Vbac or section - help me decide !

[Wudgy]

Had an emergency section with last pregnancy due to failed induction at 37 weeks ( due to pre-eclampsia) the section was fine but I found the recovery tough. All fine in the end though . Now 36 weeks and need to decide at this weeks appointment what I want to do- it’s a surprise to everyone that I havnt had the same medical issues this pregnancy so far as I had with last so currently no medical reason from induction / section etc. I had thought all along I would have a section and cited that as a preference at each appointment but now I’m getting closer I’m panicking about the recovery with another child to look after etc. But equally I am so done with this pregnancy and don’t want to go over and don’t want to be induced as this failed last time ( although I know it was early). Any advice?! I feel like this week they will want to book in a date if it’s a section and I also would like a date to aim for , could I suggest willing to try vbac if I go into labour spontaneously and if not a section at term?

I’m trying VBAC, on the basis that it is the safest option. But if it doesn’t work out, C section is option 2.
I didn’t find my EMCS traumatic though. But I think if you did then elective c section might be more suitable!
Sorry that isn’t much help x

Thanks for your reply @BeMorePacific , I appreciate you taking the time. I also feel the vbac is possibly a better option with the back up of another section if needed. Just would love a crystal ball to see how it was going to go!

I have had 2 VBACs following an emcs and I'm hoping to have a 3rd VBAC this time.

@Grumpy19 that’s fab you’ve gotten on so well with vbacs, definitely giving me hope!

@FoxtrotSkarloey it’s hard to know how everything will go but as you say there are some cases we’re going for a planned section is certainly the best option straight away , that’s my worry that il try vbac and end in lots of interventions and then a emcs anyway but without a crystal ball we have to go with the professionals opinion and our own gut feeling ! All the best with your birth x

Hi. I had an emcs with my first due to failed induction and baby getting stressed.
With my second I opted for an elective section, I didn't want to go through what I went through with my first. Baby came out not breathing and had to be resuscitated. I was so worried about it happening again.
With my electric it was so much easier than the emergency. It was so relaxing and all over with within 45 mins.
The recovery wasn't to be bad neither. Was painful for the first 2 days but I kept on top off my pain meds and managed it just fine.
I was out and about walking fine after about 5 days.
I'm glad I chose elective but part of me does with I would've tried for vbac, just for the experience.

Good luck with whatever you chose

I went for an elective second time around, technically the first was elective too as she was transverse. I'm very happy with my choice as he ended up being huge, but I also liked the fact it was planned, we knew the date, could organise childcare etc.

Recovery can be tough but I knew what to expect etc and mentally prepared for it. DD was 3.5 too so didn't need lifting and was at nursery a lot of the time, so it worked fine for us.

Good luck!

[Doula here!] It can be such a tough decision between a VBAC and repeat Caesarean, there's so much to think about. I'd be happy to have a chat with you about your situation and help you figure out the most positive way forward. I also run a VBAC support group, currently over Zoom, if you'd like to join. Just send me a message :)

In the same position - traumatic emcs for number 1 and can’t make up my mind for number 2. A smooth vbac would be the preference of course but I don’t think I can face two traumatic births!

My main reservation is the recovery - last time I was in hospital for more than a week so nothing else to do other than lie there and recover. This time I could be out within 24 hours with a toddler at home who still wants to be carried a lot.