VBAC or C-Section?

I think everyone has their own reasons for doing one or the other - it’s quite individual and the consultant will help you with the pros and cons. I had an emergency C-section in 2022 and decided to go for an elective one this time (Sep ‘24). The recovery is hard with the toddler but not impossible if you have support because lifting etc at the beginning.

I’m in the same situation, had emergency C-section with my first after what felt like quite traumatic labour experience (also got to 10cm and spent hour pushing but heart rate dropped and wasn’t budging). For me I felt like C-section was no where near as bad as I thought it would be from the negativity around it from midwives and antenatal classes etc. The section process was straight forward after 42hrs of labour and recovery was about 4/5 weeks before I was getting out and about. I’m due in Feb and going for elective section. The stress I had in labour puts me off trying for a vbac, I think a section for me will be the least stress on me and the baby. I am nervous about toddler in recovery, but on the up side during labour I can plan his childcare and know exactly when I’m going in and know what to expect. Everyone’s experience with their first will shape their feelings towards a second. You just have to do what feels right for you.

So I had to have a repeat c section so I didn't rupture my uterus. I didn't even have a say what I wanted. They said baby was big but at the 35 weeks ultrasound she was measuring 5 pounds 15 oz she ended up being 6 pounds 13 Oz. I was told there were a lot of risks to having a vbac. One ob said I would be a good candidate the other said I didn't have a choice and needed a repeat c section.

I had the same dilemma - it really is so hard. If only we had a crystal ball. I went for elective cs. My first was emergency under GA so I missed the entire birth and I really didn’t cope well with this mentally. Emergency cs was caused by difficult head position (not breech), drop in heart rate caused by too much of the drip / back to back contractions. I also only got to 3/4cm. There’s pros and cons to every way but two years on to me, it really doesn’t matter too much what birth I had. Also I will say I found elective recovery a lot easier than emergency. It’s manageable with a toddler. Listen to all the professionals but also go with your gut. Best of luck

I had the same situation. I had to be induced and got to 10cm dilated and due to placenta abruption and babies heart rate dropped and so on. That was August 2022. I had my second in May 2024 I chose a VBAC and the recovery was so easy. After a weeks I was fine. It was so much easier with a toddler too. Ultimately it’s whatever is best for you! x

I had an emergency section Jan 22 was also induced but it failed and I’m due my 2nd in dec and I have opted for a VBAC because I want to try to have a vaginal birth I will be having sweeps from 38 weeks and have said I’ll accept dilapan rods to be induced with but not the hormonal ones like the pessaries as they’re the ones that gives you the contractions rather than letting them start on their own but if it doesn’t work it’s never to late for them to book you an elective section if you wanted to ever talk about it etc my messages are always open and when I do have my little boy I’ll let you know if my VBAC was successful etc but they have a lot of success stories of 2nd time mums who have had sections first time rounds I would find out more information on both births but I’m the same like I hated my recovery and how long it took to get back to normal and I don’t want to be going through that with a 3 year old as I’ll also be doing nursery runs but whatever is safest for us I’ll do🩶

I don't plan on having another but I personally would want to try for a VBAC because that's what I wanted an didn't get first time round. As long as baby was in a good possition and all was well I wouldn't opt for a c section. My recovery from ym emergency was horrible and I couldn't imagine doing it with a toddler in tow. Because you can't lift them, you can only lift your baby.

I had emergency section in June 2022 due to not progressing I only ever got to 2-3cm with them trying every induction method. This time I’m going for an elective section. My reasoning was because it was my body that was not cooperating my son was absolutely fine. If my cervix had dialted and the issues was with birth was related to baby’s position/stress I would’ve definitely considered VBAC as every baby is different but without induction I’d aim to go into labour naturally but if overdue by week or 2 have elective section x

I had a c-section in 2014 I wouldn’t dilate pass 3 I did really good with that one was up moving and walking ever Dr on that floor couldn’t believe it they never saw a patient do so good but fast forward 11 years later same DR I am praying my recovery is about the same I am older now so fingers crossed I pray for another smooth c-section also I elected for a repeat due to the pros and cons for me it would be more safe for a repeat

I had a emergency c section with my first and decided to do another c section after me and my partner heard the risk of trying a vaginal birth after having a c section more so he decided that he feels it’s not worth it and I can’t say this time around it wasn’t traumatic I headed pretty quick and I was up and moving within a few days I do recommend not to over do it tho and it was a little hard to keep my 3y from trying to jump on me but we just kept reminding him mommy is hurting

I had an emergency section in June 23. I’m now 5 months pregnant. I’m going to have an elective section. It just means for us we can plan childcare for our toddler in advance as family aren’t close by. My husband will have 3 weeks off work and I’m going to ask my MIL to stay over if I still struggle to lift my toddler to do nursery runs etc 😊

@Victoria are you in the UK? I had a placental abruption and c section. Wondering if I will be advised to have c section next time after that!

@Megan I am in the UK. I was advised of it. They go through the risks and benefits of both and did not want to have the long recovery again, especially with a 19 months old when she was born. I had a low lying placenta which only moved out the way at 36 weeks to 20mm which is the minimum it can be out the way, they said that was the reason for it x

Sounds like u were able to reach the right dimensions (I nvr dilated past 3) so u’ll be good to go this second time around provided the baby is better positioned.. my daughter’s umbilical was wrapped around her neck and her BP dropped w each contraction.. so there was no way we could wait.. my c section recovery was like nothing though.. so I didn’t mind having another 13mos later. If your body can accommodate natural birth and you worry the surgery will just be too much do the V-bac! I’ve been told the recovery times are like night and day

@Knadia I couldn’t get past a 4 even after 36 hours of labor

I had an emergency c section in April 2022 with my son due to a placental abruption. I'm due march next year and I've been told about all the pros and cons of vbac and planned section but I've decided vbac. Just because I had a placental abruption last time doesn't mean it will happen again and I'd love to experience another natural birth like with my first. All midwives have said it's my choice and no right or wrong answer, its what you personally want and what you feel is best for you.

I had the same choice - same as you section at 10cm- I decided to try for the vbac as my oldest was only 13 months I thought about after. I ended up having another emergency C-section as baby had to come out because of static growth, I did try the balloon induction- it fell out was ready to have my waters broken and baby then turned transverse so had to have a section that evening. It caused a lot off stress but I do not regret trying for a vbac!! Tbh I would try again. X

@Kelly that’s interesting. I also had a placental abruption and was induced then c section when things got worse. Been wondering what they will say when/if I go again

@Megan I went in to be induced that night and when being monitored that's when they realised something was wrong. They popped my waters and it was just blood so I went straight down for a c section. Scariest time of my life. But all the midwives have said I'll be asked multiple times before I'm due if I want vbac or c section just in case I change my mind but just because that happened last time, doesn't mean it will again so a vbac could be successful and nothing to say it won't be. So I have decided to have vbac but I have plenty of time to change my mind if that was the case too.

@Kelly almost exactly the same for me! Waters started leaking. They were pink. Went in to hospital. Heart rate up and down so they did my waters. They were just blood. They actually induced me after that to try and move things quickly but ultimately in to a cat 2 c section fairly swiftly. Interested to see what they advise if we go again. Thanks for sharing! Nice to know I’m not alone.