Need Some Info About VBAC Vs. Birthing a "Big" Baby Vaginally

I had preclampsia and at 35 weeks they said my son was almost 6 pounds. He was born by induction 2 1/2 weeks later and weighed in at a whopping 5 pounds .07 ounces. So I don't trust the ultrasounds. :) I would fight for a VBAC.

I can't imagine why a large baby would make it risky to attempt a VBAC. Maybe because the larger weight would cause more stress for the incision? If that's the reason I think it's rediculous. I attempted a VBAC with twins and they were not little (7 and 8 lbs!) and my doctor didn't think anything about it. I did end up with a C because of other complications (one placenta became unstable) but I still think you can do it.

I would run not walk as fast you can away from that doctor. Weight estimates via ultrasound are notorious for being wrong. Your body will not grow a baby too big for you to birth vaginally. Now, you may not be able to birth laying on your back (the worst position to give birth) you may need to stand or squat but you can give birth vaginally. I attended a woman that was 5'6" and gave birth to a 13.5lb baby. Labored only 2 hours, stood up, squatted and pushed that baby out with no tears.
Your doctor needs to remember that you hired him/her and YOU will dictate how this is going to go. Giving birth vaginally of course has less risk than major abdominal surgery and any doctor that tells you differently is an idiot.
This sounds like a case of you are due during the holidays and the last place your doctor wants to be during Christmas or New Years is at the hospital so your doctor is shrinking his patient load. Trust me it happens. Seen it time and time again when I worked in the hospital.

Good luck,
Lisa

I had my first son in '08 and he was 8 lbs 11 oz and I had him vaginally. I had my daughter in june of this year and I had an ultrasound the night before she was born and it estimated her weight at 10 lbs 4 oz/ My doctor told me the risks of if the baby was big ( dislocated shoulders, broken collar bones, paralization of arms and even worse, lack of oxygen ) all of those risks would end up in a c section anyway, so I decided to have a c section because i would rather have a longer recovery than risk the baby. I went into labor the next morning and the attending doctor (who wasnt my own ) tried to talk me into vaginal birth saying she didnt think the baby was going to be that big. My csection was scheduled for a few days later, and obviously the baby wanted to come before that. I stuck to my guns and said csection. Well- she was born at 11 lbs 13 oz and she was 22 1/2 inches long. I am happy with the decision I made. Of course I may have been able to have her vaginally- but I wasnt comfortable with the possible risks with a larger baby. Do what you think is right, but also dont be so set in one way. Doctors sometimes get a bad rap, because some women have such strong feelings towards one type of birth plan, and lets face it- life can't always go according to plan.

Please be aware that VBAC is used only when suggested by a medical professional.. It can be very dangerous to the mother and the baby, if the conditions are not correct.

Please listen to your doctor. Let him/her know what you are thinking and why. Just demanding, wanting and wishing is not communication.. They have delivered 100's of babies to all types of moms and they know what is safe and what is risky.. They want drama free deliveries for a reason.
Healthy moms and newborns are always top priority, If you do not trust them, consider finding another doctor..

It sounds as if your doctor was perfectly fine with the idea of a VBAC before this latest information, meaning they thought you were a good candidate for it (i.e., low risk). Now, they apparently don't think you are a good candidate for it (i.e., high risk), so you need to decide how much you trust their opinion. Either way, the doctor will likely be willing to allow you to do what you demand, but you will be signing lots (and lots!) of forms indicating that you understand the risks and are willing to take them. So the decision becomes yours to make.

That said, predicting weights with ultrasound is notoriously inaccurate. I'm not sure how inaccurate it is regarding head size, though, and that's a bigger concern.

I was in a similar position. My first was a c-section (placenta previa). Second was going to be a VBAC (I was a good candidate). My doctor had no reservations about a VBAC (she suggested it to me as a good option) but wanted to make sure I knew the potential risks. We were going forth on that plan. Unfortunately, my little one didn't want to come out in a timely manner, so I scheduled a c-section at 41 weeks. (I trusted my doctor and wasn't adamant against a second c-section.) This decision was a good one for me in the end. Her head was very big, and the scar tissue at my last section was thin. This would have been a bad combination.

Vaginal birth is generally going to be less risky than a c-section, until you throw vbac into the mix. Then vbac (or an emergency c-section) is riskier than a planned c-section. Gauge your risk tolerance (and your trust of yoru doctor) and use that to make a decision. Also coming into your decision would be your reaction to/recovery from your last c-s.

There are lots of things to consider. Good luck!

I would trust your doctor's opinion. In the end, it will not matter if you do it vaginally or c-section so long as that baby is healthy and so are you.

Let me start off by saying that C-sections are a God-send in MEDICALLY NECESSARY AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. Having said that, you are not in need of a C-section and you can try a VBAC.

Keep this in mind: YOU are in charge of your birth. The doctors cannot force you to C-section a "big" baby - PERIOD. So don't think that you are required to do anything differently just because they say you should (some doctors will even say you "have to"). There is absolutely no reason, whatsoever, that you should be discouraged from having a VBAC because they measure a "big baby". You can go ahead with the VBAC and then *IF* a Cesarean is medically necessary (baby's heart stops, etc), then you are there and you can have one. Don't let the docs bully you.

Doctors have come to rely on C-sections more than is necessary. It used to be that C-sections were for emergencies only, but now we find our doctors suggesting them for "big babies", any past cesareans, etc etc etc.

Gee, I wonder how all of the women throughout history managed to birth all those babies above 7 1/2 lbs?

They insisted that my daughter would be huge. They told me, at 36 weeks, that she was measuring 8lbs and would be 10+ by 40 weeks. I gave birth to a healthy 7lb 14oz baby girl. Obviously their measurements were not correct. They often aren't. Many will urge you to schedule a c/s if you're "overdue" as well. Thing is, almost no woman is actually "overdue". It's actually the faulty methods used to determine date of conception. They do it based on a 28-day cycle. But not every woman has a perfect 28 day cycle. I, for instance, have NEVER had a 28-day cycle. Mine are usually about 31-35 days.

Keep in mind, also, that it has become extremely lucritive and extremely CONVENIENT for doctors to perform c-sections instead of vaginal births. They are paid at least twice as much for surgical births than they are vaginal. They also spend all of 45-90 minutes with you for a c/s, whereas with a vaginal birth, it's obviously quite a bit longer.

I highly recommend reading Lamaze International's Care Practice Papers. They point out everything necessary to have a safe, NORMAL, vaginal birth. They also point out things to avoid, which studies have PROVEN hamper and stall labor (ie, laying on your back with feet in stirrups, etc).

http://www.lamaze.org/ChildbirthProfessionals/Resourcesfo...

Also check out ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network. They have an amazing wealth of information regarding VBACs, Cesareans, etc.

http://www.ican-online.org/

I would also suggest getting a doula. A doula is a person who intervenes between you and the doctors, and ADVOCATES for you. She is a woman who goes over what you want, and then makes sure that the docs go through with it and don't try to pressure you to change your mind. She can also tell you, during your labor, whether a C-section is medically necessary, and whether it is really an emergency. Finally, she is also there to help you labor correctly, in the best way possible (especially for a VBAC) in a way that will not hinder your efforts.

Hope that helps!

First of all, your body CAN have a baby too big to birth. I have an extremely narrow, small pelvis. Anything over 3-4 pounds, I would bot be able to birth vaginally. I had a c-section, because of other bad complications. When my Dr. got in there, she was so glad I ended up needing the section, anyway.

I'm not sure how common that is. If you really want to try a VBAC, then get a new Dr. There are plenty of doctors out there, that will let you try a VBAC, with a "big" baby.

My son measured at least 2 weeks ahead the whole time I was pregnant. In the 6th and 7th months, they told me, based on ultrasounds, that he was a whole month ahead in growth.
It was NOT a due date calculation issue. I was trying to get pregnant and knew exactly when he was conceived.
Of course, my OB was very concerned that he would be too big to birth vaginally. At 36 weeks, they told me if he was measuring big at 38 weeks, they would do a c-section and were expecting him to be at least 9 lbs. If I went to 40, they fully expected him to weigh 10+lbs. I didn't even buy but one outfit in newborn size because I was sure I was going to have a chunk.
He was born at 38w 1d via c-section after a failed induction.
He weighed 7lbs 12oz. and was 19 in long. I wish I had held out for another week or so and gone into labor on my own.

I will be trying for a VBAC with our next baby.

Personally I would fight to vbac. I have had 2 c's. Breech at 37 weeks, no turn so c-section in 1995. Partial Placenta previa that did not move so child number 2= section 2 in 2009. I am trying to find someone to vbac if I get pregnant again.
if it gets harry they can section you again. I think being in labor already helps things along. I know my second where i was in labor seemed to.

I think you should fight for it! As long as you and the baby are healthy it is worth the try. And that is the response you should hear from your doctor.

I should note that when I had a csection it was like yours, after laboring and I had a hard time recovering from that. But you have already been through that, so I think you can handle it!! lol

Good luck!

I had two 10 lb babies both naturally. Mine were a both born safely.I say try it. You will be in the right place if things need to be modified. Babies were meant to be born vaginally.

If you really do not want a C section then don't have one , unless it becomes necessary during labor. If that means you have to find a new Dr then so be it. Sometimes I think that Dr's want to do what is easiest for them , and let's face it a scheduled C section is a lot less time consuming than labor/delivery , and giving that you are due in 3 weeks (which if I am correct) makes it around New Years eve time then he probably has a party that he wishes to attend without the risk of being called because you are in labor!. At the end of the day you are paying him/her so they have to do what you want.

Oh and my first born was 9lb 4oz and was a vaginal birth , no problems getting him out.

If you want to go VBAC & there's no actual medical reason why you shouldn't, then I would say you should definitely fight for it. I've delivered both ways, my son was 9lb 3oz & vaginal, my daughter was 6lb 12oz and c-section. Personally I preferred the c, but that's mostly because I had a hard time getting my son into this world & bounce back quickly from surgery so the recovery from the c wasn't that big of a deal for me.

My twins were born C-section due to complications. Years later, I planned to try a VBAC with my son. But I did have a plan B set up, and I made an appointment for a scheduled C-section at 40 weeks. I knew that if I carried him full term and he hadn't come out on his own, I would be ready to just get it over with and have him surgically removed, and my Dr. supported that decision. At 39 weeks, I was told he had a very large head, and he "might fit?"! Scary! I happily made it to my appointment and had a very easy going C-section. The recovery was SO much easier than the first time and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Basically, my whole attitide was to go with the flow and trust my Dr. and I left it all in the hands of fate. I had a healthy, 8 lb. baby, with a big head and broad shoulders! I was so happy it played out the way it did! Good luck!

If you want a last minute consult with someone I suggest calling Sally avenson, she's an Arnp and Cnm, and has delivered many babies vbac and big, she works out of Group health and can assist in a csection if things aren't going as planned. Let her know T. sent you! Another would be cindie brown at midwife Seattle in greenwood, also works out of group health. Even if they can't take you as a client (they may be full this late) they can consult with you possibly about the risks of both and what they would do!

Since your cs wasn't due to your body not being able to birth, you're a good candidate for vbac. And they should at least let you try for a certain period of time. Most doctors (obs) don't like to do vbacs for insurance (and convenience) reasons.

C-section. It is not worth risking your life hemorrhaging so that you can do it the natural way. Your doctor seems concerned and she has way more experience than you do. I would go with her professional opinion. I had my first one naturally and glad I did. They told me my 2nd was going to be too big for me to birth naturally and SHE WAS HUGE so glad I followed the doctors advice. Doctors have a lot of experience and have your and childs best interest at heart.

My mother weighed 10 lbs when she was born. Back then a C section was very dangerous and she was born at home. My grandson weighed 9 1/2 lbs and he was born vaginally to a primagravada mom (no previous births).
If your uterine cut was a cervical cut and not up the middle of the uterus you can do a V-BAC. If you delivered vaginally once you should have no difficulty doing it again. V-BAC's have a good history. They have been done since the late 1970's.
Decide what you want. It is unlikely the baby would not be okay in a hospital setting with a back up C section if she went into distress during a normal labor and birth. Very often third babies deliver quickly.
Go get a second opinion. You are right doctors aren't gods they a educated technocrats.
Forty years ago only 6 percent of all births were C-sections. Today it is pushing up toward 33%. The only special skill an OB seems to have is to discourage all normal births so he can have a larger income. If the insurance paid the same for a C-Section as they do for a vaginal delivery we'd see a serious decrease in the number of surgically delivered babies.
I myself was 3.3 weeks late. I don't believe in that post mature stuff either.
Just sign me ....the old midwife.

I considered a VBAC, Im still not sure, but if your doctor is telling you, there is less risks involved in a c-section this time, then thats your answer. If you dont trust his decision, hurry up and get another doctor!

I had VBAC with a big baby and I ended up tearing more then they cut and it hurt way worse then my C-section. I think a lot of doctors like to do C-sections because they get paid more by the insurance company and also their is less risk. Just some thoughts.........

Once C section they like to keep doing C sections in fear of tearing an old scar open during delivery. My second son was born at 9lbs 6 1/2 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long, no cutting, and no tearing. Thank God for Epidurals. J.

Updated

Once C section they like to keep doing C sections in fear of tearing an old scar open during delivery. My second son was born at 9lbs 6 1/2 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long, no cutting, and no tearing. Thank God for Epidurals. J.

I wouldn't choose a c-section. I had an emergency (problems with MY body), and had to go with another for the second. There was a possiblity of a vbac, but only if they though the baby was 6lbs or so. (first was 8.12, second 8.2), mine was based on size due to MY body limitations. Most bodies are made to birth babies and if you don't have those limitations, and you WANT a vbac - go for it!

I have never had a C-section, but I have had the same expierences with Big babies...
With my 1st son, I was 7 months along and was told that my baby was already 7 1/2 pounds according to their measurements. So they were expecting a Huge baby. When he was born, he was 1 day before his due date and he weighed 7#13oz. 20 inches long.
With my 2nd, they never told me how big he was going to be. He ended up weighing 9#6oz. He was a week overdue and I was induced. Vaginal delivery, no complications.
With my 3rd, my daughter. They were expecting her to be really big. The Dr. kept sending me in for ultrasounds for measurements. He induced me 2 days after my due date for fear of how big she would be. My daughter weighed 8#1oz. 19 1/2 inches long. Again, vaginal delivery, no complications.
Also, when I was pregnant with my 1st I decided that I wanted the option of having an epidural. The dr I had at the time told me that she didn't believe in them. So I, being 6 months pregnant, changed drs to go to one who would let ME make the choice for myself. Best decision I ever made. I love my dr!
Good Luck, and go with your instinct. That is usually the best way to go. And even if you try a VBAC and something isn't going right, then they can go and do the c-section.