2nd baby - vbac/c section - 40 weeks?

[ecossegirl91]

had my first baby in 2022 which was a planned section due to babies size. they were concerned around 'uncontrolled gestational diabetes' and shoulder dystocia so a section was performed at 38 plus 6. operation went well and recovery was very straightforward.

im now due baby 2 in around 8 weeks and can have another section or try vbac - my choice. Growth scan at 28wks showed baby on 56% percentile and I have another growth scan in 2wks time at 34 weeks.

i'm relatively relaxed about things the only things i know i dont want is labour then a section (who does!) so my questions are these....

• would you try a vbac or book a section (usually at 39wks)

OR

• can i request a later section ,maybe 40 weeks, to see if labour starts on its own?

You could probably try book a section as late as possible (39+6) which is what I've done after having a section with my first. I'm booked in for 39+6 to give myself as long as possible to try and go natural. It honestly depends what dates they have left for sections tho

Do you have GD this time round? Where I work, when a woman is open to VBAC with spontaneous onset of labour, and the current pregnancy is low risk and going well.. they'll discuss pushing your elective date out to term+ however many day. Depends on individual circumstances.

If you're keen for a VBAC you have a better chance of achieving it by going overdue, as opposed to having your timeframe to go into labour cut off as 39+ a few days when most elective are scheduled if that makes sense. If your pregnancy is going well you could discuss booking elective for 41 weeks with the hope of labour starting before then. If it doesn't, proceed with elective section.

A lot depends on your individual case and warrants a chat with obs to see what you're both comfortable with.

I didn’t have GD last pregnancy (the tested my bloods after birth and checked babies glucose and all good for both of us) and I don’t meet any risk criteria to be tested this time around either, and with baby measuring 52nd percentile they haven’t felt the need to test me!

your message makes sense tho, I just wasn’t sure if they would schedule a c section that far along but good to know it could be a potential option.

Ah sorry I misunderstood. I asked just because they might be less willing to negotiate going overdue with something like GD.
I'd say definitely discuss it if it's something you'd like to try and hopefully labour kicks off for you🤞🏼best of luck with the birth!