VBAC or ELCS

[PeppaIsHappy]

I had my first DC in 2021 by EMCS due to induction not working and suspected Gestational Diabetes later in pregnancy. This time I am due end of Sep, I had consultant appointment today and she asked me to have a think about my options and weigh in on pros and cons. Can someone please help shed some light on what you did after having a C-section. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

I planned a VBAC following an EMCS in 2020. Unfortunately, it went the same way as my first birth, fully dilated but baby was stuck. Ended in another EMCS. I was gutted at the time, but now I am glad that I gave it a go. No one can predict how your birth will go. One benefit of a planned CS is it wouldn't have been as stressful and risky. Good luck whatever you choose.

I was in the same position and i went for ELCS . I was too scared of it all happening again and was quite anxious about it.
Im glad i did as it was amazing. It was all planned and relaxed, recovery time was better and i look back at that time with a smile on my face and 1st time round i try to block it out.

Part of me always wished i couldve tried VBAC, but for me it was the anxiety and worry of seeing first hand how it could go wrong.

As PP said its whatever feels right for you, as i chose ELCS right from the beginning there was still meetings with various people to talk about it and change my mind if i wanted, so you should have plenty of support for your decision.

Good luck OP

Thanks @Pickledprawn I am speaking to some friends on the options they chose. I want to go for a VBAC but my friends are suggesting to go for ELCS as that would be so much more predictable and safety for the baby due to the risk of uterine rupture.

I am by no means an expert, but my antenatal said the risk of uterine rupture is quite low and there are things they do to lower the risk. For example, they won't let you push as long. Hopefully your midwife will give you all the info.

@Pickledprawn midwives have been no help due to different midwives at various appointments. They have just left it on the consultant to explain and me to decide. I want to go VBAC this time due to my struggles with breastfeeding last time and it felt like my milk never properly came in.

I've had 2 ELCS - I've never even had a contraction! But if you want a VBAC, I think you should go for a VBAC. I've had friends who've had successful VBACS and been very happy with the experience.

I went overdue by 12 day with my first and ended up as an emergency c section.
I was also offered a c section the second time but I really wanted to have VBAC but I decided that if I am a week overdue with my second I would opt for the c section as it was really uncomfortable and felt like it was harder to deal with. I ended up having an elected at 41 +2 weeks

I had an emcs with son so was in the same position as you. I chose ELCS as I figured my tummy already had a scar so having another one didn't bother me. I also knew what to expect. I also didn't want to risk physiological health of my vagina, pelvic floor muscles etc. having worked in gynae I have seen the harm done by vaginal births so wanted that part of my body left alone. I have enough health considerations to then add incontinence, prolapse etc on top!

I'm in the same situation, I think I want to try for a VBAC. If a VBAC is what you want then go for it! I worry about the recovery of a section, can't drive after, I've got a toddler at home this time etc all things to consider.

I like you had CS after failed induction. I had an opted for a VBAC but unfortunately I never went into labour. They can’t induce you with a pessary and can only break your waters after a CS. I never dilated so wasn’t possible. They are also strict about going over due date after CS. I was told some consultants will let you go a week maybe but mine thought no longer than due date. I hoped for a VBAC but booked an ELCS. Things might have changed as this was 5 years ago.

I opted for a VBAC with my second and ended up with an EMCS. In hindsight I'd have just gone for an ELCS.