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Author
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Topic: VBAC.... so confused
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<Fiona S>
unregistered
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posted 08 October 2004 02:29 PM
Hi,
Just wondering if someone can point me in the right direction in helping me make a decision on whether or not to try for a VBAC.
My first preg was breech, so OB gave me no option but a c-section. At the time I felt I had "missed out" on something special by not delivering naturally.
Anyways, new OB this time round and he has given me the option of either CS or VBAC(so long as breech doesn't occur again). But am worried about possible risks... Am keen to give it a go, but worry about the thought of losing bub by being "selfish" in trying for a VB, especially if something goes wrong.
((sigh)) I just don't know.
thanks for any help
Fi
fiona.s@iinet.net.au
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Mary
Moderator
Member # 461
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posted 08 December 2004 01:29 PM
Hi Fiona
At the end of the day, only you can make the right decision for you. You have to assess the pros and cons of vbac vs caesarean and then make a decision that fits into yours and your partners’ framework of previous experiences, belief systems and psychosocial health. Read the research out there about vbac, read birth stories of women who have birthed by caesarean and then planned vbac, talk to other women who have ‘been there ‘ before via chatrooms, support groups etc. Browse the Birthrites website and others for stories etc. It really is all about working out if you really feel and believe that you can birth your baby vaginally.
There are also risks associated with having a repeat caesarean such as haemorrhage, infection, pulmonary embolus, fetal scalp wounds (the baby being cut by the scalpel),hysterectomy, prematurity of baby and increased necessity for Neonatal Intensive care. The only way that VBAC differs from other labours is the small increased risk of uterine rupture - about 0.4% (one in 250). The risk of uterine rupture prior to elective repeat caesarean section is 0.2%.
To put this into perspective, the probability of requiring a caesarean section for other obstetric emergencies (not related to the other caesarean section), ie acute fetal distress, cord prolapse or antepartum haemorrhage, is up to 30 times higher .
Even if your baby is breech this time around and you’d like to have a vaginal birth, then you can consider external cephalic version where an experienced practitioner turns the baby back into the head down position using their hands on your abdomen. The research shows that there is no increased risks or complications of this manoeuvre if a woman has a previous caesarean scar, as the forces used to turn the baby are no greater than the forces of labour itself.
I was reading “Birthing From Within” by Pam England and Bob Horowitz the other day and they made the comment that a pregnancy with no ‘worries’ or ‘concerns’ is not a normal pregnancy! They say that it is part of the journey of pregnancy to face up to your fears and work through them in preparation for the birth of a baby! Something interesting to think about.
Good luck Fiona as you travel along the path of information finding and soul searching…
Midwife Mary
Posts: 22 | Registered: Dec 2004
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