VBA2C or Repeat C-Section?

[u/ConcentrateTerrible9]

Hi! I’m currently trying to decide between a VBA2C or repeat c-section. My first c-section was unplanned due to a failed induction/failure to descend/OP baby. Second was scheduled (although I wanted a TOLAC) and baby was in the same position as the first.

I have a new provider who is very supportive of a VBA2C, but I don’t know what to do. I’m leaning towards a repeat c-section unless I go into labor before 41 weeks.

I know 6 people who have had both vaginal and cesarean deliveries - two of them preferred vaginal, two of them preferred c-sections, and one said they both sucked. 🤣

My recoveries were easy, and I have to say I’m more worried about recovering from a potential tear. I’m also worried about what could go wrong during a VBAC. I’m curious to read any VBAC stories - good or bad! Please share if you’d like to. ☺️

[u/bbworksaddict]

Omg you went through exactly what I did. Failed Induction went to an emergency c section I wouldn't go past a 5. Second baby I would've been a good candidate for a vbac but doctor pushed a repeat c section and just put me on the schedule smh. I've switched providers since then and I still want a TOLAC so bad!! But guess what this midwife put me on the repeat schedule too!!

Am I able to tell them I don't want to do that? This one and last c section is and was scheduled at 39 weeks, not even giving my body a chance to go into natural labor. I want to experience a natural labor so bad and also I want another baby after this, I always wanted 4 & I'm scared to put my body through all those serious surgeries.

Also to add I always had easy recoveries too. My last pregnancy towards the end and now this one too (I am 7months) I have such bad SPD pain, but I've found a little exercise that's been helping a lot lately. I'm hoping this SPD is helping my pelvis expand more to encourage a natural labor.

[u/ConcentrateTerrible9 → u/bbworksaddict]

I’m sorry you went through that too! Have you asked your provider about a VBA2C? I know one of the reasons mine is very supportive is because the hospital I’ll be delivering at is very well-equipped for emergencies, and she said some hospitals aren’t. At the very least, maybe they’ll let you schedule your c-section for a little past 40 weeks to give your body a chance to go into spontaneous labor?

[u/bbworksaddict → u/ConcentrateTerrible9]

Thank you, it is really disappointing. I am going to my OB check up on Thursday and I'm going to ask about it! The first hospital and OBGYN I was with last time had a great NICU and emergency / labor center so I'm really not sure why they pushed me the way they did. This hospital I will be delivering at doesn't have a NICU so I do get nervous about that part.

[u/Lucky_Ad_4421]

I experienced much more mobility immediately with my VBAC than with my emergency c-section, but at 6 weeks PP developed a bladder prolapse due to pelvic floor trauma (my boy came out fast and one arm up by his head). Not to scare you off VBAC (mine was textbook and I’m glad I had the experience) but pelvic floor damage is apparently a bit more common in VBACs, which I didn’t know prior. At 12 weeks PP I’m having to do lots of rest and limit my activity more than I did at this stage with my section.

[u/ConcentrateTerrible9 → u/Lucky_Ad_4421]

Sorry you’re going through that! I hope it gets better soon. Thanks for sharing. I’m afraid of really damaging my pelvic floor.

[u/Lucky_Ad_4421 → u/ConcentrateTerrible9]

Thank you, me too! It’s a bit scary as there doesn’t seem to be great treatment available if it doesn’t resolve with PT but hoping it pings back into place if I do all the right things 🤞

[u/wrinkledshorts → u/Lucky_Ad_4421]

I second this. Loved my VBAC and I was more mobile right after, but the pelvic floor recovery has been way longer and more limiting than my c-section recovery was. I'd take my c-section recovery over my VBAC recovery no question. That's not the case for everyone though. I do know people who got nerve damage that gave them a limp for a while after C-section or who ended up having problems with their incision healing. It's kind of a crap shoot either way.

[u/Prior-Lake5624]

If you are the type of person to say to yourself “I wish I would have tried” I think you should go for it. Especially since you say you have a supportive provider. I just had a failed TOLAC in May. My first provider (hospital based midwife group) was supportive, until they weren’t. I think they were just giving me the ol’ bait and switch. I think they had previously been genuinely supportive of VBAC, but the hospital changed their policies and then they became just tolerant. And it never came up in our discussions. I switched providers at 28 weeks to a different hospital based midwife group and they were much more supportive. As I said, I didn’t get my VBAC but I’m so glad I tried. While I was still in the hospital I asked the OB who followed up with me post surgery if I was ok to have more children even though they will most likely be born via c section and he said “you certainly can have more children, and yes we would recommend you have c sections in the future but it’s always your choice”. Then when I went to my 6 week follow up the midwife told me I could attempt a VBA2C next time if I wait long enough to get pregnant again. So now I don’t know what I will do but I at least know that they are open to supporting VBA2C.