VBAC anyone?

Question

Has anyone had a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section)? What were your experiences with it? I am having one (hopefully VERY soon) and would like to hear about yours! I am getting a little nervous and one of the Dr's in our practice kind of freaked me out about the risks...

Answer 1

Do not let ANYONE scare you about having a v-bac, especially when you read stories like that one person posted here. All you need to do is look at the statistics.

The largest study of its kind ever conducted undertaken by the National Institute of Child Health showed that risks are higher for a repeat caeserean than they are for the vaginal delivery simply because a caesarean is major surgery and carries inherent risks like infection, besides the additional risks to mother and child from the incision and anesthesia.

The main risk associated with VBAC is uterine rupture and this only occurs in about 0.7% of VBAC's. And even when it does occur, the chances are like 99% that the baby will be perfectly healthy and the mother will recover completely and still retain her fertility. One factor that increases the risk for rupture is when drugs are needlessly used to speed up or induce labor (like pitocin) so a VBAC is most successful when the mother is allowed to go into labor naturally.

This study also showed there is NO significant difference in the maternal death rate (it's still less than 1% both ways) between VBAC moms and moms who go for a repeat c-section.

To say a VBAC is "dangerous" and that's why doctors "don't allow it" is absolutely ignorant and ridiculous, especially when these same "experts" are telling you that a caesarean is perfectly safe! Women and babies die from those, too.

Every procedure carries some risk and you just have to do your research and make an informed decision.

Answer 2

I've had 2 c-sections and was inquiring about that for my 3rd. My doc. said ABSOLUTELY NOT!! B/c he's afraid my uterus wouldn't be able to take it and my incision. He also wants me to have my cecearian when I am 37wks. All of my pregnancies have been back to back. My last child is due in Nov. Im assuming you have had only one c-section? Im sure you will be fine. Good luck.

To paxiotrader:
After reading the story of the ladies who had lost there babies due to vbac I too have totally changed my mind on the subject. My babies life and my life is just not worth the risk. To the lady asking the question: Its your body and its your life, you need to decide. This is just my opinion.

Answer 3

No! No! No! - Please do not even consider VBAC. I know an unplanned C-section can be terrible, I had one myself, but the second time is much easier. You schedule it, go in, get it done, no problems.
When I had my daughter there was a woman in the room next to me who really wanted a VBAC. She pushed and pushed and by the time they realized the baby was in trouble - it was too late. He died. She was rushed into surgery from a uterine rupture and I do not know if she survived.
My ob/Gyn will not do VBACs anymore. They lost too many babies that way. It is very very dangerous. They advise their patients if they want a VBAC, go somewhere else because it is not safe. Please, go for the c-section. The second one is a piece of cake compared to the first.
One of my closest friend's sister lost her beautiful baby girl because she had a VBAC. It was a tragedy and an unnecessary one at that. Some doctors will say it isn't too dangerous but trust me, it is!!!!!
Please reconsider for you and your precious baby.
Cyndi

Answer 4

I had a c-section when my twins were born 18 years ago...then 16 years ago I had my son vaginally...had NO problems at all.

Answer 5

My friend did. She was very nervous about her C section scar and it was fine. She did rub Vitamin E oil on her belly a lot, though. That might have helped her skin's elasticity. She did fine, and she and baby are both fine.

Answer 6

My daughter-in-law has had three. Her first was a c-section and the next three were vaginal.