Vaginal Birth After Two C-sections?

Hello!
I have to say that I honestly feel that you should go with the repeat c-section. 15% is high for fatality. I know that you would like to do a vag birth, sometimes these things aren't meant to happen...especially given your history.
I would go with what your dr says to do!!

On a another note, I understand what you feel when you say that you are sometimes overwhelmed here...especailly coming from Germany! We came back from Germany 2 years ago and were stationed here near DC as well....HUGE difference from Germany!! We LOVED it over there!! In many other areas of the states, the pace isn't soo fast! There are many areas that are much more laid back and have such nice people! It's hit and miss here with the kindness of others! In case you haven't traveled much...just thought I would comment on that!
Good luck to you!

A.,

You are right, everyone is different and some of it is a preference. After laboring and fully dialating with my first, he still ended in C-section because he just wouldn't come. So for my second son we struggled a little because I too wanted to have a vaginal birth. Ultimately my husband and I decided that we would go for the c-section again. My husband really helped with the decision when he told me that he was really worried about me and our son despite the statistics of many successes. I wanted it to be as safe and stress free as possible for everyone so we chose the section. Were we right? Who knows, but we've got a beautiful, healthy baby so I think that it was 1 of the right choices we had.

Good luck with your decision.

Why risk it at all? Given your history and the 15% chance (!) of a fatality, I would go with the C-section. The most important thing is that the baby is born healthy and that you are not put in a dangerous situation.

I don't know where you are located, but you should find an OB with a good VBAC rate. Everyone will dialate sufficiently given enough time. Not being stuck on someone else's schedule is key.

As for VBAC, the type of c-section that you had previously can eliminate you as a VBAC candidate, but it doesn't sound like your GYN is supportive of VBACs.

I would look for a second opinion.

I have not gone to this OB, but he works with people from the birth center in Alexandria. He did the c-section of a friend of mine, but he indicated to her that he thought she would be a good VBAC candidate.

Tchabo, Jean Gilles, MD
1715 North George Mason Drive
Suite 302
Arlington, VA 22205
###-###-####

EDIT: The risk of uterine rupture to my knowledge is only as high as 15% if you have a vertical incision on your uterus, rather than the now typical low transverse cut. However, as most OBs don't do VBACs, they are scared of them. If you in fact have a vertical incision on your uterus, then you do have a high risk of uterine rupture and no OB will try a VBAC. However, if you have a low transverse cut (you need the surgical reports on the procedure, your abdominal incision is not indicative of the uterine incision), then your rupture risk should be less than 1%. If your OB doesn't know what incision you have internally, he/she will assume the worst case scenario.

I had the same situation and the hospital would not even let me try for insurance purposes. 15% Is a VERY HIGH percentage and it was not worth me risking my life or the babie's life. I was told that even if I made it to the hospital after a possible rupture, the baby would die before getting there and my chances would not be great either. why risk it? have it safely and everyone is better for it.
and you did have a normal birth. It just came out in a different way; I love life to much risk it -especially with 15% odds.
oh, and not everyone dilates with enough time. There are lots of physical reasons some women cannot dilate. (mine was due to scar tissue)

My guess is that your uterus is not in the best of shape for a vaginal birth. I would suggest going for another c section and just being on the safe side. Best of luck!

A.
I am a parent of 4 c-section babies. i understand what you are saying, but I am quite sure that it was explained to you that they are doing another c-section because the do not know if you uterus can handle the pressure. With my fourth and final child (which was a total surprise since they said that I could not have any more children) I almost died even though I had a c-section. If you uterus ruptures, they may not be able to stop the bleeding. I said all of this to say that the safest way will be to go ahead with the c-section unless you begin to dialate before the scheduled date for the c-section.

Hi A., I don't really have any advice, but emphasized with what you had to say. I had 2 C-sections because of the same factors. I tried to have the second one vaginally, but even after they turned him (YIKES) because he was breach, I still had to have him C-section because of the same factors as my first son. I feel that if I would have tried for a 3rd child, my body probabaly would have done the same thing, so maybe that is my advice?! Also, if your water breaks, you can not wait indefinitely for dilation, but have a 24 hour window (I believe) before they worry about infetion, so not everyone does dilate or can wait for dilation, there are many factors to take into account.... Good luck in whatever you do and decide, just remember the end result is the same...a beautiful baby to love and cherish!!!!! I also lived in Germany for 9 years, but have lived many places since then(military wife)...., Arlington is the latest for the last 8 months......Welcome to the States, and Virginia. Feel free to email me if you want to. K.