C-section vs. vbac

[PrincessFiona]

Early on in my pregnancy I was given the option for a c-section because I hemmorhaged during my last delivery and it required emergency surgery. Things seem to be on-track and the placenta did not implant over previous scar tissue from my first delivery which was a c-section (my last 2 were v-bacs). The question has arisen at every ob appt. and now it's starting to get down to the wire. I remember feeling really let-down when my firstborn came via c-section...and the recovery from the v-bac's was soooo much faster. At the same time, Thomas is really terrified of going through another episode of hemmorhaging (we didn't ever find out why it happened...no retained placenta...possible tearing on the old c-section scar.

My ob asked me again today if we had decided.....and I just don't KNOW. I want to go through labor like 'normal' and attempt to have a 'normal' delivery. At the same time, I'm also kind of afraid because of what happened last time (very scarey)...but at the same time, the risks of going through this again seem minimal....

Have any of you had to make this kind of a choice? Cany anyone offer me a suggestion/advice?

kris

[Phoebe]

I haven't had to make a choice about anything like this so I probably am not a good person to offer any thoughts. However, from reading your post it seems like you have already expressed your desire to have a vbac inspite of the scary thoughts of your last delivery. Can you just wait and plan to have the vbac and have the C-section only if absolutely necessary?

I think everytime giving birth is scary. I am almost more nervous this time because I have been through it and eventhough my labor and delivery was almost textbook, I can't help but worry that something could go differently this time. If your OB doesn't think there will be a problem with a vbac and you are more comfortable with that option, it sounds like you have your answer.

Jennifer

I have had to Vaginal and two C-sections. All I know is that I have been there done that and bought tshirts for the whole family. I am the kind who has to know everything when and where its going to happen. Even with my youngest when i was bedridden for 3 months, I opted for a section. I never felt cheated because with the first 2 they were so long and painful I was grateful to have everything decided beforehand. In my opinion it puts you that more ahead of the game. I knew exactly how long I would be out of commission and took full advantage of the hospital stay to build strength.

Maybe I'm weird, but I much preferredthe Sections.

I agree with Trisha. I liked knowing exactly when, where, what was going to happen. I have had 1 vaginally and 2 sectioned. I also enjoyed the extra time I had to myself in the hospital. It gave me a chance to get to know my little one before I came home to my 2 and 6 year olds.

You should never feel guilty about how they were brought into the world. Birth is birth. They are here, that is all that matters. For some reason we feel like we have been cheated somehow if we arent put through alot of pain. I felt that way with my second. I made sure to enjoy my third.

[mommax3]

Kris,

I will ask my husband what he thinks, if you would like his $.02. He is fairly conservative when it comes to c-sections and has a low average rate, as did the program where he trained, but I don't know what his thoughts would be regarding the hemorrhage. I have never had a c-section, but I have friends that have had both (one had twins: 1 vaginally, and the 1 via a section 8O ) and they would agree with you about the recovery time, which I know will be important to you with three at home. Is your mother-in-law still coming? Would she be a help to you if you were recovering from major surgery, or would she expect to be waited on, which would stress you out and cause you to try and do too much too soon?

I will check with DH.

Sally

[PrincessFiona]

Thanks for your comments! Sally, I would be interested in hearing your husband's take on this issue. Our ob says that either way she is comfortable and that it is up to us...My mother-in-law is actually a very hard worker...she would definately step up to the plate.


On the positive side again is the idea that we could 'schedule' it. This way, we can definately arrange to have someone there with the kids. My ob doesn't feel comfortable with induction because of my previous history, which means that if I go over...I have to keep going...and I'm notorious for being induced at about 8 or 9 days past my due date and having big babies...ranging from 8'11 to 9'4.


There is that whole...don't have to go through labor benefit as well as wimpy as that sounds...but I really enjoyed the surprise of it all and the 'when will it happen', etc, etc.....


If you get a chance to talk to him, I'd be curious about what he has to say.

kris

[mommax3]

Hey Kris, I am talking to him now. What was the emergency surgery you had? Did you have a uterine rupture? If it was a D & C and you didn't need a transfusion, he would consider a vbac. However, if your emergency surgery involved an abdominal incision, or if there is concern about the integrity of your prior c-section scar, he would lean towards another section.

Sally

[PrincessFiona]

Sally, I had a D&C and cautery...no abdominal incision. My hemoglobin was only 7.1 when I was discharged 2 days later...Thomas refused the transfusion that they wanted to do.....He didn't want them discovering hepatitis X in a few years and calling me to tell me that I might have it 8) The placenta impanted away from the scar, so that is not a concern, however the ob said no induction because of the risk. She felt that the bleeding may have come from some tearing along the scar line last time that healed without the need for a hysterectomy. I was bleeding so profusely that they thought I would need one 8O I had to sign an emergency consent for one at that time.

Hope this isn't too much information.

kris