Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

I'm 26 weeks, and still trying to decide if I want to try for a VBAC. In the past week, I had my friend deliver her baby vaginally and the cord was wrapped around the neck twice. The baby was blue when she was born, but is fine now. Then, this past weekend, at work, I had to go to a code in the ER, where they brought in a 3 week old baby who was not breathing. He did not make it. When the doctor told the mother, I lost it.

I'm sort of wondering if these are signs that I should not even try for the VBAC, that I should do what is safer for my baby. Even if the risk is only 0.25% that something catastrophic could happen, maybe I should not even be taking that chance.

Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

Those things, while scary, have no bearing on you and your pregnancy. I don't really believe in signs, so I don't think I would read into it. I think if you're not 100% sure about a VBAC for any reason, maybe it's not the choice for you. You still have time to decide, maybe just keep mulling it over.

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

I think that if you are having so many doubts and reading into things, maybe it's not for you. You have to be really sure that you want it bc my experience has been that most everyone else will not be that supportive. At one point even my DH wasn't on board. I'm 39w4d and today I felt like even my OB was annoyed that I wanted to VBAC vs having a c-section since my BP is up a little. If anything I'm more determined bc I've come so far but I feel like most people aren't in my corner. If you waiver in your committment to it I'd think it wouldn't happen. But you have time to decide of course.

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

I just had my son via c-section after 45 hours of labor. I probably could have done a natural delivery if I hadn't had other problems as I reached 9 cm thru induction.

I know I'm not pregnant with my second now but think I already have decided my next child will be a c section. I also had a bit of a disaster of labor and my son wound up in NICU because of it. Before I had this one, I asked my doctor if they would let me do a VBAC with future kids and she said that they would if I really wanted to and I was healthy but that they would not let me go past my due date.

I think its a decision you have to be comfortable with. I wouldn't base my decision on "signs" that are around you, but on what you feel is best for you. I agree with the PP that said it sounds like maybe you aren't 100% comfortable trying for a VBAC, but again, it's only a decision that you can make.

Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

i think you are trying to come up with excuses to not vbac. vbac is a big decision and thankfully a choice you CAN make, but that doesn't make it the right choice for you. there's nothing wrong with opting for a repeat c-section if you don't want to face the risks involved with a vbac. it doesnt make you weak or any less brave. just dont fool yourself, in the optimal situation - a c-section has just as many if not more risks as a vbac. for numerous reasons doctors in NY are conditioned to by insurance companies to preach repeat c-section over vbac. remember to do your research when weighing the risks.

instead of searching for signs you should research both options and make an informed choice. once you really dig deep into the data and into your case you will know the right option for you, whichever it is. good luck!

ETA - the cord wrapped around the neck can just as easily happen for a c-section - my daughter had it wrapped once and she was born via cs. if you are looking for signs that is def not a reliable one

Message edited 8/20/2013 9:19:20 PM.

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

Posted by FlowerWife

i think you are trying to come up with excuses to not vbac. vbac is a big decision and thankfully a choice you CAN make, but that doesn't make it the right choice for you. there's nothing wrong with opting for a repeat c-section if you don't want to face the risks involved with a vbac. it doesnt make you weak or any less brave. just dont fool yourself, in the optimal situation - a c-section has just as many if not more risks as a vbac. for numerous reasons doctors in NY are conditioned to by insurance companies to preach repeat c-section over vbac. remember to do your research when weighing the risks.

instead of searching for signs you should research both options and make an informed choice. once you really dig deep into the data and into your case you will know the right option for you, whichever it is. good luck!

ETA - the cord wrapped around the neck can just as easily happen for a c-section - my daughter had it wrapped once and she was born via cs. if you are looking for signs that is def not a reliable one

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

A planned csection carries it's own set of risks, for you and the baby. It is major abdominal surgery. You need to figure out the best option for your individual case. Look at your health history, your prior birth stories, and your current pregnancy.

My younger daughter's cord was wrapped around her neck. It's actually fairly common. (They run out of room and get all tangled). It made pushing interesting because she'd only tolerate me laying on my side. It was unwrapped at birth and she was fine.

Re: Still trying to decide on VBAC...are these signs?

I'm not really LOOKING for signs or excuses to not do it, I guess I'm just a little superstitious. I am hoping that I can VBAC, and I'm going to another, more VBAC friendly practice for a consult.