Haveing a Second C-section

I had a c-section with my son....I asked my OBGYN about VBAC...and he told me that if you have had a c-section due to prolonged labor that there is a good chance you will have the same issue with the next delivery...but if I opted to try for a vaginal birth the next time around it would be performed in an operating room instead of a labor and delivery room just in case there were any issues.

Truth is the baby has to come out one way or another :)
a healthy baby is the what is really important..
you will make the right decision when the time comes ....

I know that you can have a c-section and then a vaginal birth. A lot of doctors around here will not do it, but there are some in Albany. If the doctors are still around, they are from St. Peters.

I'm not a doctor, but I have had plenty of friends who have had VBACs - vaginal births after they have had a c-section. If you feel your current doctor is not taking your personal request to heart - afterall they make a lot more giving you a c-section then they do allowing you to have a natural birth - then you may want to look for a new physician.

Vaginal births after C sections are OK. I would suggest you find a doctor who is not looking for what is easiest for him but rather what is best for you. Also every pregnancy is different. C sections are MAJOR surgery and there can be complications including death. I would suggest you do some research on VBACs (that's what they are called) and then make an informed decision.

I think it is GREAT that you want to shoot for a VBAC. It is definitely possible to have a vaginal birth after C-Section if you are supported. Many doctors don't like to do VBAC's and keep in mind that a C-Section is much more convenient for your doctor to perform! I would say talk to your doctor and partner about your desire for a VBAC. If your doctor doesn't support your decision, maybe you can find another one who will.
Also, please check out the ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) website

www.ican-online.org

They have tons of great info - especially concerning VBACs.
Good Luck!
Best,
L.

You have too many responses to read, so pardon if I'm repeating. To answer your question, you can have a vaginal delivery after a C-section. It's called a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I was offered it after my first childbirth, which was a c-section, and I was rather excited for the opportunity. However, complications required another c-section. I've had 3 altogether, and another mommy on the ward was on her 4th c-section. Your fiance's right. Go with your doctor's recommendations. He/she knows what the safest route to take is when the time comes.
Good luck to you & family.

Briefly, I just want to tell you that I know people who have had natural deliveries in between C-Section deliveries. I delivered all my 5 children by C-Section only because they were all breeched (the baby's head stayed up and the buttocks were down). Otherwise, I would have opted for natural deliveries even if I already C-Sections. Especially since your last delivery was 8 years ago, your uterus has probably been rejuvenated by now that it could be ready for a natural delivery. Study the matter carefully. Good luck!

I had a c-section, then 6 years later a VBAC. Soooooo much quicker recovery time.

Get a new doc who does VBACs. Well worth it.

The best way to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) is to find a doctor that supports it. If your dr isnt on board, you can pretty much forget about it. When I was pregnant with my second, the drs in the office were pretty much against trying for a VBAC. They just seemed like they couldnt be bothered.

The midwives in the office, however, were much more supportive.
They gave me tips and tricks to get the baby out of breech (it worked) and they gave me tips to keep my baby's weight down (my first was 9+ lbs) and then tips to get my labor started.

The OBs did none of these things.
Unfortunately, I still ended up with a second c-section, but it wasnt for lack of trying. I went over my due date and my placenta was starting to get stale. lol

I will say the second c-section was a cake walk compared to the first one.

Google VBAC and educate yourself on the risk and benefits and then speak to your doctor about it.

Oh, one last thing...
VBAC also depends on how you were cut the first time. If they went up down from the belly button to your pubic bone, you CANNOT vbac. You have a higher chance of your uterus rupturing. If they did a bikini cut across you, you can VBAC.
Again, speak to your doc.
BEST OF LUCK!!!!

I had a c section with my first child but it was not because of dilating, I made it to 10cm. He got stuck on the way out. I tried for the VBAC with my second child with my doctors full support. His support didn't come easy though. I had to explain to him why I wanted to try for it. I also had to sign a waver for each of the doctors in the practice saying that they explained all the risks of a VBAC and I understood what I was doing. I was their first VBAC attempt in about 10 years. I am a little disappointed that your doctor isn't as supportive of at least trying for the VBAC. Every pregnancy and baby is different. You never know what will happen from one to the other and odds are in your favor that you could have a successful VBAC. It also depends on the type of incision that was made with your first childs birth and your and the baby's health. I ended up having a c section after trying for the VBAC. Son #2 was stuck also. (He was 5 weeks early but weighed almost 8 pounds most of which he carried in his head!!)) I ended up having a total of 4 c sections. After the second csection they wouldn't let me try for any more VBAC's. The risk of rupturing was too high after that. They told me if I had delivered my thrid child vaginally she wouldn't have had to go to the NICU. SHe had fluid in her lungs and the doctors in the NICU said it was due to her not being Squeezed on her way out. She was also 5 weeks early and weighed almost 8 pounds. 4th baby was also in the NICU due to premature lungs (she was 5 weeks early also and about the same weight as the others). SHe could have been an 11 1/2 pound baby if she had made it full term!! Good luck to you. I hope you can come to some resolution with the doctor and your fiancee that they will atleast support you in trying for the VBAC. I hope this helps.

Jenn

PS incase you have to have a csection my second and third were my easiest recoveries!! 1st and 4th were horrible!!!

I've had 3 c-sections. I was in the same position as you with child #2, but the doctor really encouraged me to have one because I had such a big baby the first time plus I never had contractions. With #2 I decided it was safer - good thing - he was 10 lbs!! It also worked out because I could plan to have him born and be home in time for Christmas :) #3 was a no-brainer. I recovered quickly (faster with each c-section) and the whole experience was wonderful. Doctors, nurses, husband...I would have more kids but now that they are all grown there's no way!!! ;) I would take your doctor's advice. Hope everything works out and congrats on having your new baby!

Fran

In response to you the mom whose doctor told her that natural labor would strain her uterus?!!!

Your body's own natural contractions are not strong enough to rupture your uterus.

The best way to have a successful VBAC is to find a practitioner who does them (don't stop looking until you find someone who supports VBACS), get a doula (cuts your risk of c-section by 1/3), and prepare for a natural labor. It is the stronger, longer contractions produced by pitocin (the drug used to augment labor) that puts a previous c-section mom at greater risk for uterine rupture.

I also recommend the ICAN site recommended by another mom.

Best of luck

you do not necessarily have to have a c-section the second time around. i had a c-section 2 years ago and am currently 28 weeks pregnant and am going to attempt a natural birth. you do have to meet certain criteria that you can discuss with your MD. also, i had to switch ob/gyns because mine would not do natural birth after c-section because of malpractice insurance. i suggest you do some research and discuss with your ob/gyn. good luck!

I may be responding after several people so please excuse any repetition. Get a second opinion. I know of two people, very close to me who had VBAC's (vaginal birth after cesarian). My mother, and that was back in the day, and a friend who is younger than I am. They both had successful VBAC's! My mother's VBAC was with me after my sister was born premie-so there was some difficulty there.

There are a lot of doctor's out there who support the VBAC option. I myself had a cesarian for my first baby who is now three and I plan on going for the VBAC.

My suggestion is to get another professional opinion. You may want to talk to a midwife-I planned on having my baby at a birthing center but we ended up in the hospital because I wasn't progressing as I should have been. The midwives came with me and attended me while there. Midwives have a slightly more natural, and organic attitude towards birth.

VBAC is always an option-just get all the information you can and make an informed decision.

K.

Whether or not you have a second c-section depends a lot on how comfortable your physician/midwife feels about performing a VBAC. I think the major risk is the fear that your uterus might rupture during childbirth putting you and your baby's life at risk. However I don't know if this risk deminishes since it has been so long since your last birth experience. Your best bet is to talk to your physician and get a second opinion. Then weigh the risks and benefits. Good Luck!

VBAC - Vaginal Birth After C-Section!!

Google it and it will put your mind at ease. My cousins wife had a VBAC after 2 c-sections!!!!

GO FOR IT

Hi P.,

How wonderful that your instinct is to have a natural birth! That's what our bodies are made to do. YES YES YES you can have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), and there is much evidence to support that it's far safer than a repeat c-section (no matter what others who are uninformed may tell you).

I would highly recommend that you find a practictioner who supports VBAC (they're becoming rarer and rarer) - not sure where you live, but if you need help locating someone, let me know. Also, hire a doula. The support you receive will make all the difference - sometimes we just need to hear that we can do it! (if you need help locating a doula, let me know)

I had an emergency C-section with my first, then had two AMAZING VBACS. I'm currently planning my third VBAC, and wouldn't do it any other way. All of my children were two weeks late.

There are many reasons that our culture is moving toward all C-sections, which is frightening. The current rate is approaching 40% nationally - there is no way that 40% of all babies need to be born via C-section. It's dangerous to the mama and also baby (who is being born prematurely in most cases now).

Best to educate yourself - Henci Goer's book - The Thinking Woman's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin's - Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.....are both great resourses.

I wish you all the best~please feel free to contact me if you feel you need more support. I've been where you are know that it can be difficult to sort through everyone else's voices to hear your own....

In friendship and support,
M.

Hi P.
How are you doing? Everyone is always quick to give advice. That I guess includes me. ASK your OB/GYN, & if you don't like what he says ask for a second opinion. I had 3 c sections, have 4 children. That includes a set of twins. The OB with my second thought I should have a v back, it was not the same OB as with the first. He admitted he should have read records I had sent, but ooops I should have gotten a second opinion, with records and made sure they were read. It is not without risk that you have a v back but I know people who have had them successfully. Just I didn't.
God bless you and your new family
K. 58yo SAHM of 4, twins graduating in June.

P.,
I had 3 C-sections plus numerous abdominal surgeries aferwards and had 2 vaginal births after without any problem. I suggest if you want to go naturally that you find yourself another ob/gyn who is more up to date with technology, I did, and I am so glad I did. The doc who delivered my first 3 children was from the old school of thought that "once a c-section, always a c-section," boy was he ever wrong. My last 2 deliveries were wonderful, I went totally natural, but then I had the most wonderful ob/gyn in the world. Too bad you don't live in CT, I would tell you to go to my doc, you will love him, everyone does. Good luck with your pregnancy and upcoming marriage, also make sure your daughter is involved, she will love it.
Hugs,
T.

Hi P.! My wife and I have had seven children. The first two came natural, the next C-Section, the next natural, the next C-Section, the next natural, the last two C-Section. So to answer yor question, Yes, You CAN have a child natural after a C-Section. Alot of Doctors prefer you to go the C-Section route after having one because there is some POSSIBLE risk depending on a number of issues regarding the last birth that could cause trouble, ie., time between pregnancies, any current problems with this pregnancy etc. I'm not a Dr. and won't even presume to know what you should do; however, if you are doing good on this one and you feel you'd like to go the normal route, then do it. If things don't go right toward the end or your Dr. really becomes concerned with the way things are going because of your decision, you always have the option of going the C-Section way. The only thing you should really do though is talk your decision over with your finance so he understands your feelings and can support you instead of having anxiety and the feeling of being "out of the loop" on your decision; after all, it is his child as well and he only wants to see the very best for both of you. Be blessed!

I had 2 sections, my middle son was breech and therefore I had to have a section then when I got pregnant the 3rd time I asked about a VBAC but my doctor said the final decision was mine and my husbands but the risks where very high (the posibility of ripping open the old section site during labor and delivery)and that I would have to sign all kinds of paperwork for the doctors insurance. That alone scared me so we went with the 2nd section to be on the safe side. You need to talk to your doctor about your options and the risks that they have and then make a educated decision. Good luck!

hey P.,
i had an emergency c-section w/my 2nd child & also heard that once a c-sect always. well i ran into the doctor that performed mine & he said i could have a vaginal delivery. 10 years later, pregnant w/my son, i was on the road to a vaginal birth until he decided he didn't want to bring his head into position, so i again had to have a c-section. i would proceed w/a vaginal delivery until & if it became necessary to have a c-section. i had my first child naturally & it's the most wonderful experience i ever had. hope this helps. michi

After reading your request I googled VBAC. Take a look at this wbsite, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vbac/VB99999

It has a ton of information. (most of which has convinced me that I more than likely will not qualify for a VBAC.) :(

Whatever way it works out for you, I wish you the best of luck. Congrats on your pregnancy!! :)

Hello P.,
I am currently pregnant with my 4th, and I will be having my 4th C-section. Please, Please try natural delivery, unfortunetly my doctor said the same thing, and I was got scared and opted for a second C-section. What the doctors failed to mention to me was, after your 2nd you CAN'T have natural child birth. It's all C-section from now on. The big problem I am having with each one is...The recovery time gets worse and worse with each one. Your ab muscles get weaker each time. The big one for me... now I feel like I am limited to how many children I can have. My doctor only did up to 5 C-sections on one patient. I feel like, what if I want more, or if I accidently get pregnant again, is it dangerous for me. And I would suffer through anything for my babies, so an abortion is NOT an option, even if I felt my health was in danger. That is just my opinion, go for natural!! Your body bounces back quickly, your up and moving quickly, and even if you have a hard time and are late, the doctors are there to help you, no matter what situation rises. Don't make the same mistake I did, I wish I could have tried Natural. Good luck. Tell us how you do!
D.
PS Five babies may seem a lot to you now, back then me too, BUT now I love being a mom, and want more, you may feel the same way in the future, so don't get stuck, being "limited" on C-section births. :)

hi P.,
well 18 years ago almost 19 this december i had my son via emergency c-section and they told me that too once you've had one you always will. well when i got pregnant with my oldest daughter she's now going to be 17 i had switched doctors and i was all ready to tell them when i wanted to schedule c-section and the doctor was nope we'll try it natural. then i had natural birth with her and then also my youngest who is going to be 10. i guess it depends on the situation and the doctors. voice your opinion and ask why they want to. if its because they feel its the right way then opt for that if not stand your ground and try to have your baby natural.
good luck and congrats!

Hi P.,

First of all congrats! I don't have personal experience to add like many of the mamas who have responded to your post, but I did just want to say that if you would really like to have a natural birth and you haven't had any complications with your pregnancy, then you should definitely shop around for an ob/gyn or midwife who shares your views. Look especially for ob/gyns or midwives who specialize in VBACs (my midwife did -- she also specialized in first-time births). And I'd also recommend getting a copy of "The Birth Book" by Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears (it's part of the series of books in the Sears Parenting Library, which I can't recommend highly enough!!). The book was extremely helpful to me when I was gathering information and making decisions about the kind of birth I wanted to have, and I think it might be useful for you to read some of the facts about VBAC before you completely make up your mind one way or the other. The Sears book is great because it is written by a medical doctor and his wife, a registered nurse -- they are both part of the medical establishment but in their books they present issues in a very fair and balanced way.

Good luck!

I'm not sure if this is too late or if it will even help, but here goes. I was under the impression that it was up to your doctor or the hospital where you'll deliver. For example I am due JUne 3rd with my second child I had a c-section with my first. The hospital has a policy that once you've had a c-section that you have to have to continue to have c-sections in their facility. this isn't todsay that it would be the samer if I went somewhere else. IO didn't think that it was universally manditory though and I don't think it is. However if your doctor says thats the best way to go I would do it that way.

You don't NEED to have a second c-section and in fact it is safer for you to have a vaginal birth (as long as there is nothing high risk about your pregnancy). I had a c-section and then a vaginal birth just 20 months later. It was SO much easier to recover from a vaginal birth than it was a c-section. Try to find an ob or mid wife that is supportive and educate yourself as much as possible. Good luck.

My son was born via c-section and when I talked to my doctor about having more kids in the future he basically said the same thing, because I'm petite and was not able to fit his head through my pelvis. My mother had me via c-section and then had my sisters vaginally, but this was unheard of at the time. When I mentioned this to my doctor (he has been practicing over 25 years) he said that back in the 80's and 90's people started doing vbacs because they thought it would be safe, and because it was being encouraged, many women tried them who were not really good candidates for a Vbac and there were lots of complications, so now doctors are returning to their original thoughts and doing repeat c-sections. Often when there is a problem the first time around, it will be there again. The only reason my mother was able to do a vbac is that I was breach, and my sisters were not, so there were no complications with either of them. I would say that your doctor is probably right, since you did not progress the way you should have. Better to be safe and have a scheduled c-section than go through the labor and not progress and end up with a c-section anyway.

I had a C-section and then 16 months later had a very successful VBAC. My third child was supposed to be another VBAC, but ended up Cesarian. My 4th was a scheduled C-section.
The VBAC was no problem at all. I will give you this bit of advise. If you have a second C-section, tell your doctor to cut off the scar from the first C- section. They leave a funny scar the second time. Luckily my third C-section (4th child) doctor was Fabulous. He cleaned it all up and left me with only one small scar that is barely there.
Try a VBAC but get a great doctor!

I too just had my second c-section. My doctor who I adore told me since I never dialated to 10 last time, I would probably not this time. he also explained your uterus is very delicate and could be strained easily if I did natural because it was already scarred.
Good luck with your decision.

I found it easier to just schedule a c-section for my other babies.

Hi P.,

"Once a C-section, always a c-section" went out the door about 30 years ago, when doctors started doing low transverse incisions of the uterus during cesarean surgery. Unless your c-section was a dire emergency - I don't mean unplanned which some women refer to as emergency, I mean IMMEDIATE, like they had to knock you out or start cutting before you had pain relief, your incision was likely low transverse and a vaginal birth is possible, as long as you have a supportive caregiver and understand the risks and benefits. Find a doctor or midiwfe that supports VBAC, and read The VBAC Companion. Good luck!

My daughter just had her second child after 5 years and her doctor advised on another c_section for her also which she had. He said she can rip open her previous stitches if she had a vaginal. I have heard of people that didi have a vaginal birth after having c-section. I guess if you are set on a vaginal you will have to convince your doctor.

Hi,

I had a similar story my first daughter was born by C section after being induced I was in labor for about 20 hrs and didn't get past 4 cm. After they did c they found my daughter was face up so I would have had the c anyway...

When I went into labor with my second (my water broke 1 month early) I was a VBAC.(vaginal birth after ceserean) I was adamant that I did not want another c. After another loong labor my daughter had trouble during delivery forceps and vacuum used after some damage to her and I they got her out. Not to scare you but she was blue and had issues and spent tome in NICU. None of this was due to early birth all from trauma during delivery. She is fine now doing great but had some therapy till age 5. So I always wished I had that second csection no labor and no damage to my daughter. Of course there are lots of VBAC who have great deliveries but I wanted to share my story...good luck whatever you decide.

Hi P.,

Was your daughter a big baby? When I had my oldest 7 1/2 years ago, I had to have a c-section. Then the doctors were split down the middle. Half would say once you've had one you have to have another for liability reasons but the other half would say there was nothing wrong with having a VBAC. Initially my doctor was very adamant about my trying for a VBAC with my second son.

When the time came that I was actually pregnant a few years later, things had changed. They told me that they really wanted me to have another c-section and would leave the choice up to me but that studies had shown there was a 10 time greater risk of uterine rupture during a VBAC than what they had thought. My first son was 9 lb 3 oz so they were especially unsure of me having a VBAC saying the bigger the previous babies, the more chance of uterine rupture.

I am surprised at those who think the doctors who want to repeat c-sections are old school since as I mentioned, my doctors just changed their policy a few years ago. While there have been people that have been "ok", my thought is "why risk it"? if the chance for uterine rupture is so great. I know someone who had that happen and her response was Thank God she is into extreme sports because it was NOT fun and required something ridiculous like 200 stitches. No thank you!

Also, the rule I have always been told is once you have two c-sections you absolutely have to have the rest that way with three or four being the max. People push it all the time and I've heard of people having 7 but again, why chance it is my opinion.

I've had three now and wouldn't have done anything different personally.

Good luck,
L.

You can certainly have a normal birth this time around if the circumstances are right. It isn't "once a c-section always a c-section". I did have a CS first and then a normal and natural birth with my 2nd.

It really depends on your doctor too. Some of them aren't comfortable allowing their patients to take the risk of a normal birth after a section. But then I would suggest finding another doctor.

Do your research and talk to your doctor. Mine was very receptive. She even let me go 2 weeks past my due date! I finally talked the baby out with some awful mexican food. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to be able to stand up out of the bed a hour after giving birth to take a shower without nurses helping me!!

Good Luck!
D.

Hi P.
I had two c-sections(The most recent last year.) The options as I understand them are all dependent on your doctor for starters, secondly the hospital where you will deliver. They both have rules esp. now that insurance is astronomical for ob-gyns. The hospital usually must have a trauma center/high risk unit in case something should go wrong. Also, it depends on why you had to have a c-sec. in the first pregnancy. From what you stated, you should be able to try if your doctor allows it (as well as the hosp.) Talk to you doctor that should be the best course of action. Also, just something else to concider...If you are sensative to major pain reliefe drugs (morphine, codeine, vicodin, etc...), if they make you sick or dizzy/woozie, I would ask to have only a spinal if you do have the c-sec. My second time was with a different Dr. than my first. They gave me a drug called duramorph. It made me so dopy that for the first 24 hrs or so I could barly concentrate, and it made me so sick I threw up on my self. My first c-sec. I only had an epidural (after 41 hrs. of labor!) and then some morphine after. It did make me feel dizzy and a bit sick, but they gave me drugs to combat that. The second time they also gave me the drugs for anti-nausea, but when they wore off I was sick almost immediatly. My first c-sec. was so much more enjoyable than my second. It took longer to recover, and longer to bond with the baby since I was so drugged. Just something to concider, just in case! Good luck!

Hi P., First off congratulations on the baby. Second, I too had a c-section with my first. My water broke on its own, but I never dilated more than 1 cm after 38 hrs of labor. So C-section it was. With my 2nd, 2 and half years later I was with a different doctor altogether but he advised on scheduling a C-section based on my history with my first and on my physical exam. He talked to me about having a narrow pelvis and my uterus being unusually far back. (I'm only 5 feet tall). With that said, I scheduled my C-section like advised. But lo and behold my water broke on its own again 3 days before the scheduled c-section and 6 days before her due date. I say all this to say, I think you should go in with the mind set that you will try to deliver vaginally but just in case you do not progress (fail to dilate), or any other complications arise. You will be okay with having the c-section done. Things happen, plans change. And when it comes to having a baby you can't plan on anything being set in stone. So good luck to you and your family. I hope to hear your happy story after the baby is born.

H.

Hi P.,

my first was a C-section and my second (16 mos later) came out the baby doors... the second delivery was not a surgery so I was fully conscious -- chose not to have painkillers for the second delivery too, so it was a rough ride, but I am happy to have done it naturally -- and I was awake and aware when he was born so he started nursing right away.

My first had a bottle in the hospital before I got him -- took a week for him to latch on and he lost a full pound! ... but he made up for it later...

The scar from my C still hurts sometimes and he is 16 years old. Also, it was a LOT faster to heal from the natural delivery, go for it!

While you can't 'schedule' the birth, I am all for natural delivery! Go on walks each day, drink lots of water... best of luck to you and the little one, whatever you decide

Warm Regards,
C.

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(: have an awesome day :)
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HI P.!

For my first daughter, my water broke on my own, but I stayed at 3 cm and never dialated and ended up having an emergency c after 18 hours of labor. When my daughter was 10 mos old, I became pregnant again (surprise!) and decided to have a scheduled c-section. My doc discussed all the things the other ladies have mentioned (uterine rupture, not being able to be induced, etc.) and he recommended the scheduled c because the births were so close together. He did say that if my first daughter was 3 or 4 yrs old, then I could try for a VBAC. I was bummed, but the scheduled c-section was so much easier the second time. My recovery was much faster (remarkable!) and my milk came in by the 2nd day (the first time is took over a week). Since my body didn't go into labor, I was much more rested to take care of the baby.

Talk with your doctor. I would think you can have a VBAC given that it has been 8 years since your last birth. But, even if it doesn't happen, don't get too bummed because it will be much easier and it won't really matter how the baby got there once you have him or her in your arms.

Best wishes!

Depending on what kind of c section you had .
I had an old fashioned t c section so now i have to always have c sections , if you had a regular single cut on your uterus section you should be fine to have a natural birth.
i was really wanting to go through labor , but wasn't able to , i guess all that matters is that you have a healthy baby right ?
Good luck

P.,
I dont agree with your doctor that once a section always a section. I have 5 children and my 1st 2 were natural and my 3rd had to be a section becasue I had a placenta previa and could not deliver natually because my plancenta was down in my opeing so there was no way for my son to get passed it. when i was pregnant with my 4th the doctor i was seeing was more than comfortable with me delivering naturally because the hospital i was going to be delivering at was a level 3 hospital which means they could have handle an emergancy situation if one had occured, during my pregnancy we move to another town and my new doctor would not allow me to deliver naturally because the hospital was not a level 3 and would not have had the staff in house if i were to have gone into labor in the middle of the night and an emergency occured, this could have put myself as well as the baby at risk of dieing. I would recommend talking to your doctor or another doctor if you feel that strongly of trying naturally, it is an amazing experience!!! It may be because the hospital you are delivering at may not have the staff in house if an emergancy were to arise. My 5th was also a section becasue I delivered at the same hospital as my 4th child.

Good luck and congratulations.

E. s

Hi P.,

I had 3 C-Sections but that was back in the late 70's and early 80's. My daughter had 3 also and her doctor told her that it depends on how she was cut on the inside depends on if she could deliver regular. Since nobody knew how she was cut he wouldn't let her try so sections it was. I guess there is a danger with the uterus rupturing or something to that nature. Go with the section, don't risk it. God Bless, J.

P.,

More and more hospitals are not allowing women who have had a previous c-section to labor with a subsequent baby due to the potential for lawsuits if something goes wrong. I have a friend who has 13 children, the second was a c-section, so she had 11 vaginal deliveries after the c-section.

I tried to have VBAC's but it just never worked out. I have labored and then had a c-section, like you were talking about, and then I have just had to go straight to c-sections, the recovery is easier without laboring first. That being said, every pregnancy and every delivery is different.

I regret not trying to have a VBAC for my fourth baby because after she was born I knew that she was small enough to be delivered vaginally. My first three children had head sizes that literally were off the charts and remain off the charts to this day. For example, my 3 year old wears adult sized baseball caps!

I do know that if you had a vertical incision on your uterus, you should not try a vbac, it is too dangerous. You cannot know what kind of incision was done on your uterus based on your exterior incision, which can be different, so your doctor would need to review the medical records from your first time around.

Talk it over with your fiance and remember that no matter how they come into the world, the most important thing is that they get here healthy....and that you stay healthy too. C-Sections are not without complications, I've had my share, so it is a difficult decision. I wish you all the best.

Hi P.,
It is not true that one you had a c/s, you always have to have one. It did used to be true, though, and it is often true. It does matter the circumstances under which you had your last one. It has been explained to me that if you had your first c/s due to an emergency or issues with your pregnancy. Also, not all doctors do vbacs. I'm not sure if all hospitals do either. Also, if you have any complications with your pregnancy you might have to have a c/s, because the main risk you run with a vbac is uterine rupture. Also, you cannot be induced. I'm guessing because it makes the contractions stronger, and that might be a risk for uterine rupture. Which is probably why your doc is saying that, because you only dilated to 4cm. If it happened with number 2, they couldn't give you anything. You'd have to have a c/s. I hope that helps!

i had my first c-section about 8yr ago and a 2nd one 2yrs after. My dr's said i was a candiate for vbac(vaginal birth after c section) I read the risks on it and opted for the 2nd c section, i at least knew what i was getting into

yes it is true once you have a c-section you will have another i had two c-sections and i am not having anymore two pain ful surgerys are enough. now i am concetrating on how to loose weight and keep it off

VBACs are still popular, but it depends on your hospital. There are lots of complications that come with that. Your uterus could rupture, causing you to lose the baby and/or yourself. However, there are complications with having a repeat section as well. You can hemerage and need blood transfusions. Mostly it all depends on how the incisions were made from your previous section. Is the scar on your stomach up and down (from belly button to pubic bone) or across your hair line (left to right). If it's up and down and the incision on your uterus is the same then you can't go natural. Also, alot of hospitals are verring away from VBAC births because they can be dangerous. I wanted to go VBAC with my daughter, born this past July. But 4 wks before delivery she turned breech and never turned back. So we decided on a repeat section for the safety of all of us. Talk to your doctor at great length about this. Anyway you look at it, deliver is a messy process. You take risks either way.

Recently i have read the for doctors having a c-section is a cleaner prosidure. but orherwise it has no differnce. I had 2 sections, one apart from another by 20 months. However, I heard that you need at least 2-3 years. You have eight years. After all it is your right to choose. At least you can try, if there ane no complications. GOOD LUCK! ALL BEST!

Hey I had 2 c-cections. First child my Daughter was breech the whole pregnancy. 2nd child my doctor did not want to do natural because of the complications it may cause. it was a good thing I did not try natural because my linings were very thin and it could have ruptured during childbirth. If your doctor is willing to do natural then go for it. My sister-in- law had 5 children. 1st was a cection, 2nd and 3rd natural. 4th and 5th cections.... people do it....

Unless there is some other complications that you didn't mention with your first child's birth, you have the right to try to have a natural birth with this child. They term it, VBAC... Vaginal Birth after Ceserean. I would recommend talking with your Dr. about the options. I work in an OB/Gyn practice and we do VBAC's quite frequently. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Hi P., Although I am not an expert, the best of what I know is that you do not have to have a C-section the second time. Try not to worry, the doctor can only do a section if it is necessary. Try to prepare yourself for natural, breathing etc. Sit cross legged on the floor. Stretch! Dancers have the easiest deliveries. Don't do anything to hurt yourself. I hope you have a healthy baby. My best, Grandma Mary