What shall I do over the next 10 weeks to improve my chances of success VBAC?

[LadyPenelope]

I was kind of assuming I would need to have another c-section (dd was emergency c-section, only got to about 7cms and she never fully descended, got into funny position.) However, at appointment with doc. on Monday, he was very encouraging and said that assuming baby is average or smaller size (ie not a monster baby!) and in a good position, he would be happy for me to try for VBAC. He also said that he would not induce, would leave everything to happen naturally as any intervention would increase chances of c-section. I'm pleased about this but now nervous and feeling unprepared.

I'm working full time right up until due date and I don't get much time to myself, but feel like I need to do as much as possible to get ready for the birth.

I've had a good pregnancy - not much weight gain, no swollen feet/hands etc.(except for feeling tired! but I'm blaming that on work, a 3 y.o. and Christmas!)

So what can I do that will help out in next 10 weeks? I'm signing up for a "refresher" birth class and I'll try to keep eating healthy and go to bed earlier.

What else can I do?

• Any books I should read?
• Is there any point in signing up for a pregnacny yoga/strech class this late - if I did, how many times a week?

Sorry this is long and TIA for any advice you have.

I was totally mobile until I had the epidural. I did lots of walking, sitting on birth ball, leaning on dh and spent about 4 hours on all fours in the huge bath tub they had in room.

I was monitored for about 20 mins when I first got to hospital (had to lie on bed for that) and after that midwives came in every 30 mins or so (or could have been once an hour - can't remember) and used a little montitor to check ds's heartbeat. (Didn't have to get out of bath to do it, just knelt up so bump was out of the water.)

As soon as I had epidural, I was no longer mobile and both me and baby were constantly monitored... I had requested mobile epidural, but aneathesist didn't do it. (Said it was too late as I was 7cms.)

Are you trying for VBAC... if so, good luck. DS is now 10 weeks and I'm amazed at how fast my recovery has been. I'm even vaguely thinking another baby would be nice... it took me 3 years to think that after a c-section.

thx for this. I am considering vbac this time around - dd was c-section 3 yrs ago after being breech. my waters did break and I had a couple of hours of labour but it was essentially a planned c-section as she was still breech at 39wks.
I had the impression from other things I'd read that you are monitored constantly if you are attempting a vbac, nice to hear though that's not the case & that things went well for you. I have good memories from my c-section though so wouldn't be devastated if I had to have another one, although I think recovery might be easier after vbac 2nd time around, with a 3.5yr old at home

Scully
Just to add my experience was in Singapore, so if you are in UK, it may be different. Hopefully, someone else might be able to confirm.

Good luck!