VBAC or elective repeat caesarean after planned section - HELP I’m 35 weeks and clueless

[SavageSloth]

I really need some advice from women who have had experience!

I had my first son in January 2022 via c-section. It was planned but at the last minute due to having gestational diabetes, baby measuring large and higher blood pressure towards the end. When he was born, he was 7lb 13 at exactly 38 weeks. I had no complications in surgery but did need treatment for retained placenta later and I remember being in a lot of pain for at least a couple of weeks due to not being able to go to the toilet.

I do not have gestational diabetes this time and at the 28 weeks growth scan, baby was measuring at approx. 85th percentile (though I know these aren’t that accurate). As I didn’t go into labour with my first, I’ve got no experience of labour at all. I’m 35 weeks now and I can’t decide whether to try for a VBAC or just do an elective c-section. I don’t have much family support but my 4yr old son attends preschool 7.30-6pm if needed in the week.

I would really appreciate anyone who can offer advice! Did you have a c-section and then a VBAC? How did it go? Did you opt for an elective instead?

Hi OP

I had an elective CS in December 2010, then in November 2012, was desperate for a vbac with my second.
I was induced at 10 days over my due date, didn't progress at all, and after 11 hours of contractions, was still only 1cm.

I ended up with an emergency CS as I'd started to feel a different type of pain, like a burning. Anyway, I went to theatre, had a spinal, dd came out fine, but my uterus ended up tearing.
I then spent about 2 hours being stitched up, and had a couple of blood transfusions.

Its likely that the tearing happened because it was only 23 months since my last CS, and it is a risk that I was informed of.

I dont regret trying, and I'm not trying to put you off a vbac, just wanted to let you know my experience.
Dd and I were both absolutely fine afterwards, no complications, in fact, I actually felt better than after my first 🤷🏽‍♀️

I think it's a very personal decision and a very tricky one to make. I was in a similar situation after a ECS with my first. I did a lot of reading and I think I remember that someone in your situation has quite a high chance of having a successful vbac. The least likely to have a successful vbac were people who had have a previous section due to not progressing e.g. 2cm for the entire time of labour. (I am going on memory so plz check these if important to you). In your shoes I'd probably give it a go and if things change along the way e.g. you go very overdue or baby is looking to be very big then you can always change your mind and request c section. I decided to try for vbac until 40+6 and then have a section if baby hadn't arrived by then. I didn't want an induction vbac as I'd heard that increases risk of rupture. I got to that date and had a section but it wasn't straight forward as I had a lot of scar tissue and baby was nearly 10lb. He had to be forceped out. I'm not sure if it would have ever been a successful vbac. My friend who had a section for breech baby had a brilliant vbac and much preferred it. It's difficult because you can't predict the future so all you can do is take medical advice, make your preference and hope for the best. Good luck.