Second ELCS or VBAC? Advice and experiences needed !

[Cakery]

So I’m 24 weeks with my second. My first is currently 3 and will be 4 end of November.

With my first I had an elective csection- mainly due to pre eclampsia. I found the whole thing really relaxing, i found out about it Friday I prepared over the weekend - section Monday and out Wednesday. The pain afterwards was bad but manageable with pain relief- but I am conscious I recovered so well because I got to lie down and do nothing but cuddle a new born.

So now I have a decision-
Try for VBAC- my concern is trying this and resulting in an emergency section. My body has never actually gone into labour. I had my elective section at 37+5

Or a second section - but how is recovery with a 3/4 year old ?

Experiences please !
I can see positives for both - all going well with a VBAC id have a quicker recovery and be home quicker. But with a section I’ll be able to plan for my little boy?

As your first CS was due to pre-eclampsia I would say the chances of a successful VBAC are pretty high and the likelihood of an EMCS no higher than for any first time mum.

I had an EMCS with my first due to foetal distress before I’d even gone into labour. So whilst it was emotionally distressing, the physical recovery itself I found quite easy, as if I’d had an ELCS. I was desperate to try for a VBAC with my second but, like you, was worried about the fact that I’d never been in labour before. As it turned out DD2 arrived spontaneously 2 weeks early in a really easy delivery with no pain relief. Even though I was monitored the whole time, I managed to labour standing up despite being hooked up to the CTG which I think played a huge role. Afterwards I felt on top of the world - I felt so fit compared to how I did after my CS!

I would speak to the hospital about how a VBAC would be carried out in your case and if there are any restrictions. I’m not in the UK, but my hospital would not induce after a VBAC nor allow an epidural as both increase the risk of your uterus rupturing. I also had to be monitored throughout. But even with those restrictions I personally was happy to give it a go.

If you do decide for a CS i would say the recovery with a 4yo should be manageable. It’s an age where you can explain things to a child and they are quite independent and don’t need to be carried around.

Good luck whatever you decide!