My son was born by emergency C-section. How long should I wait to attempt a VBAC to prevent uterine tear?

Question

My son is now 11 months old and although I had a pretty rough pregnancy ending in the c-section he is just the most wonderful little person a mother could ever wish for. I do sometimes feel that I missed out on not having a vaginal birth because of my eclampsia but know it was necessary at the time.

Went all out on the breastfeeding because of not being able to give birth as nature intended and was quite upset when he weaned himself in July.

Answer 1

my first daughter was born by elective section for breech presentation and we waited until she was four - more for sanity than health!! although i work as a midwifery assistant and would say the safe answer would be approx 18 months - 2 years although the next pregnancy could be completely different? many people whom have first time sections go on to have vbac perfectally without any probs so dont worry and as you say about feeling like you missed out and let down you didnt go natural- i felt like that too, but you did just fine and at the end of the day a section was best for your son at the time.
my youngest stopped growing at 30 weeks and i was planned for a second section however lots of bed rest and a little girl with determination to grant mummty her wish had other ideas came naturally, allbeit at 35 weeks and very poorly, she is 18 months though now, getting better and growing - at last - and still getting her own way!!
and my natural birth was great, but you just have to go with oyur baby and your body and do whats best - ultimately though its the job you do once there in the big wide world what matters and it sounds like your doing great so dont get down!
take care

Answer 2

This is a question for your doctor. I had three c-sections because of eclampsia and other issues. If you and you baby are healthy and happy it doesn't matter how you had your baby. I can't stand that people make you think that you are missing something because you didn't "do it naturally". I also think that breastfeeding is a personal choice for baby and mom...do what is right for you. Don't be too upset when baby weans, it is just the first step in many towards becoming a happy, healthy independent person. When you go for #2 remember that each and every pregnancy is totally different as each child is different. One can be hard and another will be breezy easy. I have a friend that has 10 kids, some natural, some c-sections (I think her doctor wants to put in a zipper as she isn't done yet! lol) and she doesn't care how just how healthy every little one is.

Talk to your obgyn about what happened in pregnancy #1 and what your chances are for doing the VBAC if that is what you would like to do. I know that you have to meet certain criteria to even try. FYI c-sections are easier on you when they are scheduled and they are alot more fun then too. My hubby was in the room the whole time, we were rested, excited, (I was awake) and it really brought us closer....sometimes you gotta remember it's the journey not just one event during it that matters. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Dont worry about baby weaning off, he chose more or less the best time, believe me, if you had gone over a year with him, you would have a battle getting him off.

Ive had 4 C sections and have always been told that the longer you allow the scar to heal correctly, the less chance you have of a UT.
Minimum is 2 years. The chances of UT is less than 1% which puts you in the same position as someone whos never had a c section.
If the eclampsia doesn't return, then a VBAC is the best way.
Good luck.

Answer 4

It depends on the hospital u go too..some hospitals wont let u have a VBAC(mine didnt) I ended up with 3 c sections.. I was fine with it tho)
Ask ur dr about how long to wait before tryign a vbac..BUT i think most drs say 1+ yrs.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

I had my son (now aged 4) by emergency c-section as his heart beat dropped very low. When I fell pregnant again (my son was 2 and a half years old), I was very well looked after, as my biggest fear was my scar bursting. I attmpted a vaginal birth, after they told me my baby was small enough (8lb) to give birth to naturally. But I had another section as she got stuck. Turns out she was 9lb 6oz. I was really upset by it all.

Do not worry, your doc, midwife and specialist will take fantastic care of you, and give you lots of good advice.

We are just planning a 3rd little one to add to our family, and I've been advised to have a planned c-section this time. :(

Answer 6

I take it by what you are saying that you would like to give him a brother or sister? If thats whatyou are asking, I would wait say another 6 months to a year and thats not because of the scar but for your own sanity.

babies in nappies is no fun, especially when the youngest is into everything and going through the terrible two's.

Its up to you but if you want another child, Im sure it wont mae anry difference when you want to try.

Answer 7

i had preclampsia when i was pregnant with my first child , i ended up getting rushed in for an emergency section and my son was a month and a half early and only 3lb 9oz !!! any ways i went on a year later to have my second child and i delivered her normally and she was a healthy 7lb 3oz! i hope this helps x

Answer 8

Try hard not to dwell on What you missed but what you have.

I gave birth to my daughter but had to be sedated because of the difficulty of her birth. So I saw none of it. Our son was adopted and in my mind he is so much mine that I refer to his birth. I actually forget that I was not there.

So it's truly a case of mind over matter. Be in the moment and you will truly forget most of what you feel you missed at the birth.

Answer 9

Should be fine after 2 years.

Answer 10

I don't know where you live but where i live the v-bac has been outlawed they wont let you try naturel birth after c-section.which by the way totally sucks.