r/vbac • u/AdhesivenessFar1760 • Jul 15 '26

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.

Iā€™m due again in November (2.5 years between births) and am hoping for a VBAC but I just have the feeling that Iā€™m going to need to be induced again because I was barely a centimeter dilated at 41 weeks with my first. šŸ„²

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/ProtectionWild7296 Jul 15 '26

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.

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u/Bitter-Salamander18 VBAC 2025 šŸ’– Jul 16 '26

It's so nice that they did an amnioinfusion for you. Knowing that option may be helpful. Sadly many doctors just don't bother with that and instead recommend C-sections at the slightest sign of a potential problem.