VB after EMCS for Cord Prolapse

[whoolabaloola]

Has anybody else had any experience of this? I had a cord prolapse with my 1st pg and was probably the most frightening experience of my life. I am currently 11 weeks pg with dc2 so a long way off yet having to decide whether I would like a VB or not.

A friend of mine had a successful and straightforwad VB with her second child after an EMCS for cord prolapse with her first and felt really positive about it after the whole flashing blue lights and general anaesthetic experience first time. I think VB is generally worth a try unless in your case the baby is breech - I guess you would just need to make sure the position is checked carefully coming up to your due date. I say this having 4 weeks ago having had a failed VBAC myself - first time EMCS for failure to progress and this time with DC2 I was in the 0.03% of VBACers who have a complete uterine rupture - so I would definitely have the baby in hospital and get there in good time. If I had not been in a major hospital my baby would not have survived or could have survived but ended up with brain damage (we are both fine!). It is so unlikely to happen but the risk should be borne in mind. Good luck - I did quite well with labour second time round having not got hugely far first time and recommend the natal hypnotherapy VBAC CD - I felt much more confident and in control, even when it went horribly wrong.

Hey Zoonose, thanks for replying. Sorry to hear about your failed vbac. How is your recovery and congrats on your little one!

Was it a difficult decision for your friend to make or was she quite sure about attempting a vbac?

I bet you never thought you would be in that 0.03%. I never in a million years thought I would have a cord prolapse. Had come across it in a few of my books but didn't really take that much notice.

My DH does not want me to attempt a vbac. I think the whole experience for him was also too much to take.

I think she was quite sure - an uncomplicated VB is better than a c section. It depends how important it feels to you to give it a go. I am sad that I will never have a VB (have been told that another baby would be risky and if we did have one it would have to be by ELCS) but glad I laboured (I was fully dilated when they took me into theatre). On the other hand all kinds of things can go wrong witn a VB! My DH suffered physical shock from my failed VBAC so I can understand how your DH feels. I was told I could attempt VBAC but ask for section any time. I had a very good hospital with fantastic doctors and midwives - this is very important. You have time though- don't commit yourself to a decision until much later, you will reach the conclusion that's right for you. Bear in mind also that they will try to dissuade you or put you off having an epidural during a VBAC labour as it would be difficult to tell if rupture was occuring - I'm glad I didn't have one despite the monumental pain! I have two friends who have had successful VBACs and both found them very positive and powerful experiences and found recovery easier.

I have recovered well thanks - actually better than the first time - I guess I knew what to expect! Was hard to be away from DS age 2) though in hospital and then to have to keep him at arms length a bit because of the wound, but that's getting easier. Good luck with whatever you choose!