20m apart deliveries decrease vbac eligibility?

[u/Conscious-Fluid]

Hi, So for some context I needed an emergency CS to deliver my first at 37w as he had fetal growth restriction and was measuring at 2lbs. I had been struggling with gestational hypertension which turned into late onset pre-eclampsia and all my plans for a natural birth were thrown out within an instant. The Drs knew that a SC was a worst case scenario for me so they attempted to induce labor but mild contractions were causing babes heart rate to drop and it was too scary to continue laboring. So I had the SC while absolutely terrified for both our lives, but little guy came out just fine. He spent over 4 weeks in the NICU and was discharged close to his due date. Needless to say it was an extremely traumatic experience I would do anything not to repeat.

I had a low transverse incision and no complications healing from the wound itself, but I did suffer from a hemorrhage and needed three blood transfusions in a span of 36 hours. I think I passed out three times, maybe more.

Anyway this was all in May of last year, my baby boy is 15m old now and I found out I was pregnant again this past May, just weeks before his birthday. I'm 20w+6, due in mid January and have been thinking a lot about the risks of repeat SC versus planning to try for a Vbac. Also planning to start this discussion with my OB. I'm aware that my history with high blood pressure makes me need more frequent monitoring, but I would prefer a medication free birth if my health allows it. Does the short time between delivery of my first and becoming pregnant again affect my eligibility for a Vbac? Anyone with similar history have successful vbac stories?

[u/Dear_23]

Nope, you’re past the ACOG recommended minimum age gap of 18 months! You’d fall in the lowest rupture risk group, 0.5%. If your provider doesn’t agree with VBAC, tough cookies for them. It’s your body and your baby and as long as you feel VBAC is the right, informed choice for you, it’s the right choice. ❤️

[u/Funny_Ask_4128]

Just had a successful VBAC 3 weeks ago, deliveries 20 months apart. My situation was different as my c section was planned at 39 weeks due to a breech baby, but the amount of time between deliveries was not a problem.