My baby is 8 months old and I just found out I'm pregnant again. My first baby was a c-section after 50 hours of labour. Did I get pregnant too soon and ruin my chances of having a VBAC? Has anyone had a VBAC so soon?
I was able to try for a VBAC. I went into labor on my own a day after my due date. It came on much faster than my first labor. Contractions were very close together right off the bat, but very short (some 10 to 30 seconds long). I dilated much faster this time too. I made it to 10cm with a small cervical lip. I had tons of pressure and the baby's head was very low, but wasn't ready to push yet. The baby's heartbeat was not consistent and would disappear altogether at times. Apparently my pelvis has a large enough opening, but my birth canal is very narrow. The nurses even had a very hard time to check my cervix because of this. The Dr. wasn't sure the baby would fit through even if I had pushed for hours. We decided to go for another c-section. The epidural was no longer working (many medications do not work well on me) so I got a spinal block for the surgery, but was given too much medication (to be sure I wouldn't feel anything this time) and the muscles I use to breath were frozen and I felt that I could not breath. It was terrifying and I was put asleep. I missed my baby's first cry and my husband wasn't able to be there either. But his cord was around his neck and that's why his heartbeat was disappearing. If I had tried to push him out, he may have died. I really wish it could have gone another way, but I'm happy I have a healthy baby. All of this after 22 hours of labor. I now have 72 hours of labour under my belt and only two children to show for it. Next time I'll have to go with a schedued c-section.
I have a friend that had a VBAC 13 months after the C/S. So long as you're a good candidate for a VBAC I don't know about any time frame that applies.
Dear Rachel,
Midwives (and physicians who support them) are usually more sympathetic to VBACs in general. You might consider midwifery care ( and possibly home birth) if you have trouble finding a doctor who will give you a chance.
I had a friend whose first two kids are only about 15 months apart. She had a VBAC without any complications and she's had another child too. If you want to go VBAC then I suggest talking to your doctor about enducing your labor at 37 weeks so the baby isn't too big. Good luck!
I also had another friend who just had a VBAC and her kids are only 14 months apart. She had no problems. Good luck!
You can still have VBAC. I got pregnant with my 2nd when my son was 10 months old & had a successful VBAC. Do you have a low transverse incision ("bikini incision") & has your doctor done a double layer suturing? If yes, I would say go for it! If you need more info about VBACs, ICAN is a good resource: http://www.ican-online.org/
Check out Weston A Price Foundation. Also if you are in Orange County contact Rozlyn, Therealitychef.com She is a Nutritional therapist and doula
I have been told the longer you wait the safer it is. But it really is so subjective. Every doc. has their own opinion. Check with your doc and see what she/he says. 16+ months apart might be long enough. I waited 3 1/2 yrs. and I didn't get my VBAC as I had hoped. I never went into labor tho and I wasn't even dilated at almost 42 weeks! So my doc said induction would likely fail since I had not already stared labor on my own... I wish you success!
I would do research, talk to your Dr, and talk to the place that you plan on having the baby. I had a VBAC, although my kid's are spaced further out, but a friend of mine was told by her Dr. that VBAC's are bad, bad, and she sent me documentation to support her Dr's theory. I went to ICAN meetings, and I asked my Dr. abd he was fine with me trying a VBAC, we just had the IV line in just in case. I was under pressure by some people to have a home birth just so I would not end up being another C-Section, but chose to go the natural route, no meds, in the hospital, just incase of emergency.
Good luck, and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Stephanie
Yes you have ruined your chances because you didn't give your scar tissue from the c section time to heal. You need 2-3 yrs of healing time. I found out that I was pregnant with twins. Had a scheduled c section. They were 5-6 months and I found out that I was pregnant again with my youngest. Much like you, I wanted a vaginal delivery. I was told what I just told you. You should ask your Obgyn. I was also told that I am only able to have 3 c sections because of the damaged caused. Your doctor could have different views than mine so again it's best to ask your obgyn. Good luck
The possibility of Vbac depends on the reason(s) for the c-section in the first place. I was not a candidate for Vbac and had all 3 of my children by c-section. But -- many moms are able to succesfully deliver Vbac. This is an issue you need to fully discuss with your doctor, and choose the method that is safe for you and your baby. I would be cautious about going to a mid-wife with your history; if you do, don't make it a home delivery, go to a birthing center in case something does go wrong you have immediate access to an MD and hospital. Good luck.
I had a c-section with my first and tried very hard to have a VBAC with my second. Everything seemed to be going along fine. I dilated and pushed for 2 1/2 hours. As it turns out I just have a very small pelvic outlet. If I had not been in a hospital, I or the baby could have died because he was NOT coming out the natural way!!! I have since had a 3rd c-section and in the end all that really matters is that baby and Mom are healthy. Just be careful and make sure you are in a place that can offer you both options if need be.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I got pregnant 6 months after I had my first c-section and had a beautiful vbac. it's definitely possible!
My first was a c-secton too and my doctor would not do a vbac with my second one and they were 4 years apart. Ask your dr if she or he thinks you could. Good luck and congrats.
First I would check if a VBAC would be covered by your insurance. Then check with your OB/GYN or hospital if they allow it. Not all hospitals do.
And of course, discuss it with your OB/GYN about having a VBAC... and she what his/her advice is, per YOUR situation.
All the best,
Susan
I also was pregnant with my second when my first was 8 months. I had a c section with my first because she was breech. I had a successful vbac with my second because there was no reason not to. In your case, because you had a difficult labor with the first, I think it will just depend on how things go with the second one to see if you can do a vbac. Having done both, if you can avoid the c section, definitely try!
I had to have an emergency C-section with my daughter. At 8 months I became pregnant with my son. They tried to talk me into another c-section, but I refused and had him natural.
it may, i'd ask your ob. it seems to vary hospital by hospital.
