time in labour as someone who has not had a previous section and that I would be 'taken' in for the operation almost at their discretion although I know that in the long run it's up to me.

I'm trying to accept it and get on as best I can, as I really don't want another section, but I need to arm myself with some facts!

SO, after all that, can you tell me how long the different stages of your labour were and at what point the medical folk started getting itsy, if they did, iyswim?

Thanks!

Rx 38+3

Every thing is up for negotiation. I agreed intermittent monitoring for my VBAC. Research the Friedman curve eg www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrezwhich is what some drs will use to guage how long a labour should be. Even Friedman was upset at how it has been misused to manipulate women in labour. They can't put an arbitrary time limit on it, they should do checks as with any labouring woman and intervene only if there are signs that something is wrong. MAke sure your birth companion knows exactly what you want and can advocate for you...ie keep asking why they are suggesting a course of action, what are risks benefits and evidence for it before you make decision.

Hi, My first birth was also an emergency section, I went on to have a perfectly normal vaginal delivery with my second 18 months later.
I was put in a room opposite the operating theatre, just in case, but I felt staff were keen for things to progress naturally. I was strapped up to all the monitoring machines and thankfully there were no signs of any problems.
Having said that I did have a very quick birth, so perhaps there wasn't time for the midwives to get 'itsy'.

Hope all goes well Sxx

I was induced with my 2nd and then after 12 hours had an emergency C section. And after 12 hours and no progression for 6 i was happy for the section!

Have you considered a planned section this time, It is very different from an emergency one.

Thanks for the links and advice, I will definitely follow and read up; left it a bit late but maternity leave has only just started! I can see the sense in knowing exactly what's going on and making sure dh knows what I want too.

Strictmum, I have considered an elective. My first section was because of a failed induction but wasn't what I'd class as an emergency and was, looking back at it, a very positive experience. DD was just fine (if annoyed at being removed from her warm place!) and I recovered very well. I just don't want an operation and the recovery involved with a busy 3 year old. However, if the conditions surrounding induction were the same this time round (totally unfavourable cervix etc) I would re-think the planned section.

If you have an otherwise normal pregnancy without any scar pain and labour starts spontaneously then the risk of scar rupture is very small. There is no reason to go in early unless you are bleeding or have scar pain.

As for cfm, it is recommended as supposedly the fetal heart rate may change significantly if the scar is about to rupture. So basically they are monitoring 200 - 250 women in normal labour just to find out one case of ruptured uterus which would soon be pretty obvious anyway.
(I'm not belitteling having a ruptured uterus, it is a major emergency, however if you are in a hospital it can be dealt with prompty if it were to happen)>