does one c-section mean another one (talking an advanced aged mom here)

[christie2]

I had a c-section (emergency) with the last baby at 41 and it was a nightmare, slow recovery, ugly itchy/painful scar for years, infection etc. But I find myself pregnant again at 44 and havent discussed this with a doctor yet but I expect they will recommend another one given my age/risk factors. I know you can have a vaginal delivery after a c-section. I am just not sure what is in my best interests go ahead and have one and not worry about it (but dread the recovery) or hold out try to fight for a less interventionist birth. Anyone been in this dilemma (maybe not the age thing ) but deciding on what type of birth to go for after a c-section (assuming I have a choice).

I had a c-section with DS1 and it was almost expected that you'd go for a vvbac with the next one, which I did and it was a nightmare. I'd hav been better off going for a second c-section. Just don't be pressured into making a choice, do what feels right for you.

Oh dear, it's late. vvbcac?

No need at all christie, if it's not medically necessary, your age might be waved about as a factor but AFAIK it's not relevant, was your EMCS for a medical reason or for failure to progress/breech/failed induction of similar non recurrent things?
I'm on the run up to my 3rd VBAC at the age of almost 39 BTW

the emcs was not failure to progress but at the very end, baby was stuck and no amount of pushing could get her out (plus they had me so drugged with the epidural-another nightmare story) that I couldn't even feel when to push. I still think if I had not opted epidural, I could have got her out. I have had vbacs with my other babies so I would like to go that route. I like to think ahead and I can just hear them scaring me into a c-section and I regret it so if I am armed with some info, I can stay calm and make a good decision.

age itself is not really a factor. if your baby was stuck and you were unable to push effectively, it might have been something like a malposition.. rather than anything that might reoccur..

having a more mobile labour without an epi can be of benefit

might be worth going through your notes with someone to find out exactly what happened and why an instrumental delivery was not done

then you can make a more informed choice

good advice all. I have myself freaked out a bit by my age and not planning on a baby this late in life (not complaining though) but then I remember this news story after my last baby where a woman died after a c-section having her 6th baby and she was an older mom. Irrational I know, but, along with the morning sickness, my headspace is pretty bizarre right now. I still have lots of time to make the right choice. Thanks for your, as always, sound advice and encouragement.

christie, my first was an emergency c-section, I was put fully under as no time to get an epidural in. I had been pushing for 2 hours, mine was stuck and no amount of pushing, with no drugs to reduce feelings of when to push, etc, would get her out.
I too hated the scar taking so long to heal, no driving for 6 weeks, no lifting, etc. I went for a vbac for second. Again, it was quite hard to get her out but I didn't have any painkillers as found gas and air made me less 'conscious' of what I was doing first time. After about an hour of pushing and having to go for a forceps birth my second daughter was born. I was sooooo pleased not to have a c-section. However, the stitches 'down there' are not a walk in the park either! Literally couldn't sit properly for a week but at least it was only a week to 10 days before I felt able to get on with things again, go to the supermarket, etc. I always thought with the first you can more or less sit with your newborn and recover but having a toddler around with a c-section and not being mobile for so long seemed to be a nightmare. However, all depends how good a support network you have, if your mum lives around the corner or good friends or a husband who doesn't work long hours then you can always get any of them to help out.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Christie, congrats on the pg!
Have a really good think about the pro's and con's of vbac's and repeat sections and let the HCP's know what YOU want.
I had emcs for dd and was so "disturbed" by the the labour experience that I insisted on a ELCS with ds. Now I am pg with No. 3 and am doing everything I can to enable a vbac. In some ways I wish I'd never had the 2nd section, but it was the right choice for me at the time!
Which ever you decide is right for you, know your rights, stand your ground and don't be bullied into anything you don't want!

Good luck!

xx

That feedmenow for your encouraging words. I didn't expect to face this dilemma and, tbh, if I was younger would fight like a tiger for vbac. But, I am worried about risks of being older and wonder if c-section is the right choice but then, my last was unpleasant, and it has risks too. I will do lots of research and get answers from the doctors before I decide.

Duh, I am tired, I meant to right thank-you (not that). I need sleep (and to stop throwing up!).

Help me please!!!! Write not right.