VBAC or repeat C-sec

Ladies who had both options, when (and how) did you decide?

I always thought I'd like to try for a VBAC, but it will be less than 2 yrs since my c-section and I know a lot of OB's like you to wait longer in between pregnancies. I know the risks are low, but they are there and they make me so nervous.

Also, I had a great c-section experience and amazing recovery....easier than some friends who went naturally.

Basically, even though I still have time I'm completely torn, and wondering how and when you decided to either go for a VBAC or schedule a c-section.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I had a horrible labor experience the first time around. 29 hours and I didn't get past 3cm. I really don't want to go through that again. Just the anxiety of wondering if I'd suffer through all of that only to end up with a c-sec would kill me.

That said, I also had a horrible c-section experience. The actual section I mean. The recovery part was not so bad.

So for me the c-section seems like the emotionally easier choice. I'll know what day and when exactly. I won't be so tired from laboring. I have a new dr and hospital this time around. And I hear the spinal is better than the epidural so I shouldn't have to worry about pain.

It's a tough decision, but you really just have to go with your gut.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I hated the fact that I had a Section with #1, so I knew right away that I wanted to VBAC with #2. I told the OB at my first appointment- he said "we can discuss that later on."

DH was against a VBAC for dumb reasons (he didn't want to see me go through labor, didn't care to watch the baby come out, thought it would be easier to schedule) so I didn't care what he thought.

The doctor was all for it as long as the guidelines were met (-Go into labor on my own, -baby isn't breech, etc).

It was the MOST amazing experience I ever had.

I didn't have the greatest C-Section experience though- it was an emergency, the epi didn't work and I felt them cutting so they gave me some other drug that made me VERY loopy and then VERY sick. I don't remember any of the details (the "It's a girl" announcement or seeing the baby)


Also, my girls were only 20 months apart- so the 2 year thing isn't a necessity.

Talk to your doctor and see what he/she thinks- just be aware that many OBs are anti VBAC.

VBAC or repeat C-sec

I would love to have a VBAC but I've had 1 V and 2 sections(first section being an emergency), but will have a csection with this. My scar tissue is not that great so they won't take a chance.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I chose to go with repeat c. WIth my DD, I labored for 15 hours, on petocin, didn't progress past 3cm and needed a c-section. I don't want to go through that again. I will tell you I am terrified this time. I didn't really care last time, I was just exhuasted and wanted baby out no matter how. But now, walking into surgery with a clear head scares the crap out of me.

VBAC or repeat C-sec

I really want a VBAC even though my C-section and recovery went as seamlessly as could be expected.

I had a C-section after being induced at 41w1d -- cervadil, pitocin, etc. The doctor on call pretty much believed I'd need a C-section as soon as I got there so they gave me an epidural VERY early on. I never went through labor, contractions, nothing. I didn't feel any of it.

After almost 24 hours, I had only dilated to 6 cm and DS wasn't really dropping. Everytime I had a contraction though, his heartrate dropped. I'm pretty sure he was also sunnyside up. AND he was 9lbs 5 oz when he was born. So they asked me if I'd want to wait or to just do the C and I agreed to the C because I didn't want to pose any risk to DS.

Basically my doctor is willing to let me try for a VBAC however I'd have to go into labor on my own prior to my water breaking. But he also said if this DC is measuring as large as DS was, he would encourage the C-section and schedule it for 39 weeks. I was talking to my friend who is an NP at a high-risk OB practice and she felt I wouldn't be a good candidate for a VBAC

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I was induced the first time around and after almost 40hrs, with the last 6 hours unmedicated, I only dilated to 9cm. I lost consciousness at the end from the pain (no contractions, just constant pain) and the baby was in distress so emergency c it was. Having fluids pumped in me the extra 2 days while in labor made me so swollen that the top layer of my skin on my feet came off. No way I'm chancing that again.

VBAC or repeat C-sec

I am not even entertaining a VBAC when I have #2. My Csection was unscheduled but it was an amazign recovery and my Dr was great.

I tried for a VB the first tiem and DS decided he didn't want the experience so we had the csection.

I do not have the urge to go through labor so for me its an easy decision.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I was going to go for a vbac and then vba2c but both babies were transverse. This one (#4) ismalsotransverse, but I never thought I'd try for a vba3c and don't think my drs would have went for it either.

My 2nd was born 15 months after my 1st and the drs were fine with me attempting a vbac, if he would have turned

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I really really wanted a vaginal birth with #1. My OB knew this so he let me labor for 30 hours. I never made it past 3 cm. the section was fine, we got amazing pictures of DDs birth. It wasn't what I wanted but it was the next best thing.

This time my OB gave me the VBAC option but I decided to go with a repeat C. I want pictures again and I'm worried that if there is a complication, there will be no shot of pictures. We are also team so I'd like to be conscious if I can help it. And on top of everything else, laboring 30 hours and ending in a C was like being hit by a bus and then being run over by it. This time I'd just like to be hit by the bus.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I had a semi emergency c section with my twins. I had taken my Lovenox that am so had to be put under general anesthesia. I was so loopy after the c section due to the general anesthesia and magnesium (pre eclampsia) I was basically asleep until the next am. I then developed fevers and didn't see my babies until they were 3 days old. It was a horrible and awful experience.

I knew I wanted to try for a VBAC but was fine with following all the dr's rules...No induction, not past my due date. I scheduled a c section for 40 weeks and felt like if it was meant to be it was meant to be. My water broke 4 days before my csection date and I had a VBAC. It was an amazing experience for me.

If the birth of my twins had not been so traumatic for me I probably would not have tried for the VBAC.

Good luck with your decision.

Message edited 6/19/2013 9:36:34 PM.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I chose to do a repeat c section with this baby. I went into labor on my own with DS but he wouldnt come out - I was actually scheduled to have a sonogram the day after I went into labor because my doctors were concerned with hus suze versus my size, but my son had other plans! I just don't want to go through labor again to have it end in c section when I can just plan to have a section. I will be less disappointed.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I am a VBAC mama! PM me with questions; I love talking about it =) It was an amazing experience and I don't regret a second of it. My birth story is on the Birth Story board.

For moms worried about having a repeat of their first traumatic birth: my two labors and deliveries were nothing alike. Not a thing. New baby, new adventure!

Message edited 6/19/2013 10:53:21 PM.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

From the moment I was wheeled in for my c-section I was talking about having a vbac for my second. I had a very complicated delivery, and recovery. C-sections aren't 100% safe, so I don't consider it the "safer option". I would like to avoid another surgery if i can and I can't imagine taking care of my toddler and a newborn post c-section.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I'm planning for a vbac next month. First time was an emergency c/s, horrible experience, feeling down, incision didn't close up for awhile, never labored so baby & I missed all the 'good' hormones and preparatory hormones you should get in birth etc...plus avoiding major surgery is a good thing

So I'm exciting and hoping my vbac works out next month. Either way, whatever happens, this time I'm much more prepared so even if I end up w/a c/s, I know I'm going to do EVERYTHING it takes first before having to do a c/s (which was not like last time at all).

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

Message edited 6/20/2013 11:42:07 AM.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

If I ever get pg again, I will be doing everything in my power for a VBAC. My section was by far one of the most traumatizing events in my life. It was a nightmare and from the moment they said I was going in I cried and told DH within hours of her birth that I had some serious psychological issues with it. Thankfully I found ICAN and was able to get the support I needed to deal with it!! So yeah, that's how I will decide, clearly the c-section option has some dire effects on me.

VBAC or repeat C-sec

i would choose a vbac over a csection any day of the week. its a no brainer to me; despite what insurance companies (aka most OBs) want you to think, a c-section carries as much if not more risk than a vbac. the chance of uterine rupture (biggest risk of a vbac) is much lower than they want you to think.

IMO you have to be committed to the vbac to have the best experience - you have to really want it. if you are on the fence you need more time to decide. good luck either way!

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

Thanks everyone who responded. There are a lot of good points to consider. After DD was born there was no question in my mind that I would try for a VBAC, so I have no idea why I'm so torn now.

Anyway, thank's for all the responses. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I had a VBAC 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was amazing. I think the reason why you had a section plays a huge role in whether or not a VBAC would be successful. For me I went into labor on my own and as I progressed DC heartbeat dropped because the cord was around his neck. Had I gone through a long labor tha never progressed, or ifi pushed unsuccessfully I don't know if I would have chosen to do it. The other reason I really wanted it was because I didn't want to go through the c section recovery with a toddler.

Re: VBAC or repeat C-sec

I am trying for a VBAC.