VBAC or repeat C section?

Question

Hi ladies! I had my 20 wk appt today with my OB and she made me aware that she would be comfortable with me trialing VBAC or having a repeat c section (when I had my son 4 years ago, our local hospital did not offer VBAC so I didn’t know this was an option). He was a c section due to fetal heart decelerations during contractions and inability to get it back up before the next one started. 
She educated me on risks of both, and really left it up to me and just asked I let her know at my next appt what my decision was. I’ve made a pros and cons list and I’m sort of torn. Looking for any insight or advice, thank you in advance!

Answer

I had an emergency C-section with my first son two years ago, due to decreasing heart rates and the cord being wrapped around his neck. I do want to say, I know lots of people who have had successful Vbacs but for me personally the cons outweigh the pros and I’m much more comfortable having a repeat C-section. I’m only planning on having two kids and I’m familiar with the recovery process. I’ve never had a vaginal birth (although my labor wirh my son was 20 hours before ending in the C-section) and I’m okay with that. It’s different for everyone tho and so much respect to mamas doing Vbacs!

Answer

I had an emergency c-section with my first baby almost 4 years ago. After 36 hours of labor and 3+ hours of pushing (my baby was “sunny side up”), he got stuck and his heart rate declined so I had to have a c-section. My entire labor and delivery experience was pretty traumatizing for the both of us. I was so exhausted afterwards that I honestly hardly remember the first few days after my son was born. 
I’m currently pregnant with my 2nd baby and I’ve thought a lot about having a VBAC, but I think I’m going to choose to have another c-section. I’ve gone through all the pros and cons of both with my doctor and she said it’s ultimately my decision. But I know if I decide to try for a VBAC, I could still end up needing another c-section for one reason or another. And yes, maybe I could have a successful VBAC, but even the thought of having to go through labor again and maybe it’ll all be for nothing gives me so much anxiety and really takes a toll on my mental health. I already know what a c-section is like and I know I can handle it. I know recovery will be harder than a vaginal delivery, but my mental health will be in a much better place. 
Also, I know it’s rare, but just the thought of a uterine rupture keeps me up at night lol.

Answer

I had a c-section due to breech presentation with my first. I was offered this time to try for VBAC if this baby was head down. I really thought I wanted the VBAC but Uterine rupture terrified me. (Please don’t think I’m trying to scare you, it’s very rare. I just have anxiety about literally everything lol) After speaking with my OB we decided a repeat C-section was probably best for me as I knew how to heal and wouldn’t be exhausted after birth. I am personally scared to do it vaginally now that I’ve had one c-section! This baby is breech now so I’m sure he will probably stay that was as I have a unicornate uterus and he doesn’t have as much room to turn. You will make the right decision for you. You’re a rockstar for bringing a baby into this world either way!🙂

Answer

I had emergency c section with first after 23 hours due to baby turning side ways during labor. But my second was a successful Vbac after only 4 hours of labor from 1st contraction til he was out. I plan on having another Vbac this time around again.

Answer

With my first I had a emergency c section due to heart rate dropping during labor… I have my daughter 14 months later and it was VBAC… I was actually one of the first vbac in the USA… this was 13 years ago but this pregnancy I plan to have another vbac recovery for me seems a lot easier than having a c section

Answer

I ended up having a c-section with my son two years ago due to him rotating and his shoulder getting stuck, which was not revealed until they pulled him out. I’m trying for a vbac. Having a c-section was always a fear of mine (one of my sisters hemorrhaged during hers and came very close to dying) and I found the recovery honestly traumatic. I know my experience wasn’t typical but hoping my midwives are right about me having a successful vbac this time. 🤞🏼

Answer

I’m planning on having a second c section, my first one was due to footling breech and they can’t promise that this one won’t be the same. Also I’m having my tubes tied at the same time lol 😂

Answer

I plan on trying for a vbac

Answer

I’m torn just like you. My 1st birth was an emergency c section at 34 1/2 weeks due to my daughter heart rate being flat. That was 10+ years ago. I wna try a natural birth but I’m scared it’ll be to painful and long. But then c sections do take longer to heal from. I also have some health issues and I’m scared for them to flare during labor

Answer

My neighbour just had a repeat C-section, and her pain was very intense post-surgery, and her recovery is long. As you know, it's a major surgery and takes quite some time to rebuild the abdominal muscle tissue. 
My recovery from vaginal births seems a lot faster and less painful, with less restrictions and follow-ups (like lifting limits and staple removal). 
There are also many benefits to babies from passing through the birth canal: enzyme exchange, compression of fluid out of their lungs, and absorption of certain chemicals as they contact the vaginal walls. 
I haven't experienced a c-section, but I would always prefer vaginal due to the shortened recovery and benefits to baby. Good luck either way!

VBAC or repeat C section?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products