Waters broke at 34 weeks - scared

[harrischase]

As the title says my waters have gone, with my mucus plug, I had a planned C Section booked for 39 weeks.

Drs have said they will keep me in for 5 days to monitor me but if I go into labour it's better for me to have a VBAC, I am pretty set on a CS for a variety of reasons.

Has anyone's waters gone earlier and what was the outcome?

Feeling a bit nervous as there are no visitors allowed on the ward so I won't see my husband or daughter.

No previous experience of this, but didn't want to read and run. You are in the right place, they will take good care of you. I've got everything crossed for you.

Hi there, that’s the problem with birth plans, baby tends to have one all of its own!
I also don’t have any previous experience except to say my friend had a very successful VBAC so they can be done. If you haven’t already, maybe discuss your original birth plan with a midwife/consultant later today. If might be that another professional will have a different opinion and will allow a c-section as per your plan. Obviously if you started a VBAC and there was any cause for alarm they would send you for an emergency section anyway.
I know it must terrifying not having your partner there and with it all happening so early. You are being very brave, welldone you.

There is a thread on the pregnancy board of a lovely mum whose waters went at 24 weeks and gave birth to a beautiful little girl called Saydie if you fancy a read. (Back in the sunmer of last year) It might help to make you feel a bit more positive.
Otherwise, try and get some sleep because you’ll feel better for it.
Sounds like you have a little tough cookie there who won’t be told when he/her is about to appear!
You got this, you are in safe hands.
Sending lots of positive thoughts and keeping everything crossed xxxx

Thank you both for being so kind

I know I am in the best place it's just so worrying, this probably sounds ridiculous but I didn't realise there was so much blood when your waters break.

The midwife that just came round said they will still do a section and it's my choice so that's made me feel a bit better, but also a bit crap if it's actually worse for the baby.

I will check that other threat out.

Thanks for taking the time to reply xxxx

Moved me back to the delivery ward for the bleeding, I still don't have any contractions

Thinking of you. Fingers crossed things go as well as they can

31+6, baby out a few hours later with zero health issues. He's now a thriving 22 month old. Just to give you a positive outcome :)

My waters went at 35 weeks, and DS was born the next day. We were both absolutely fine; he's now 5 and thriving!

Thank you all for your replies! It's good to know some people had quick and positive experiences!

Nothing happened as yet xxx

I had a Vbac at 35 weeks. Quick easy labour and perfect baby now 11. Hope you have same outcome xx

Fingers crossed all goes well. Could you get partner or someone to drop off a pack of goodies in case you’re in for a while? Cereal bars, big water bottle, headphones or earplugs and mask. Flip flops were a life saver!

Husband will come with my bag when the little one gets up, I am desperate for clean clothes

Midwife has said I will get CS if I still want one.

Husband will be allowed in theatre but we have no childcare

I wish I wasn't such a wimp

Not had experience of the CS but two dc born at 31 and 32 weeks. Both strapping teenagers now with no issues related to prematurity other than (possibly) not great teeth - they look fine, they're just more prone to decay than perhaps they should be.

I would push for a c section but that's based on my experience only. My waters also broke at 34 weeks and I was advised to have a natural birth.

Unfortunately I had a cord prolapse and ended up with a EMCS under general anaesthetic. If it happened to me again, I wouldn't take the risk.

My uncle was born at 34 weeks about sixty years ago and was absolutely fine. Went to grammar school, then uni, now has a high flying and well-paid job.

Hi op, my waters went at 34+4 but I started contracting pretty much immediately. DD was breech and was delivered 3.5 hours later by EMCS.

She spent a week in special care to help with her breathing but is a happy healthy 18 month old now. I actually wish I’d been able
to have a vaginal delivery as I think it helps squish all the fluid and funk out of their lungs. Who knows, maybe my DD could have avoided her stay in scbu but maybe not. I had no choice anyway as she was breech so she was coming out the sunroof!

If you have other reasons for wanting a section then follow your instincts, it’s good they’re still offering you the choice. Good luck! X

For those of you that had a section did you have a GA? I'm not sure if you can still have a local when you're in but it's not booked?

At the start of the pregnancy I was consultant lead because I am high risk, and she recommended a CS then, it was just the one Dr earlier was really insistent on a VBAC

No, you say
"I have already decided and agreed on a c section. I do not want any less control then I already have. Please do not discuss this with me again"

And I would take a block if you can because I had a GA for first section as it was not possible to have a spinal due to an infection.
The GA meant I woke up in a total mess of pain. Spinal with section section was incredible.
If you have aspinal it may be a bit longer to get you to SCBU to baby but you will be more comfortable
Have you seen the paediatricians to discusso

No I just had a normal spinal block and was totally awake all the way through. I wouldn’t worry about what that doc said, he prob won’t even be on shift when you eventually deliver.

I think sections are only done under GA in exceptional circumstances or when there are other issues. Its usually a spinal block or something similar x

My waters broke at 34 weeks, I was kept in hospital for a few days but didn't go in to labour so went home with regular monitoring. My dc was born at 36 weeks as I went in to labour. I ended up having an epidural, then spinal block and forceps delivery. Best of luck to you.

You're not a wimp!
You stand your ground about your section. I always opted for VBAC but when I was in hospital the midwife said I can have whatever I want and I get to choice as it's my body, she was the sweetest midwife. Really lovely woman.
I was born at 34 weeks but my mum was already in labour and they broke her waters

I only had a general anaesthetic because the baby needed to be delivered immediately; there wasn't time for the alternative. That isn't usual though.

I kick myself for not speaking up and demanding a c section. If it happened again I would definitely be more assertive.

My DS was 4lbs 12 oz and spent two and a half weeks in SCBU, mainly due to jaundice. He's 6 years old now though, and doesn't seem to have any lasting effects.

Presumably you have already been given a steroid injection? In which case the outcome for your baby is very positive!

Good news you can still have a c-section if that's what you still want.

Thank you all for the messages of support and the stories, it's about all that has got me through the last 12 hours!

The doctor has been round this morning and said they think a section is the safest option, but if I wanted to try a VBAC they would, I am so relieved about that.

I have had one of my steroid injections I am due to get the other this afternoon and then if the bleeding has stopped I can be moved off the delivery ward to the antenatal ward.

With the level of bleeding the doctor estimates I will only have a couple of days before baby arrives.

My whole body just keeps shaking uncontrollably.

Good luck to you and your bubs

I hope it all goes well for you 🌷

WRT to DH being there and care for DD, depending on whether you've been isolating or not having a friend look after DD would be ok if they have been Isolating too.

But obviously from a c19 pov it's safer for DH to continue looking after her. The staff will look after you x

Was it a different Dr who said a CS would be safer?