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6 Questions You Should Be Asking Before Attempting a VBAC

30/08/2018 - 06:30 PM

With the birth of my third baby looming in the not-too-distant future, I've been crossing my fingers, toes, and anything else I can find that I'll be able to avoid a second C-section. My first was delivered vaginally and things went smoothly. My second chose to be the difficult one before he was even born and was transverse (sideways) throughout my entire third trimester. My midwife and doctor attempted an external cephalic version [1], but when he still wouldn't budge, it was C-section time.

I'm not hating on C-sections [2]; I am beyond grateful that there was a safe way to bring my baby into the world. I would be lying, though, if I said that my recovery [3] wasn't much worse after having a C-section than it was with my first. Going through major abdominal surgery and then immediately being charged with caring for a newborn is no small task. Because of that, I'm really hoping my third child is more agreeable and keeps his head pointing down where it belongs.

Most women who have had a prior C-section are good candidates for a VBAC [4] (the American Pregnancy Association puts the number at 90 percent [5]), but, ultimately, you'll need to work with your care provider to determine if a VBAC is the best option for you. In my case, my practitioner gave me the thumbs up because I've had a prior vaginal birth (which increases your changes of a successful VBAC) and the only reason for my C-section was the positioning of the (stubborn) baby.

After determining that this was the route I wanted to go, I had lots of questions. My first experience giving birth [6] was so close to perfect, but I wasn't sure if it would be the same in a VBAC situation. The problem with questions during pregnancy is that most of them fly out of your brain as soon as you step foot in your doctor's office (please tell me that's not just me?), so I wrote down a list of questions that I wanted to know the answers to before I showed up at the hospital.

If you're hoping to hop on the VBAC train, you'll want to address these questions with your practitioner as early in your pregnancy as possible so that you can make an informed decision and know what to expect when baby time rolls around.

What Type of Monitoring Will I Need?

My provider typically allows for intermittent monitoring, but, because of the risk for uterine rupture during a VBAC, I'll be hooked up to a continuous heart rate monitor this time around.

At What Point Will You Recommend a C-Section?

Per my discussion with my midwife, the reason for continuous monitoring is that one of the early signs of uterine rupture is a drop in baby's heart rate. In my case, at the first sign of a drop in my baby's heart rate, I'll be wheeled right on over to a luxurious operating room where an anesthesiologist and doctor will be prepped and ready to delivery my baby via C-section.

Will I Be Allowed Various Positions During Labor and Delivery?

I was most comfortable laboring in the tub and, though I thought it would be embarrassing, I delivered on my hands and knees on the hospital bed. I was concerned I'd be confined to lying on my back because of the heart rate monitor, but because the monitor is wireless, I can still move around the room as I please . . . including into the tub.

Who Will Be in the Room?

Another of my fears was that there would be a huge team of doctors and nurses hovering over me in the delivery room. I was reassured when they told me that this experience won't be any different than with my first. Other than occasional checks, it can just be my husband and myself.

What Are the Risks Associated With VBAC?

VBACs and repeat C-sections both carry their own set of risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most serious risk associated with VBAC [7] is uterine rupture, which could result in an emergency C-section and possibly a hysterectomy. The risk of this occurring is less than one percent, though, which is actually lower than the risks that could come with repeat C-sections [8], like bladder or bowel injuries, heavy bleeding, and placental issues.

Can I Go Past My Due Date?

My midwife was fine with letting my body (and my baby) lead the way when it comes to going into labor. This could vary from person to person, though, so it's definitely something to address so you'll know if you're looking at a possible induction or C-section if you go past your due date.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/parenting/Questions-Ask-Before-VBAC-45217568