VBAC consult and questions

Nan

I am planning a VBAC after 2 c/s (one failed induction and one footling
breech). These are some of the things I have come across.

You have lots of time to educate yourself before the birth. There are
heaps of articles and birth stories about VBAC's on the net. Here are a
few useful links for starters:

http://www.childbirth.org/section/

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/C...vbacindex.html

http://www.gentlebirth.org/Midwife/icanvbac.html

Some ideas for more questions.

- How long will they let you go past your due date?

You have the best chance of a successful VBAC if you go into labor
spontaneously. Induction increases the chance of a repeat c/s. Also the
pitocin and prostaglandin gels are NOT recommended for VBAC's since the
gels can soften the scar tissue promoting rupture. The pitocin causes
strong and unatural contractions (IIRC) which can increase risk of
rupture. There is one method of induction which is physical not
chemical, that I know of. They insert a catheter and slowly inflate the
balloon against the cervix, so that it dilates. My sister was induced
via this method and had a successful VBAC after a 6 hour labor.

- Once in labor what is the rate of progression expected? How many cm/in
are you expected to dilate per hour? How long will they let you labor?

If you do not meet their rate they may start interventions like an
epidural. Epidurals in general often slow labor (although the mum has a
chance to rest).

_ What type of monitoring will they do and how often?

You will probably be subjected to constant fetal monitoring which may
affect the use of shower or tub, and the kind of positions you can
change into. Can you come to some agreement say monitor every half hour,
then increase it as labor progresses. Or something like that I have yet
to sort that out myself. My OB said if I was feeling overmonitored to
stand up to the staff and come to a better agreement.

Basically the less interventions you have the better your success at a
VBAC I have heard to labor at home for as long as possible. This depends
on where you live with respect to the hospital of course.

Larissa
DD Feb 99
DS Mar 01
Due early dec



Nan wrote:
I have my VBAC consult with my OB's sister clinic coming Monday.
Just a little info... my OB wouldn't be the one to perform a c-section
if it became evident I'd need one, but she'd attend with the surgeon.

I've been thinking about this and have a few questions in mind:

-- How many of your VBAC patients needed to have repeat c-sections?

-- What conditions do you feel would necessitate intervention and a
c-section?

My first c-section was due to dd being breech, not engaged, and my
membranes ruptured at 37 weeks, so I've not experienced going into
typical labor that ended in a ce-section.

Does anyone that's had a VBAC, or is planning a VBAC, or is just plain
knowledgeable have any suggestions or ideas on questions I might want
to ask?

Thank you :-)

Nan
edd 4/6/04