Rather early I know, but what can I do in this pregnancy to increase chances of a VBAC?

[PussinJimmyChoos]

Am coming up to 12 weeks this week and I know its early, but am thinking about the birth.

I had EMCS with DS due to failure to progress and he was back to back. I want to start early this time to ensure maximum positioning of the baby and that I don't end up as puffy and sofa bound as I was last time (couldn't stand for more than 10mins without swelling, really bad water retention, carpal tunnel syndrome etc).

I am convinced that being sofa bound played a big part in the back to back and emcs..midwife didn't seem fazed about it - just made sure I didn't have high BP (I didn't)

Also wondering about labouring at home for as long as possible, but then worrying that something could get missed if not being monitored, but then if being monitored in hospital, am less mobile and thus more chance of intervention and another cs

All advice appreciated

Hi
I had a VBAC seven years ago after an EMCS at 35 weeks three years earlier. I'm convinced that being more active (chasing round after a toddler and working in a busy casualty dept) meant that I was much fitter for the pregnancy and helped with me achieving the VBAC.
I also walked a LOT in the last few weeks to encourage DS to come out the old fashioned route and stayed vertical for as much of the labour as I could.
I found most staff really supportive of me trying for VBAC.
Good Luck!
jx

Bump

www.spinningbabies.com/

Spend all the time you can in the last few weeks on all fours or leaning over a birthing ball to make sure baby in right position (hellish on the knees though). Also sit upright on a dining type chair leaning slightly forward rather than lounging on sofa.

Do not fancy spending my evenings on a hard chair to watch tv near the end - I love the sofa but if it means it helps keep baby in right position then I'll do it...or can I sit on sofa but angled forward with lots of cushions

What about bouncing on a birth ball or is that not recommended until actually in labour?

Quite worried about the weight thing as have had very bad sickness that is only just starting to ease up, but meant I was eating every 2 hours and a LOT of beige carby type food as too ill to cook. On the plus side, have lost my sweet tooth so at least am not having chocolate in the evenings which I used to be fond of doing!

Am hoping the school walk x4 a day will help a lot!

I'm also trying for a VBAC, dd was elcs for breech presentation so I am DETERMINED that this one is going to head the right way! Not sure what's right to do but I'm doing masses of pelvic floor exercises and sitting on a ball rather than the sofa for at least part of each evening... Anything's worth a shot... I had very bad sickness for a long time too incidently, and then went straight to Indigestion. Fun, ain't it, this pg lark?!

I'm nearly 30 weeks btw. There was a VBAC support thread under 'childbirth' but i haven't seen it in a while!

Hypnobirthing seems like it really improves chances of a VBAC (not as weird as it sounds, mostly just about relaxation leading to a positive birth experience). There are loads of really positive hypnobirthing stories on this website- as well as one who had a VBAC after THREE C sections!! I was pretty amazed to read it.
www.hypnobirthing.co.uk/forum/hypnobirthing-uk-birth-stories-f1/