Was your first child a C-section - what will you do for second child?

Lisa - posted on 04/02/2010

HI. I had a C for my first becaeuse I my BP was through the roof my second was c same reason. I still wish I was able to have a normal birth now I feel robbed that I never got to experience pushing a new life into the world and I never will. If you have the choice and your life or the baby is not at risk I would hold out and have a natual birth.. Whatever you decide I wish you all the luck in the world.

Sabrina - posted on 04/02/2010

My first child was a c-section and when it came time for the second pregnancy my doc was fine with a vbac. my only problem was that my previous doctor only did one layer of stitching when the procedure was done. in order to have a vbac the second time you need to have 2 layers otherwise they risks are far to great to have a vbac. otherwise as long as your doctor is aware of the previous c-section she can make sure that she has an OR on standby just in case. Also i want 4 kids... the doctor said she had a patient who had 6 kids and 6 c-sections... so as long as you want to and everything goes well each time you should be fine.

Patricia - posted on 04/02/2010

all 3 of my children were born c-section. The first was an emergancy and the other 2 were scheduled. I am happy to report all are happy and healthy. I knew my daughter (Peyton, now 5) would be my last so at the same time as her birth I had my tubes tied.I found great comfort in having it all done at once.

Amy - posted on 04/02/2010

I had my first 2 via c-section, and my 3rd vaginally. I had a great midwife who was willing to let me try for the VBAC, and everything went very smoothly. They said a lot of the success of the VBAC was based on the reasons for the 1st (and in my case, second) c-sections. I have also heard of moms who have had 3 or more via c-section as well.

Amy - posted on 04/02/2010

I'm a month away from delivering my 3rd child via C-section. I did consider a vbac with my 2nd but stayed with the C in the end. I felt good about the choice after weighing all the options. One factor being my hospital's insurace doesn't allow vbac's so I would have had to change Dr.s and hospitals. The recovery was much easier than the 1st because I didn't got thru 30 hrs of labor to have an emergency C. Like the others advised consult with your Dr., everyone is different. Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 04/02/2010

VBAC is apparently less risky than C/S from memory. I was scared too but spoke to my obgyn & got the risks associated, & put my mind at ease, was all ready for a VBAC.



I laboured with both my 2, first was C/S (undiag breech) & 2nd C/S after failure to progress (after 19hrs labour) - was 10cm dialated but bub was posterior & would not turn that little bit to fit down the birth canal. There's lots of support & advice on bellybelly.com.au from other VBAC'ers. :)

Darlene - posted on 04/02/2010

my first was a c-section after many hours of labor .... and a fullly breach baby! next three babies all "popped" out like nothing! However, by the time number 4 had come along (9 years after 1st and 6 years ago), there was strict rules about doing the VBAC. i couldn't use my family doc any longer....had to find an obgyn that would do it! of course...for all vbacs, you are also limited in your labor positions, since they want you to be hooked to an iv the entire time! i'd take VBAC anytime over c-section!!

Tracey - posted on 04/02/2010

Everything depends on why you had a section with your first baby. I had a c section with my first and had 5 more children naturally. So it is possible. Talk to your doctor but in all probability he will tell you that there is no reason why you can't go natural.

Maritza - posted on 04/02/2010

well my first born was a c-section and so was my second. Doctors say that its safer to have another c-section instead of a VBAC due to uterus rupture. honestly my second c-section wasn't dat bad due to knowing what to expect.

Hannah - posted on 04/02/2010

I had a C section with my first, and decided to have schelduled a c section with the second (unless I went into labor first). The c section went great and the recovery was way easier because I hadn't gone into labor..I was out of bed the same day. I know according to my doctor if you had a c section first time for little complications that added up to making it necc. to have a c section, then vbac should be fine to try. I just found that I really didn't want to go through 14 hours of labor again to end up in OR. My labor the first time went slow, so very well could have hte second. When patosin is used you have a higher chance of having to have a c section. My friend has 3 boys all 1.5 years apart and had c section all three times...scar tissue was fine and not to much bleeding...she however is done at 3 kiddos. My kids ate 17 months apart. Good luck..and when it comes down to it have a healthy baby is all I really cared about:)

Jessica - posted on 04/02/2010

My first son was a vaginal birth and my second son was a c section, I found the first was much more painful and took over 16 hours. Although the recovery was really painful with the c section, if we have another baby I will go with another c section. You just have to weigh what is best for you.

Marni - posted on 04/02/2010

I had an emergency c-section w/my first after several hours of labor & pushing began. I knew with my 2nd I wanted a VBAC. We had a doula both times which made both of my deliveries an awesome, memorable experience. I did my research on VBACs, talked to my OB/GYN & Doula. The risk of complications from a VBAC are actually very low, the cost is cheaper than a c-section and you recover much quicker. Another thing I learned from my research, is that a c-section is a major surgery. The reason some hospitals do not offer VBAC is because they do not have an anesthesiologist on duty/call. If you have had a vertical incision c-section you cannot VBAC. II don't think vertical c-sections are still performed. Good luck w/whatever you decide :)

Sarah - posted on 04/02/2010

A VBAC can be considered, however I agree with some of the others and say that you should definetely talk to your physician about it. The risks greatly depend on why you had a C-section the first time. If you child was to big, or you went through long labor it would probably be better to consider a c-section. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Elizabeth - posted on 04/02/2010

I had a c/s for my first as well - but I was bound and determined to have a VBAC for my second one. First, make sure your OB is supportive of this. You also have to be 'cleared' - ie; you are not a high-risk patient, etc. I was considered low-risk, so I was good to go. I was given the option of 1) scheduling a section at 37 weeks 2) scheduling a section at 39 weeks and hope I went into labour on my own before that time OR 3) not schedule one at all and they would let me go 10 days overdue before performing a section. I chose #3.



You can't have any induction, you do have to go into labour on your own. The 2nd time around, I waited longer to get an epidural as I think I ahd it too early last time (3 cm) and stalled with my labour. By the time I got my epidural they checked me and I was 9 cm, then I stalled at 9.5. Luckily, the OB on duty (I loved him even more than my reg. OB) was so pro-VBAC that he gave me a TINY bit of oxytocin and 15 minutes and that was enough.



I am so glad I did VBAC - recovery was so easy, it was a wonderful experience to be able to actually push my child out!



Once you have a c/s you don't HAVE to have another one, that more of an archaic belief these days. There are risks, like uterine rupture, but they monitor you very closely during labour. Also, there are even greater (I believe anyway) risks with a repeat c/s - major surgery - AND there are even risks for those women who just have vaginal births.



Good luck with your decision - you can always message me if you have questions. :)



Elizabeth

Diane - posted on 04/02/2010

My doctor won't do a VBAC so that's my answer- unless I switch doctors but I wouldn't dream of it! Good Luck with your decision!

Mary - posted on 04/02/2010

I have experience with this. I have four children and only one was born by c-section. My first child was born naturally. My second was breech so she was born by c-section. My last two were both vbac natural vaginal deliveries.I had the same concerns and questions after my c-section. I asked my doctor and he basically left it to me to decide...Not all doctors or even hospital wil let you make that decision but in my case it was. I read literature that my doctor supplied me. The risk of surgery outwieghed the risk of rupture as far as I was concerned so I made the decision to have a vback. I was nervous right up until the birth, but had a very successful outcome.



THe biggest risk with a vback is the potential for a uterine rupture because of scar tissue from your c-section incision. There are different risks with different types of incision...In my case the risk of rupture was only about 3 percent. The other issue if if the doctor has to induce labor for any reason...there are certain methods that will be unavailable to you because of the risk of rupture now. I had to be induced because I was overdue...It worked out fine.



My best advice would be to first check with your OB. Have him/her give you literature regarding the risks factors. Find out if a vback is even an option with your doctor and hospital of choice (some times unfortunately it's not)



My personal opinion is that the risk of surgery and the recovery that goes along with that is greater than the risk of rupture...but ultimately it is your choice...I mad e agut choice based on information I had taken in.



I did have some excessive bleeding from my fourth delivery but that was not due to any complications from a previous c-section... It was more a case of age, a large baby and two babies born close together.



This is all just my own experience.

Elsa - posted on 04/02/2010

NO MATTER WHAT BABY A VBAC IS ALWAYS SAFE!! I worked Labor and Delivery for 5 years and with many great Pediatricians and surgeons and while doctors will say there is a risk to VBACs it is not as great as people may think or as some doctors portray. My C-section was my second baby and I VBAC'd my 3rd child and had to fight to VBAC for my 4th. In fact I almost walked out of the hospital in labor with my 4th because the dr did not believe i could do it safely, but i told her how and afterwards she kept apologizing for not listening to me. So, I totally recommend fighting for a VBAC ALWAYS!! It is more safe and natural and allows your body an easier healing time....AND allows it to be safer and easier to deliver more children later. NO MATTER WHAT DOCTORS TELL YOU!!

Alicia - posted on 04/02/2010

My first child was delivered via c-section, however, my second was delivered vaginaly. Just because you have a c-section with your first, doesn't necessarily mean you will need a c-section with the second or third. I would discuss your options with your doctor.

Mandy - posted on 04/02/2010

It really all depends on your situation and why you had to have a c-section for your first child. I had 2 vaginal births and my third when a c-section. When I got pregnant with my 4th my doctor was a big advocate for a VBAC. I was hesitant because of the complications I heard about but she reassured me that I was a good candidate because I had already delivered vaginally with my first two. My VBAC went smoothly and I encountered no risks or complications with me or the baby. If you are planning to have at least 2 more children then I suggest you seriously talk to your doctor about a VBAC or find someone in your area that performs it.

Kimberly - posted on 04/02/2010

I had a c-section with my first and was planning a VBAC with my second until I moved states. Come to find out every state is different. IL did not allow VBAC after c-section due to the risk and malpractice suits. Having a 2nd c-section is much different than the first. You are able to bounce back much quicker. Good luck.

Mags - posted on 04/02/2010

Hi I had a section for my first baby and it went really well, then I had a second section for my next baby and that was just a complete success too! Both ops went extremely well, I do think it is down to your consultant and mine said it's ok to have up to 3 so I went ahead. I didn't really have any other option as I had a fear of natural labour and it was my consultant who said she would do me an elective section. Best thing I ever did!! My children are 6 & 4 now and they are the best thing on earth. I think it also depends on your outlook to needles, ops ect. I have no problems with needles and surgery but would have never had children if my only option was to have a natural birth. Go for it.............all will be fine.

Nicky - posted on 04/02/2010

I had a C-section as my baby was breech and the consultant at the time stated there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to have a VBAC next time....i suppose every individual and pregnancy are different and you would need to discuss it with your dr.

Kathi - posted on 04/02/2010

There are risk with every pregnancy. I would talk to you doctor. I had two c-sections and my mom had four. So you can have more than two c-sections. My hubby and I are not having anymore children due to me being high risk with asthma and displasia. I wasn't able to do a vbac due to a t-cut on my uterus, it was highly not recommended. As for the risk of doing a vbac, talk to your doctor more about the risk. It can be done. If you have a second c-section doesn't limit how many more children you can have. I hope this helps.

Sabrina - posted on 04/02/2010

Personally, I am not quite sure why there is so much weight put on having a baby "natural". It does not make one woman better than another. Anyone who makes you feel that way needs to be put in place. I had my baby via C-section because of complications my daughter was having in the womb. Her heart rate kept going down and any position I was in was not helping. It wasn't quite an Emergency C-section but it was on the verge of being. All I can say is that if your child is at risk in any way by you choosing to do a VBAC then you shouldn't do it. What are your pros for doing VBAC? Ask yourself that and consider whether you are doing it for yourself and the "experience" and not doing it for the safety of your child.

Joanna - posted on 04/02/2010

Hi,

I had a c-section with my firstborn, since he was 10 lbs 6 oz, he would not "fit" naturally. He was starting to go into distress, so I had an emergency c-section.

When I became pregnant again, I thought I'd save my second baby the "trauma" of natural birth and had a schedulled c-section. When he arrived, he had serious problems breathing as there was so much fluid in his lungs his oxygen levels were very low. He was in the NICU for 2 weeks, was sent home, and he stopped breathing in the middle of the night! He was transferred by ambulance to the Children's hospital and remained in ICU for 2 weeks. It was the roughest year of my life.

As it turns out, when you go into labour, the contractions squeeze the fluids out of your baby's lungs. I would strongly encourage for you to try natural childbirth the second time around. Atleast make sure labour has started, if you need a c-section at that time, so be it. I strongly discourage moms from having schedulled c-sections, unless your baby's or your life is in jeapordy.

Gina - posted on 04/02/2010

i had a c-section for my first child then a vaginal birth for my 2nd , the pros were much better for the vaginal birth able to go home more or less straight away nuch quicker recovery especially if youre looking after another small child, the cons with the uk, dependant on your health authority they wont induce your birth i was booked infor a c-section post 10 days from due date, if your not in active labour in 6 hours then they will consider a c-section and in the final stage of labour they wont let you push for more than an hour. hope this helps

Susan - posted on 04/02/2010

I am a little testy on this issue because when my first baby was born, a friend remarked, "My sister had a c-section, but she was in labor first, so she had no feelings of inadequacy." I replied, "Neither did I until you said that!" You are the one who carries him/her for nine months, nurses and nurtures and cares for him/her after they arrive; whose business is it anyway how they make their entrance. You do what is safe for the baby and for you. I was awake the whole time, and the mirror above the table enabled me to watch the entire procedure. It was fascinating and peaceful and joyous.

Rebekah - posted on 04/02/2010

I had my first by c-section, and I was given a choice with the following 3. I had c-section with all of them.

Tammi - posted on 04/02/2010

I also had a c-section with my first (a breech baby - emergency section). I was determined to have a VBAC for my second, and did get a natural birth, but it was far more traumatic that the c-section. If i knew then what i know now, i would most definately have had another c-section! hope this helps.

Carole - posted on 04/02/2010

My first was a c-section, second a VBAC., and I heartily recommend at least a trial of labor for subsequent deliveries. When I had my kids (20 & 25 years ago), VBACs were just beginning to be tried. I had a number of friends who had all c-sections because of popular beliefs regarding uterine rupture, failure to progress, etc. But the fact is, how one labor progresses has nothing to do with how later ones will (unless you have come congenital uterine defect preventing normal delivery).

My first labor was only six hours till full dilation, but the baby was not moving downward and I had no "urge to push," so no further progress was made. His heart rate was slowing, so we did the section for "fetal distress," but he had an Apgar of 10, so he clearly had not been in any real distress. Recovery was slow for both of us, and he suffered more from the drugs in my system than anything else. I feel if I had been allowed to walk around, labor would have been better and he might have gotten off to a better start.

My second labor went about four hours and the urge to push was a huge surprise! He came out with only two pushes. I had a little tearing, but was up and walking quickly. Recovery was so much faster and easier, I couldn't believe it! I had been afraid of trying labor but it was a much better experience and my baby was healthier and more alert, too.

Alternatively, friends who had two or more c-sections had more complications with each one. One had a post-partum rupture (two weeks later) down her incision, and another lost two babies because the placentas formed over the earlier scar tissue.

I think doctors downplay the risks of repeated sections because it's so much more convenient for them to deliver babies by scheduling them than risk being called out at odd hours for labor. Mother Nature knows best, and the more we mess with her, the more problems we create for ourselves. C-sections can save lives, but they should be done only when truly necessary, not out of fear or ignorance, and certainly not for convenience.

Maria - posted on 04/02/2010

hi my first child was born by c section but when i had my second child 18 months later i had the same concerns, the doctor simply gave my a scan to check the thickness of my scar to make sure it wouldnt tear and when he said it would be fine i managed the vbac and it was stress and problem free. hope this helps you

Susan - posted on 04/02/2010

C sections are performed for a reason. If you need one, you should have one. I had two. The good news is, my babies came out perfect and my vag is still in tact!

Sherry - posted on 04/02/2010

Don't do the VBAC. My first was a C-section and, after signing all sorts of releases about the dangers of VBAC, I tried that for my 2nd because I wanted to experience natural childbirth. After being in labor for 12 hours, the doctor said I would have to have a C-section. Since I had pushed her so far down during labor, the doctor had trouble getting her out and my uterus ripped, ended up in ICU a day later; but was able to go home after 6 days. However, I did not feel right and 5 weeks later, my uterus ruptured in my bathroom from internal bleeding and I just about bled out in my bathtub. Six pints of blood and a hysterectomy later, I was fine. DON'T DO A VBAC!!!

Emma - posted on 04/02/2010

Hi Katie, I had an emgergency c-section with my 1st baby and then went on 2 have a successful vbac with my second one ( I was only in labour for 2 hours). The constultant was determined for me to try for it as long as everything went to plan as my 1st child was born full term at only 4lb 15oz due to restricted growth. When you do decided to have another baby you will see both a midwife and a constultant who will go through everything for you both pros and cons. The only thing about having a vbac is that you can't move during labour and have to on a fetal ecg machine. Thats in Wolverhampton so not sure if it is the same where you are from. Hope that helps

Claire - posted on 04/02/2010

my first baby was a c-section although i had really wanted a natural birth, i just wasnt dilating . I was advised i could try again naturally the 2nd time and i was realy keen to but it was by no means easy, i had been in labour for 10 hours and the said i was to go down the same route as before the dr's changed shift anf the new ones bullied me into trying for longer with an epidural, i ended up having an epiotomy and forceps, 23 stitches and they damaged the baby pulling her out. I really wish i had just booked myself in for a c-section. Apparently 70% of second babies can be born naturally after a c-section so maybe i was unlucky. I was all for natural birth until my experience but now you need to do what is right for you. Don't let what other people say sway your decision as only you know your own body.

Gina - posted on 04/02/2010

I personally did not want a VBAC and chose another C-section for my second baby after having a scheduled c-section for my first baby who was breech. Planned c-sections are really easy and I had a quick recovery both times, no complications, and everything "down there" is still intact! Also, it's nice to have the arrangements in place for care of your first child while you are in the hospital. The best part? NO LABOR PAINS!!! The worst part? If you plan to nurse, your milk will take longer to come in.

Bethany - posted on 04/02/2010

Here are a few relevant articles to check out! I have had two natural births, so I've never had to consider this, but several of my friends have had successful VBACs. :)



The first article is about an interesting study that showed that the delivery method may affect a Mother's brain response to her baby's cry! I sincerely believe that natural is best whenever possible...



http://www.naturalbabypros.com/delivery-...

http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/12/17/bir...

Teresa - posted on 04/02/2010

I think now they are back to the once a c-section always. Not sure. I had two. They did not want to give me a c-section for the second and so I was going to be a VBAC, but my daughter decided not. She tied a not in her umbilical cord and then I needed a c section. I do have a friend who had 4 C-sections, so you can do it. I had wanted it because my first was a plan c-section, so I basically had a no pain birth and that's why I did it. The second, the medication wasn't as strong, so I kinda felt a little more, but for me it was easy. I think there are plenty of women who would disagree. I think each person is different.

Shawna - posted on 04/02/2010

My first daughter was vaginal. My second was breech and decided to come early, so it was a last minute c-section. My third child was c-section because where I lived at the time did not do Vbac. My fourth was c-section, even though my Dr. does vbac after two c-sections it was out of the question. It is really not too bad. If my husband & I have another child I will have the doctor open me in a different spot. Being open three times in the same spot has taken its toll on my lower belly.

Stephanie - posted on 04/02/2010

Hi, I had a c-section for my 1st baby, but went on to have 2 normal deliveries. It is entirely up to you what you want. I decided to try for a normal labour the second time, as obviously, after a c-section you are sore and need to rest alot, and with another child at home that is not always possibly. My Dr offered me both a normal or a c-section, so your dr should really offer you the same. Also depending on why you had a c-section, will depend on what your dr recommends. I was told I could only go through 8 hrs hard labour with my 2nd child, then if she hadn't arrived then I would have to have a section. But with my 3rd, they just left me to it! I hope this helps you.

Ashley - posted on 04/02/2010

planned c-sections are sooooo much easier than having an emergency one. i had both - emergency c & planned. my doc was worried that vbac would be too dangerous. i healed super fast after the 2nd...was at the zoo with my kids after just 2 weeks. :)

LILIANA - posted on 04/02/2010

Hi!

I'm 35 weeks pregnant with my second child, and my 1st one was a c-section. I'm going to have a 2nd c-section because I decided to, but you can decide to deliver vaginally too, if your pregnancy goes fine and normal. I really didn't want to have risks of uterus rupture or anything like that. Good Luck! No worries, nothing to be concerned about.

CATHERINE - posted on 04/02/2010

I had my first by emercy c-sections, my second i had normal within a hour. both were early. everyone is different , u need to talk to your dr/ midwife, as was never told that i would hve to hve a c-section, the second time around.

Dawn - posted on 04/02/2010

Having read some of the posts I would like to add to my last comment. IGNORE the scaremongers! Our bodies were designed to deliver babies. The c-section rate at our private hospitals is something like 80%. In government hospitals about 7%. Just look at it that way. My 1st child's birth cost R17 000 in 2000. In 2001 we paid R6500 including the fee for the midwife and a night in hospital.

Kristi - posted on 04/02/2010

Most hospitals today don't allow mothers to deliver naturally if they hav had a c-section, do to the dangers of the uterine scar tearing. I would check with your doctor and weigh the risks before deciding.

Julie - posted on 04/02/2010

My first son ended up as a c-section (3 days of labor) , I was giving the option for natural birth, but as the pregnancy progress I knew this was going to be another big boy! so we decided to have another c-section. my Dr. told me that they don't recommend more than 3 s-section.

Molly - posted on 04/02/2010

I'm in the same boat as you. I would like to have 2 more.. I'm going to do my best to do a VBAC next because I was so devastated that I had to have an emergency C-section with my first. I felt like I waited that whole amazing 9 months to see my little guy be born and it was almost like I wasn't there for it. I knew he was my baby but I never actually got to see him come out so the immediate bond was lost. My sister and my close friend both had VBACs and they had no problems at all. One even did it completely natural (which I have heard has a better success rate for a VBAC) They both had at least 2 years between the births though which is what my doctor recommends. All you can do is try if you want. If you start having complications then they can do a C-section. Good luck!

Jenna - posted on 04/02/2010

Best bet is to talk to your doctor.Some insurances don't want to cover it because of risk and some doctors aren't willing to do a vag birth after a c-section.However if I was in that situation and talked to my doctor I'd want to have a natural birth.I guess it really depends on your past pregnacy and doctor.Talk to them about the risk and what might be best for you.

Heather - posted on 04/02/2010

Before you make any decision or even talk to your OB, read this report! http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/vbacstatem...



It's the most unbiased, comprehensive report on the topic out there. That isn't to say that it's completely unbiased or actually comprehensive, but it has the most concentrated amount of good, scientific information in the fewest number of pages. I would only use this as a starting point, but it'll give you a good start, and it'll help you know the right questions to ask your OB or midwife. Don't just automatically accept what your OB or midwife recommends, because they have to do what's best for their practice (avoiding lawsuits and such), which may not always be the best for you. Sometimes it's fine, but just be careful.



Don't make this decision quickly or lightly. And once you make your final decision, don't let anyone or anything push you the other way. I made my decision about what would be best for my family, and I let my OB talk me out of it. Worst mistake I've ever made in my life, even though there were no complications. It was emotionally damaging to be coerced into something I knew wasn't best for me or my family. So whatever it is you decide, move mountains to get it your way.



Good luck, you'll need all you can get.

Anne - posted on 04/02/2010

My perinatologist said that there is a 1 in 200 chance of a brain injury with VBAC. That's really high, so we're going with a C-section.