Vbacs - Has Anyone Had Problem with Tearing of Old Scar?

I attempted a VBAC with baby #2 (also had no labor with #1) and I went through 12 hours of pitocin-induced contractions. I ended up having to have another c-section since I finally asked for an epidural and then my son's heart rate had a significant drop. I am now pg with #3 and would like to try another VBAC (hopefully letting my body go into labor on its own this time--doubt my docs will allow it.)

The docs HAVE to tell you the risks, and my doc told me that 1 of the docs in their 4 doc practice HAS lost a baby due to a uterine rupture during an attempted VBAC. It does happen, but yes, it is pretty rare. Will you be in that 1%? Only God knows. It is a tough call, and you have to weigh the risks of a rupture against the risks of another c-section. It is not an exact science, but if you keep yourself healthy throughout your pregnancy, your chances of a successful VBAC are much greater.

Hi S.,

My sister-in-law tried V-BAC for her 2nd child and had internal uterine hemorrhage. She did end up having an emergency c-section, but all was OK with both mom and son - it was pretty low key for an emergency. She was, therefore, NOT a candidate and had c-sections with kids 3 & 4.

At first she did say that she wished she hadn't even tried for a VBAC (but, of course, hindsight is 20/20, right?). But now it's 9 years later and she will say that she is glad she went for it so she wouldn't have any regrets. She struggled with family asking her really dumb questions after baby #1 and sort of making her feel like she wasn't a 'real' mom since she had a c-section with the first, so I think she felt like she wanted to have a VBAC for the 'wrong' reasons, if you know what I mean.
I can also tell you that the hospital where she delivered the birthing rooms were set up to do emergency c-sections right in the birthing room (not all hospitals can do this, I guess). So it was really only a matter of minutes and they didn't have to move her or anything. Back then VBAC as a lot more rare, so everyone was kind of prepared if something went wrong.

I can also tell you that neither she nor I know of anyone else who has actually had this happen.

I don't know of anything you can "do" to strengthen scar tissue - except time. I believe the stronger your stomach muscles are, the better.... so maybe situps?

I had a c-section 10 years ago and there are times (TMI, I know) when I am using the bathroom or having, ummm, 'activity' in a certain position and I can feel it strain my c-section scar. I would say if you can still feel sensitivity there you should let your Dr know.

I think you have to go with your gut (no pun intended!!!!!). Make sure your Dr has a plan in case something happens the way that you would with any delivery.

Good Luck!

My first son was born c-section because he had a heart condition. Since then I have had two VBACs and have not had a problem. I do know that if you opt for a VBAC they can not induce you. Also, if you have an epidural and it slows down the contractions they may be wary about using petosin (SP?) to speed things up. All I can tell you is that I have had two VBACs with no issues but I also did not have any medications. You do what you think is right and find the doctor that fullly supports your decision!

They have to tell you those things because people forget that every birth is a risky undertaking. People are always suing doctors if everything is not 100 % perfect. My mom had me VBAC 52 years ago only 9 months after she delivered my sister emergency C-section placenta previa. They were so afraid, the nurses gassed and knocked her out when she was ready to deliver and the doctor wasn't there. She woke up to the dr. chewing everyone out!
I say go for it. It is easier on your body

I was going to go this route, but my dd didn't want to come out, was a week late and getting bigger, so I had a second c-section. (It sounds like your first was pretty small, which is an even bigger indicator that all will be well.) Even though we had an eventual c-sec, we asked lots and lots of questions about VBAC, so I know a bit the risks.

1) My obgyn started her practice a long time ago (maybe 20 years?) and has had 2 ruptures due to VBAC during that whole time. With both, the ruptures were noticed _after_ labor & delivery and were fixed with no major problem.

2) Your doctor should _not_ induce if you're going for VBAC. My doc said this was not an option, since induction can cause a rupture. If your doc indicates it's an option, I'd seriously consider finding another doc.

3) Most docs in this area are really open to attempting VBACs. If you talk to docs in other regions without the same types of resources we have in Seattle, you might get pressured for a second c-section. (My hubby's uncle is an obgyn who was appalled we were considering VBAC. But, he's old school, works in a small practice, and does not have access to the incredible hospital facilities we have here. His experiences were not relevant to our situation.)

4) Mostly, you just have to be prepared. If you do it, you might want to consider giving birth in a hospital that's set up for an emergency situation. For example, we had ours at Swedish First Hill because it's totally set up for emergency surgery. Swedish Ballard might not have been as good a choice for us.

Understand the risks, minimize them (e.g., no induction, choose a good facility), listen to your doc, and be confident in your choices.

Good luck!

I have 6 friends who have had v-bacs and all have had great experiences. Four went into labor naturally with #2 (and two of them have #3 vaginally also!) and two were induced. Again none had problems with labor after c-section and all six now have two or more children after the first c-section.

Go for it! The risk of uterine rupture is nearly the same with a vbac vs. another csection.

go to this website:
http://www.cmbc.bc.ca/MENU-Clinical-Practice-Guidelines.s...

there is a link on the right for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section. It is the practice guideline that registered midwives use in BC and it is VERY informational and offers references. Follow your instinct and make an informed decision to have a VBAC or not, don't just make a decision out of fear. Good luck with everything!

The risks of a VBAC are actually less than the risks of a repeat c-section; believe it or not! The use of cervical ripeners used with induction do increase the risk of rupture. Do you research. Get informed. This is a personal choice on your part.

I am in the same boat as you...My son was breech. I hope to VBAC if I ever get pregnant again. Personally, I think it is great that you have a doctor who is up with VBACs. There are so many unneeded c-sections and inductions done in this country every year, while not all fall into this category, many do.

I have heard all those warnings, but have never heard of it happening. The doctor won't put you at unnecessary risk. I think that 1% is actually better than other odds that they come up with for various risks. I had to have an emergency c-section for my first (my body was the issue), so I couldn't have a VBAC for my second, and so wanted one. Good luck, I'm sure that your OBGYN will have all the information that you are looking for.

I would ask your doc how many VBAC's she has done, whether they were induced or spontaneous labors. That will let you know how supportive she is and whether an induction will be something to consider. I personally have not had a c-section, but I have many friends who have had c-sections and have had succeful VBAC's with no ill-effects. You may want to reach out to the ICAN network and see the stories there and ask other Mom's of VBAC's what their experience is. You may also want to find some midwives and ask them about their VBAC practice, experience, and protocols.

Good luck

S.