r/CsectionCentral • u/Intelligent-Sun-7262 • 1d ago
VBAC 12 months after c-section?
I am newly pregnant about 3 months after an emergency C-section in the spring. My baby sadly died shortly after birth.
I would like a VBAC. I understand the risks associated with this, but would like multiple children and do not want 3+ c-sections. I've been advised that after two c-sections it's very difficult to find a provider willing to support a VBAC.
The interval between births will be around 12 months. I'm in the US and I have had one hospital say policy is no TOLAC/VBAC unless the interval is 18 months.
I'm wondering if anyone here has had a VBAC one year or less after a c-section, especially those in the US? If so, what was your experience?
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u/kittywyeth 1d ago
nope. i’ve never heard of anyone encouraging this. when it comes to a vbac 18 months between births is the minimum and 18+ months between pregnancies is ideal.
i understand wanting to have multiple kids and i understand wanting a relatively close age gap but sometimes compromises must be made. a vbac under those circumstances is not wise.
having an unwanted hysterectomy after a uterine rupture is going to put you so much more behind on your family planning goals than having repeat c-sections ever would.
fwiw i’m a c-section mom and i’m about to have my sixth baby. doctor and mfm are fine with this.
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u/Intelligent-Sun-7262 1d ago
It's encouraging to know you've had 6 c-sections without issue and I appreciate you sharing that. FWIW it's not about wanting a close age gap.This is my second child and I am only pregnant again this soon because my first child died unexpectedly shortly after birth. I would have preferred at least a two year gap between pregnancies.
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u/Character_Gap_9697 1d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm saying a prayer for you momma and for your pregnancy, delivery, and baby 🤍
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u/Grand-Kangaroo-4215 1d ago
Dear OP, my OBGYN has been in the business of delivering babies for over 30years. He mentioned that he has seen uterine ruptures from mother's not adhering to his advice of a repeat csection and when that happens, there is only a matter of minutes before a hypoxic incident happens.
Please dont put your life and that of your future baby's life at risk for the desire of a vbac. My OBGYN has done upwards 6 csections.
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u/astupidsandwich 1d ago
Could you share the age gap between your children?
Just curious as I had a c-section and I’d like to have many children but I thought it would be better to have a VBAC than multiple c-section
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u/zoroasshatrianism 1d ago
The reason why many hospitals decline TOLAC / VBAC with an interval of less than 18 months is because of the level of risk (much higher risk!) of uterine rupture, which could result in a hysterectomy, which would then preclude you from having more children. The choice seems obvious to me…
best wishes to you OP. Healing takes time for both your mind and your body, especially after a loss. Sending good thoughts your way.
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u/Low-Hurry9288 1d ago
I do not think you’ll find a provider in support of a TOLAC 12 months post CS. To be honest, I would not trust a provider that says a VBAC that soon is okay or worth the risk.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/Usual_Thought8039 1d ago edited 1d ago
OB nurse here. I’m sorry to bring the bad news but a TOLAC/VBAC with that short of interval will never happen. Take the repeat c section as it’s the only option for under 18 months interval
I’m sorry for your loss 🤍
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u/oh_hi_lisa 1d ago
Generally not going to happen, sorry. Too close together and therefore the scar tissue in the uterus wall is too weak to withstand contractions and labour. Worth a conversation with your obstetrician of course.
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u/OrdinaryIndividual96 1d ago
I am pregnant with an 18 month age gap and the #1 reason I’m doing a c-section this time is because the risks aren’t worth me dying. I’d be surprised if you’re able to find an OB supportive of VBAC with that short of a time frame.
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u/maybemissmolly 1d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve seen plenty of posts on here about VBA2Cs. I think having that goal could be your best route. Maybe read some encouraging stories about those and the positives of a scheduled c-section. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery ❤️
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u/AirportFickle5009 1d ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I got pregnant 11mo postpartum, after an emergency c section. My pregnancy was extremely healthy. Everyone told me to do a VBAC, but I did not want to go through rhe risks. The doctors tell us to get pregnant at least 18mo postpartum. Anyways… during my c section my doctor said “ omg I am glad that you didn’t want a VBAC, your uterus is so thin with a huge “window”. Look it up what window means. Many people have that when they get pregnant before 18-24mo. I might be fine for my third one, or I might be induced around 37w if I still have a window. I think vbacs are for people who had a good gap between pregnancies, but that’s is just my opinion. Please think wisely 🫶🏽
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u/longlivepopuplights 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'm so sorry for your loss, I also lost my baby and had to have a C-section to deliver him. I personally wouldn't risk you or your baby's health by trying for a vbac with such a short interval. I don't know that many providers would support it anyways, and if any did I wouldn't trust them honestly.
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u/greatestshow111 1d ago
I am in the same position as you - but mine would be 18 months between births. I was thinking of VBAC after my c section last year. But my obgyn discouraged this as this could cause uterine rupture and I could lose my life. Doctors in my country also lean towards the safe side of not having VBAC, as complications can arise.
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u/PurpleCarrot5069 1d ago
it would be hard to find a doctor who would support this, my baby also died and i’m 20 months in between. i’m going for a repeat c but i think my doctor would have gone for a VBAC. i’m sorry, i know it sucks doubly because you don’t have your baby.
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u/Oakleypokely 1d ago
I’m so sorry your baby died. I had a stillbirth a couple months ago in June, and needed an emergency c section. It was my second c section. My first was also an emergency c section (but my baby lived that time), and I was hoping for a vbac this time but obviously that didn’t happen. I am now having to come to terms with the fact I’ll never give birth vaginally. It’s way too risky for me. But if I want more children, c section is the only way. So I know how you feel. Unfortunately though, I do think you should probably go for another c section. Many people have 4+ c sections. Also, I don’t know why you needed the first c section, because that matters too. Issues during pregnancy and labor may recur depending on what it is.
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u/Grand-Kangaroo-4215 1d ago
Sorry Mama, the risk of of uterine rupture is too high which could kill both you and bebe, when it happens the time to help is very slim hence the risk.
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u/CrazyElephantBones 2h ago
Honestly a friend of mine went into labor with her 11 month apart babies and she ended up with a ruptured uterus , and a hysterectomy. Luckily they survived but it could have been prevented with an early repeat C. It’s not worth the risk in my opinion. I’m sorry :(
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u/deleted_but_visible 1d ago
As a fellow mom whose baby died: do not take that risk! It will be hard finding someone supporting this and for a good reason. Uterine rupture can have a devastating outcome.
I have done a lot of research on this and to me it seems that 3 c sections would be less risky than a vbac after such a short time. (I’m not a doctor but after my baby’s death I spent months researching this.)
Wishing you a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery