Hi all, im due second baby in may wanted a vbac but not looking good at the moment, anyone else been told they are likely to have a second c section?

Jessica - posted on 02/19/2009

I agree with the last post- I too had a c-section with my daughter, who is now three- so it seems like we're in the same boat!  I talked to my doc yesterday at my appt. and asked him about it again.  I've had a very high risk pregnancy and have had several complications- including surgery at 20 weeks- so he's understandably hesitant about attempting a vaginal birth.  I REALLY want to try, though.  So this is the compromise we came up with!  If I can go into labor on my own, he will let me try to labor and have a natural birth.  (Okay, so I'll probably have an epidural because of blood pressure issues- but more natural than a c-section!)...IF at any time things start looking rough for me or for the baby, I will be prepared for a c-section, and have come to terms with that as a possibility.  Also, we will schedule a c-section later on in my pregnancy, based on how baby is growing and how I'm doing with all the bp issues and other stuff- and if I have not gone into labor before that day, that will be birthday!  :)  They will not induce labor because of the previous c-sections, it carries more risks.  Also, my daughter was breech (but five weeks early, too)- and if this one is also breech, and I can't get her turned around, then c-section it will be.  I am checking out the site that was posted to see what I can do to help her move into the right position- quite honestly, I'm a bit tired of being head-butted in the ribs and kicked in the bladder!  lol  So good luck...I hope this works out for you, and I know how you must feel, too- I feel like I have so many things factoring against me- but it's possible!  So I'm thinking positive!  :) 

Allison - posted on 02/18/2009

First off: I was told that a previous c/s is not contraindicated with a manual version and in fact I had a version with my last birth (had a c/s with my first birth).



Second: it's way too early to know if your baby will turn or not - many, many babies turn in labor. Size isn't always a factor, either, so don't worry about it. Even if baby is still breech at 36 weeks, baby *can* turn during labor. In fact, I would tell your OB that you don't want to have that ultrasound at 36 weeks and that you'd rather wait until labor to know if baby is breech - if he is breech at that point, then you can have the c/s then. Unless you think that knowing his position will help you do things to help him turn.



There are things you can do to help baby turn - check out http://www.spinningbabies.com/ for really great info. Focus on your position - make sure you are not laying back too much, sit on a birthing ball, do the "cat" yoga position, etc. Also, looking into find a chiropractor certified in Webster technique. Check out http://www.icpa4kids.org for information on this.



I did it all with my breech baby - positioning, visualizations, talking to baby, pulsitilla (homeopathic remedy), Webster technique, and even a manual external version. I did not try acupuncture or moxibustion as time was my limiting factor. My son was persistently breech. I decided against a scheduled c/s and waited until I went into labor on my own, since labor is very good for baby and mom, even if it ends in a c/s. I went into labor and my son did try to flip on his own - in fact, he tried to flip the opposite way that the doctor was trying to turn him during the manual version. He kept popping back up. When my contractions were 7 minutes apart, I called the doc and she wasn't going to be available until later in the day. I went to the hospital to be monitored, but was content to wait for her instead of using the doc on call. Everything was fine with both me and baby, so I labored for about 18 hours total (I was laboring about 12 hours before going to the hospital) before the c/s. It was a great c/s, as far as they go. Because of the labor, baby had no problems with breathing or latching on, and my milk came in within 12 hours. It was great.



So now I've had 2 c/s - but I am still preparing for a vaginal delivery. I found an OB in my area who is experienced in VBAmC (vaginal birth after multiple c-sections). I'm very excited!



If you're interested in a VBAC, don't just take your OB's word that you can't. First, do research! Visit http://www.ican-online.com/ and http://vbacfacts.com/. Get informed and know the risks - there *are* serious risks to having a repeat c/s too, so it's not cut and dry like VBAC is unsafe and c/s is completely safe.



You might have a propensity to breech babies, or you might not. Was there a reason baby was breech last time? I.E. was the cord around his neck, did the OB find a abnormality with your uterus (like bicornute or divided)? It could have just been a random occurance, too, so really, try to relax! :-) I know it's not easy...I've been worried about breech, too, but today the doc said my baby is currently heads down, but it's normal for them to move around a lot still at this point (I'll be 29 weeks on Saturday, so about the same as you). I can't believe your doc is trying to scare you already! I'm sorry...



Anyhow...don't give up, relax, get information, and try to gestate in peace! If you need to "talk", please don't hesitate to contact me :-) Hugs!