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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Second birth choice after a previous section

17 replies

Pipo174 · 14/01/2019 14:59

Hi all,

I'm just posting to get some experiences on birth choices after having previously had an emergency section?

My first labour was very traumatic, and long, failed induction resulting in emergency section (I didn't dilate).

I will be under consultant led care this time (havent had that appointment yet) but was just wondering what people opted for in future pregnancies?

Elective section
or to try for natural?

I'm not sure but they don't induce again after a failed induction /section?

Any experiences most appreciated!

TIA!

OP posts:

kmreeve · 14/01/2019 15:49

I had an induced v-bac after a section with my twins and it was successful. I'll be going for a water birth this time round x

ChipsAreLife · 14/01/2019 18:06

I agonised over what to do and spoke to my consultant and we agreed I could try vbac before 40 weeks but I was booked in at 40 weeks for a planned section if not. They said they wouldn't induce me again.

As it turns out I didn't go into labour before so had the c section. It was night and day compared to the crash section.

I would chat with your consultant and see what they said but unless you have a strong desire to do vbac then maybe a section would be better.

ZogTheOrangeDragon · 14/01/2019 18:11

The general belief is that our bodies tend to do the same thing so if you didn’t dilate before, be prepared for not dilating again and having a section regardless.

Cosmoa · 14/01/2019 18:45

I was considering trying for a vbac if I even got pregnant again. But my friend just had to have major constructive surgery down below after a pretty rough birth and it having a hard time with the recovery.

This is making me think I might just go for an elective section next time! 🙈

Honeybee79 · 14/01/2019 18:57

I had my first via crash section, my second via elective and have just had a third via elective 3 days, ago. A straightforward vaginal birth is easier to recover from, but vaginal birth is unpredictable and so I went for the section with DC2. Totally different experience - calm, relaxed, predictable, lovely chat with theatre staff while they delivered her. Same a few days ago too.

The first week after a section is tough but recovered well last time and hopefully will this time too.

SenoritaViva · 14/01/2019 18:59

I had an emergency c section and taumatic birth, as DC1 was born in another country I didn’t have my medical notes and the NHS really pushed for a vbac despite consultant telling me I should probably have a section again.

Nevertheless, nhs very convincing and final decision was Vbac or c section on Christmas Eve. Vbac was pretty awful, wished I’d gone for section but I’m fine now (it was 7 years ago!). And very pleased DC2 doesn’t have a Christmas Eve birthday!

chloechloe · 14/01/2019 19:31

I had two really easy VBACs after an EMCS with my first - I was induced but baby got distressed before I’d even had a contraction.

My hospital will not induce after a CS as it increases the risk of a uterine rupture. So the plan was to schedule a CS on a long stop date but try for a VBAC if I went into labour naturally. Luckily DC2 and 3 both arrived early.

If given the choice i would take a vaginal birth over a CS any day. Not only is the recovery much easier but I found that my CS baby was much more unsettled and difficult as a newborn which I think had a lot to do with the birth.

Micke · 14/01/2019 19:36

I had an EMCS after a failed induction. I also failed to dilate, and thinking back, despite walking miles, DS1 never really descended - I never had that bowling ball between the legs feeling.

DS2, I had contractions for a couple of weeks before I went in and refused to leave because I couldn't cope any longer - never dilated, ended up with an EMCS. Wish I'd jumped at the offered CS when I went in for assessment (past due, again), rather than holding on and hoping for a VBAC.

Mummyme87 · 14/01/2019 19:41

I had an emergency CS at 9cm with dS1, found the whole thing very traumatic and DS ended up in NNU for 2weeks with meningitis.
I went for VBAC 2nd time, was induced at 39weeks for polyhdramnios associated with likely late onset GDM. I had a normal birth with a 3B tear and lost 2.5L blood.
Would still definitely go for another VBAC next time

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 14/01/2019 19:49

Dc1 long labour, failed forceps and then emcs because he was stuck at full dilation. NICU for him/breakdown for me.

Dc2 had some conflicting thoughts, no one could tell me why dc1 got stuck. Was thinking c-section through the first half of pregnancy, then realised on the scans that dc2's head was much smaller than dc1's so started thinking vbac. At 36 week scan dc2's head went from the 35th percentile to measuring 6 weeks ahead plus they had flipped back to back. Went back to thinking section. Went into labour ahead of said section and it just didn't feel right so pushed for another section and ended up with very chilled emergency in name only repeat with all the stuff I missed out on last time (skin to skin immediately, watching them be born etc) and a ridiculously easy recovery.

Seline · 14/01/2019 19:51

I've had both a planned and emergency section. The planned one was fabulous and nothing like the emergency. In your situation I'd go for planned, I don't dilate either.

Boobahs · 14/01/2019 20:02

I had a 5 day failed induction with my 2.5 year old DS, where I had 4 pessary gels, they took 3 attempts to break my waters, I spent over 12 hours on the highest dose of the drip, only to not dilate at all. His head was nowhere near being engaged and despite us begging for a c-section for the last 2 days, they refused to listen. I ended up with a EMCS.

Currently 21 weeks with DS2, at a different hospital (due to moving house) and I've asked for an elective section straight away. I've agreed to go to a VBAC clinic as it's their policy but I won't be changing my mind. Just hoping baby doesn't decide to appear beforehand!

user1468348545 · 15/01/2019 10:20

I had emcs first time round, and am deemed high risk this time round for various reasons. I initially was set on having elcs but after researching and lots of talking to various people have decided to go for a vbac. Baby is measuring large and they've ruled out gd. But the doctors aren't allowing me to go over my due date to give me the best chance of successful vbac.

They won't do certain types of induction. Breaking waters is still possible and the trust I'm with do the balloon method which is meant to be fantastic for inductions for those who've had csection before.

Just do whatever you feel is best. Lots of research and talking to those who have had the various methods. At the end of the day however baby gets here as long as they're safe, healthy as is mum then do what you feel is best.

blondeirishmummy84 · 15/01/2019 10:51

Its a really tough decision and I am in the same boat!
Currently 30 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 and still havent decided what to do.
With DS1 I was in labour almost 3 days after 10 days overdue, got to full dilation and pushed for 3 hours before they realised his head was stuck in my pelvis and wouldnt turn to come down the birth canal. He wasnt in distress or anything but ended up in emergency c section, which was SO annoying after the long labour as overall I felt I managed it ok without much pain relief. I found recovery from the section not too bad, but the worst was the tiredness from the labour and only had about 4 hours sleep over 3 days.
They said as my body has laboured to full dilation , a VBAC would look fairly positive and I'd hopefully have a quicker labour. I just dont know though......for practical reasons a planned section would be preference as I know I would get a full nights sleep the night before! And as we live far away from family, we can arrange for our son to be looked after in advance. However part of me wants to try VBAC! I need to decide soon. I think its pride that makes me want to try VBAC but at the end of the day like someone else said it doesnt matter how they get here. I have said though that I definitely do not want to be induced or go past term.
My friend has 2 emergency sections and a third VBAC, she said recovery from VBAC was much worse than a section (ended up with a bad tear and forceps), but I know everyones experience is different.
Good luck deciding!

Boobahs · 15/01/2019 11:39

I'd add that I was high risk (and am again this time) and I also had GD with my first, induced at 39 weeks. Awaiting my second GTT with this one!

Original poster

Pipo174 · 15/01/2019 14:35

Thanks everyone! Gives me lots to think about.
I’m the same @blond it was the 4 nights without sleep before hand made the recovery so so hard. So part of me is like you thinking at least I’d get more rest.

If only a crystal ball existed!

OP posts:

thismeansnothing · 15/01/2019 20:10

I had emergency section with GA with dd1 due to her heart beat dropping and I had suspected sepsis. Very ill afterwards and had a few blood transfusions.

34 weeks with dd2 and I've opted for an elcs this time. This was agreed no questions asked at my 16 week consultant appointment. This is is my last baby and having a bit of a wobble about not trying a vbac, but no way on this earth do I want to risk putting myself or DH in that situation again and to miss the birth of our child

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