Giving birth after EMCS - options?

[Oldpairofsocks]

Hello,

I'm currently nearly 10 weeks pregnant with baby n2. I had a c section with my first after stopping dilating at 3 cm.

I saw my MW recently and she told me I'm not seeing the consultant this time but only someone at the birth options clinic at 24 weeks, regarding the birth.

She seemed very positive about having a VBAC ("saying why not trying it?") and I naively went along. Now I have thought about it and would like a repeat c section. The main reason is that I never dilated past 3 cm and I'm 4'8".

Can they force me into a VBAC if I don't want one? Should I contact my midwife and talk to her or wait until 16 weeks?

I'm very scared about uterine rupture and my other main concern is my height which could reduce my chances of a vaginal delivery.

I had an emcs last time. Back to back baby and obstructed labour. Apparently unlikely to recur after first birth.

I told them I was having a section - I have no inclination to labour again!! Has been no problem. I read up before and just stuck to my preference. Good luck!

Yeah I think you need to advocate strongly for what you want. I'm a bit the opposite in that I had a failed induction and a EMCS and if I have a second child I don't want an induction or a section. I want to labour naturally, which they probably won't let me do as my pregnancies are IVF and they seem reluctant to let you go overdue. So i know if/when the time comes I will need to be really clear on what I want, within the limits of safety to any baby obviously. Good luck!

Is it normal being midwife-led? I had thought that after a c section I'd have to see a consultant.

And regarding my height, do you think it could be an obstacle to a vbac? The midwife didn't seem concerned.

Stick to your guns and push for a C-section. It is your choice but they will likely try to persuade you to go for a VBAC. Practice what you'll say if you don't feel confident e.g. "I understand, but I am still going for the C-section".

You probably will need to see a consultant at some point but not this early.