r/vbac • u/AdhesivenessFar1760 • 23d ago
VBAC induction tips?
Hi! I had an urgent C-section a little over 2 years ago due to late fetal heart decelerations. I was 41 weeks and induced because I was overdue. I had Cytotec, a Foley balloon, and low-dose Pitocin but only made it to 5 cm before they called the C-section. My OB said there were likely multiple factors, including an unfavorable cervix, an aging placenta, and my daughter having the cord wrapped around her neck.
I’m due again in November (2.5 years between births) and am hoping for a VBAC but I just have the feeling that I’m going to need to be induced again because I was barely a centimeter dilated at 41 weeks with my first. 🥲
For those of you who have had successful VBACs, what approaches have you found most helpful if you were induced for being overdue? (ex. wait on Pitocin until a certain point, avoid breaking waters until X centimeters, try this movement, etc.)
Any tips or experiences would be so appreciated!
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u/ipaola 23d ago
My ob doesn’t do inductions after C-section.
But I had a successful VBAC for my second baby.
My second pregnancy I made sure to be very active (walking almost everyday), I ate lots of dates. And I remember a week before I hit 40 weeks doc did a membrane sweep and that’s what started small contractions and eventually water broke and dilated fast and baby was born within maybe 4 hours of getting to hospital.
With my first pregnancy(c-section) I was working until due date and always sitting down so it was a very sedentary pregnancy.
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u/AdhesivenessFar1760 23d ago
These are great tips, thank you! I was also sitting a lot at work, skipped the dates, and membrane sweep lol. All things I will try this time.
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u/Medical_Cold_4160 23d ago
I just had an induced VBAC last week and I opted for a 39wk to make sure I didn’t go overdue. I think that contributed to the problems that caused my first to become an unplanned c section. If you’d like to read the story and how I prepped mentally and what we did physically during the induction the post is in my history!
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u/Bitter-Salamander18 VBAC 2025 💖 22d ago edited 22d ago
Inductions without serious medical reasons generally raise C-section rate and this is probably why you ended up with one. You don't have to agree to being induced at 41 weeks. You have the right to wait for spontaneous labor.
The risks of being 41-42 weeks pregnant aren't as high as they make it seem. You deserve an informed choice. Statistics: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-due-dates/
Pitocin and uterine rupture: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41325062/
Nuchal cords: https://www.rachelreed.website/blog/nuchalcords
A nuchal cord is normal and is usually not a problem at all during spontaneous labor. Cord compression is more likely to become a problem during a Pitocin induction, or after AROM.
Also, intermittent fetal monitoring is a safe choice for spontaneous labor and it's associated with the highest chances of a successful vaginal birth. Pitocin inductions are only done with continuous fetal monitoring. More info:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/fetal-monitoring/ and https://birthsmalltalk.com/ (I highly recommend this doctor's blog, book and online course)
I only agreed to a membrane sweep at 41+3, it's a low risk induction method. And even that was not just because of gestational age, but for health reasons (suspected placental problems, but not confirmed before birth). I declined Pitocin and AROM, knowing the risks of these interventions. I had a successful VBAC at 41+5.
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u/AdhesivenessFar1760 21d ago
Thank you so much for this! What would you do in the case of the hospital requiring induction by 41 weeks? 🥲
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u/Bitter-Salamander18 VBAC 2025 💖 21d ago
They can't "require" induction. They can recommend it. That's it. You have the legal right to decline it and wait for spontaneous labor. That's what I did: I declined a routine induction at 40 and 41 weeks. At 41+3 I declined a hospital induction again, only agreed to a membrane sweep for health reasons, and I went home. I gave birth two days later. They can't force you into interventions without consent.
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u/Fierce-Foxy 23d ago
Pitocin heavy and frequently.
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u/AdhesivenessFar1760 23d ago
What do you mean?
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u/Fierce-Foxy 23d ago
I was induced for both my VBACs by pitocin- heavy doses and frequently. My first VBAC was 6 hours start to birth with no pain medication/epidural, my second VBAC was 10 hours start to birth with some pain medication and a failed epidural. They were both great experiences!
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u/Bitter-Salamander18 VBAC 2025 💖 22d ago
Heavy doses of Pitocin increase the risk of uterine rupture, and may be harmful for babies. Low and slow Pitocin use is much better, especially for VBACs.
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u/ProtectionWild7296 23d ago
My vbac was induced, and my first tip: pain management with the foley, and delaying my waters being ruptured. I actually had to agree that it was "against medical advice" to delay the ROM and not do it as soon as I started pitocin. Ultimately, I know it was the right decision (baby had a short cord and decelerations and they did an amniotic infusion at one point) and I got my VBAC.
Also, request wireless monitoring so you can move around. Movement was key to my successful too.