VBAC or Elective C Section? (2nd baby)

[MrsBBx]

I am 35 weeks pregnant and am still struggling to decide whether to go for a planned c section
Or a VBAC. My consultant is happy for me to do either. While I’m glad I have the choice, I half wish the decision had been made for me. I literally change my mind daily about it. Was anyone else this indecisive lol?

There will be exactly 3 years between this baby and DS1. My first birth resulted in an ECS at 38 weeks after a failed induction (I only
Got to 3cm dilated after 20 hours of labour). I asked if this would have an impact on my chances of achieving a successful VBAC and was told that it shouldn’t do, however from the research I’ve done it days that a failed induction reduces your chances of delivering naturally although I have left 3 years between my pregnancies, I am still concerned about scar rupture during labour. I’m also really nervous about the thought of a planned CS even though I’ve already had one and it went reasonably well.

If anyone can share their experiences I’d really appreciate it

I had a very similar first birth, emcs following failed induction and baby starting to get distressed. Also a 3 year gap.

I decided that my worst case scenario was another unsuccessful vaginal birth necessitating another emergency section. The only way to avoid that was an elective section so that’s what I went for.

Much calmer than the emergency section and because I knew what to expect in terms of recovery I actually found it easier. Obviously I’ll never know if a VBAC would have been better or worse but I’m happy with the choice I made, no regrets!

My son is also 3 and this is my second pregnancy. With first my waters broke, then I got induced everyway possible and 3 days later had emergency c section. Then myself and son got sepsis which was horrific, so obviously trying to avoid that. My consultants have been fine to go with whatever I want.

I'm 39 weeks pregnant today and still haven't fully decided. At the moment the plan is to be booked for c section on 40th week (slightly later than usual just because I want to make sure baby is ready I felt my son wasnt) and I'm just trying to keep an open mind for if I go into labour before then.

Although if my waters break without contractions like they did the first time I will not consider a VBAC as the infection was basically caused due to the time in-between waters breaking and giving birth rather than the c section itself.

Also I think I'd only be up for giving a vbac a go if I'm in the right mind...this sounds silly as its so unlikely but if I've had a good sleep, if I'm not overly hormonal, if labour starts in the morning.

So I say I haven't decided but I have really as it just depends on what happens.

Thank you 😊 when I found out I was pregnant that was my gut instinct too. I think while it’s good to be informed, i have probably researched a bit too much! I’m glad you had a positive experience with your elective c section. Can I ask if the surgeon used your original scar?

Same here. I’m going for an elective. One week to go

Didn’t want to risk another failed induction. Even more so with not wanting to be in hospital any longer than necessary at this time

I'm only 11 weeks but my midwife has agreed I can have an ERCS at 39 weeks but try for a VBAC if I go early. I'm happy with that decision. I went into labour spontaneously at 38 weeks with my first and had a 42 hour back to back labour where I didn't progress beyond 4cm so the back up of a section is comforting me that I won't end up in a state like last time!

@RainbowFlowers I’m sorry to hear that you both developed sepsis.

I am currently pencilled in for an elective c section at 40+ 1, with the idea of possibly going into labour on my own. I also feel that I don’t want to have my baby at 39 weeks if it’s not medically necessary to, as DS1 seemed tiny when he was born at 38 weeks. I’ve had a few comments from friends who have been quite negative and don’t understand why I would wait until 40 weeks and ‘risk’ going into labour. I think that’s put doubt in my mind.

It’s a difficult decision for anyone to make. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and birth

Pretty much identical situation! 35 weeks pregnant had a failed induction last time (I contracted 8 in 10 from the off and baby got distressed leading to emergency csection). Have had a couple of issues with this pregnancy so have today booked in for an elective csection at 37 weeks 😊

I was tooing and throwing between vbac and elcs but the baby has been a bit of a pain recently and has lead to a couple of admissions. Now the decision is made I feel very calm and am happy to be able to get things planned and get DD’s childcare sorted so DH can be with me for the birth

@Rebelwithallthecause I also want to get out of hospital ASAP with everything that’s going on ATM! Are you having your elective CS at 39 weeks?

Yes 39+3 to be exact

I’m still nervous but so glad I’m not going to end up with an emergency

I think I wrote an identical post almost a year ago! Same circumstances for my first birth, had dd2 last August. I was all set for a VBAC and even did a hypnobirthing course (which if you do decide to have a vbac, look up the positive birth company).

In the end I decided on an elective. I only booked it at 37 weeks for 39 weeks. My issue with my first birth was I was basically induced (due to meconium in my waters) that I felt rushed, like I was under pressure to make progress, and if anything I felt that slowed me down. My consultant was honest and said with a VBAC you're not on a time limit but they will be careful with how long things take because of the pressure on your scar. They also wouldn't budge when I asked if the constant monitoring could be negotiated on. My worst nightmare was being strapped to a bed on my back again like the first time. So I went with an elective. In hindsight maybe I should have fought harder for what I wanted, but in all honesty, I couldn't be arsed to argue.

My VBAC was lovely, very relaxed, music playing, the operating theatre staff were all female (fluke not requested) and they were all having a laugh and a joke. I felt better prepared because I knew what to expect and if anything I healed quicker.

But it is a very personal choice and entirely up to you.

Oh and your scar question you asked up thread, the consultant today said they go through the same scar (as mine was a preemie-34 weeker, last time she said it may be slightly more complicated) and it may take a little longer to get to baby as the tissue is a bit tougher to get through.

I had a VBAC but if baby hadn’t come by 39 weeks I would have had a csection

@MrsBBx

Yes, in through the original scar. Went into hospital at 6.45am and was told I was second on the list. Had a nap and then went down for the section. DS2 born at 10.07am. Back on the ward in time for lunch and discharged home the following day.

We did have to go back in in day 3 due to jaundice and feeding difficulty due to TT but that was nothing to do with the section.

It was all very straightforward. Took the DC for a picnic in the park on day 12, was driving after 3 weeks.

Thanks for all of the positive comments and for sharing your thoughts/experiences everyone