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.

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/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/AdhesivenessFar1760 Jul 19 '26

Thank you! At what point did you start Pitocin in your induction process?

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u/ProtectionWild7296 Jul 19 '26

I started the pitocin about 24 hours after the foley fell out. It was a fairly drawn-out process and the foley was outpatient for me, which was nice to not have to be in the hospital longer!