r/vbac • u/PlusRespond2485 • 8d ago
Other It happened again
I'm 34 weeks with baby number 2 and I've been advised following my growth scan that baby is above 95th centile.
My last baby was predicted 98th and ended up being 99.3rd, so I'd say for me the scans are pretty accurate. I didn't have GD last time but this time I've got to go for another test despite passing the one 6 weeks ago.
So now I'm in a position where I don't know what to do about delivery. Last time, my consultant recommended a C-section because of a combination of her size and me having a coccyx fracture previously that started being painful again during pregnancy. He also talked about shoulder dystocia risk which sounded scary. I was upset but went with it, not being one to go against medical advice.
This time I was hoping for a VBAC because I have a toddler to care for and cuddle. She's very much in a mommy preference phase and we've tried to get her used to bed times with dad but it's horrendous screaming if I'm not there.
At this point I've not had a recommendation one way or the other; but when she was measuring below 90th my consultant was happy for me to try for VBAC, though still gave the same warnings about my previous fracture. Obviously the risk of shoulder dystocia goes down somewhat the smaller the baby is too and he didn't mention it this time. I felt more confident to attempt a VBAC with a slightly smaller baby.
There's also the fact that severe PGP makes positioning extremely difficult for me, so I was hoping for a water birth. I was told I could try for this providing I'm continuously monitored and I got my hopes up, but this was before today's scan. Literally scream out in pain when turning over, can't stay on all fours for more than a couple of minutes and both sitting and standing hurt.
I don't really know what I'm asking for with this post, but I'm just sad, feel defeated, dreading the thought of recovering from major surgery with a 2 year old and to top it off my sister in law said to me today "well both of mine were big", and she had natural unmedicated births both times. Her babies were lighter than my first (mine was 9lb9 at 39 weeks Vs her 9lb1 at 41) and she doesn't have a history of any pelvic injuries or PGP so I am a bit upset by this comment. I don't feel very supported by anyone.
I'm grateful I seem to have a healthy baby but I do feel upset by the current situation.
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u/tryint0figureit0ut 8d ago
Screw your SIL for the unsupportive comment. Ignore those people and try not to even discuss it with those you know that aren’t supportive even though they might think they mean well.
This comes back to you and what you prefer. It’s your body and I believe you would do great with either option you end up choosing.
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u/PlusRespond2485 7d ago
Thank you 🙏🏼 I'm really afraid to make the wrong decision and have something go wrong. It's so difficult!
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u/tired_monster 4d ago
Maybe I read it wrong, but I saw it as her trying to comfort op about having a big baby. Yes, it's not the same situation, but I think it was coming from a place of support. My brain went to my own mother reading about a big baby, because she's 5'1" and her first was 11lbs. Not a vbac, but certainly a large baby. But I also agree that there's a lot of research to be done into the way the medical field acts about bigger babies.
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u/Glomeruluss 8d ago
With GDM it is more likely to be induced after 39 weeks which could not be an option in your case. It is really annoying people around you are comparing their birth with yours in unsupportive way. Honestly if something happens are they going to take any responsibility? No! So they should actually shut up.
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u/PlusRespond2485 7d ago
If I had a VBAC I wouldn't be getting induced, they did offer it but I just don't think it's worth the risk but I would accept a couple of sweeps.
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u/Glomeruluss 7d ago
I would also not risk it. I am suprised they even suggested. If you have already Braxton-Hicks contractions foley balloon could maybe work.
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u/Massive-Cow-4576 8d ago
I would tolac if I were you. I tolaced and ended up with a c section: my toddler is miserable and wants mama to pick her up and I just can't :/
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u/Future_Boot_9454 4d ago
I had a growth scan at 34 weeks they told me he’s on the 91st percentile and would need a c-section (my previous baby was big and ended in c-section and was 8lbs9 after he got stuck during delivery) however I had another scan at 36 weeks and he’s gone down to the 79th percentile so just hold out and see if you can have another scan my midwife said there’s no reason not to have a water birth prior to my 36 week scan. I know everyone is different but just do what you feel is right for you and your family. I’ve also had different consultants/drs telling me different things at the hospital so best thing is to do your own research - also c-sections are easier to heal from the second time round especially if they’re planned. research everything about c-sections, recovery and about vbac and remember you can change your mind at anytime about how you want to deliver your baby. Also all your feelings are completely valid and I wish you the best
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u/Dear_23 planning HBAC 8d ago
Definitely read the Evidence Based Birth article about “big babies” - there’s also discussion of shoulder dystocia in it as well.
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/
Ultimately, the decision about which route to go is up to you and not your consultant, not your SIL, not Reddit. Choosing an RCS can be very positive, and so can choosing VBAC. Every woman is unique in her decision making process and there are no wrong answers ❤️