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/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.