Thoughts on having a vaginal birth after a c-section?

I’m 38 weeks pregnant, and my doctor gave me the option of scheduling another c-section or trying for vaginal delivery. This is my 3rd pregnancy, my firstborn was vaginal delivery, and my second, who just turned two years old was an emergency c-section due to a rare incident that had to be done through C-Section. My doctor told me he would like for me try for Vaginal delivery since I’ve done it before and had no complications, and since we know the risks that can happen during labor, I would have close monitoring the whole time. I would like to know if anyone has had a successful vaginal delivery after C-Section or has had complications. I know everyone’s case is different, but I would like some feedback.

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I had a successful VBAC…no complications what so ever.

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I had two VBACS and both went so smooth and easy recovery. I would definitely recommend trying.

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I know many women who have had successful vbacs! I also know people who lost their babies due to uterine ruptures. My kids are 10 1/2 years apart and my doctor also wanted me to attempt a vbac, but I opted for a repeat C-section. My son’s head was also in the 99th percentile so it’s good that I did not try for a vaginal delivery :rofl:

If your doctor is recommending a VBAC, I say go for it! Easier on mom and baby and recovery is so much easier. I had two vaginal deliveries and then my twins we attempted a vaginal delivery but somehow she broke baby B’s water instead of baby A and it was just a mess so I had an emergency c-section. After the twins I had a procedure done on my cervix so they’re taking this one c-section as well and it’s a little disappointing and I’m bummed that I’ll have to recover from surgery again but that’s really my only option. I wish I could at least try for the VBAC.

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Successful VBAC, zero complications. Recovery was amazingly easy in comparison to my csection.

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I had two csections and am about to have my third, I wish I did vaginal for my second instead of opting out and doing it “the easy” way. if you wish to have anymore children I’d suggest vaginal.

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I want a vbac so bad! Recover was so much better after my vaginal births compared to my csection. If you’re doctor thinks you’re a candidate I personally would do it and I hope I will have that option come June 2020. And if anything later in the pregnancy may happen then the csection option is still open.

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I think it’s awesome that your doctor is encouraging a VBAC instead of scheduling another cesarean. :clap:t4:

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I had 3 normal
1 c section
1 vbac, this went really well, nothing happen…

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I had a vbac I would go c-section. I couldn’t believe the pain with a vaginal delivery. I was shopping, cleaning and going about my business with the section. I couldn’t move from the pain down below for at least 3 weeks after my vag birth. Took me twice as long to recover

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I’ve had one successfully after 2 c sections I think you can do it girl :heart:

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My friend had it done by my Dr with her second child and things went fine.

3 csections here.
My doc says he’s seen women have up to 5 or 6 before being told to quit… so if u want a really big family, shoot for vbac for sure

I never once thought of a vbac. The fact that my first was a csection and that’s all I knew, I just stuck with it and didn’t regret it… by the third I was up and moving with no pain meds 5 days pp…
but I know several who are happy they tried and succeeded with a vbac.

Go with whatever you feel best!

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My mom had me csection and my three siblings vaginally after me all within 5 years. :slightly_smiling_face:

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I attempted a vbac, but my daughter came 3 weeks early due to placenta rupture via emergency C section. But I would definitely try for a vbac if I had a third.

I had a successful vbac recovery is so much easier

Go for it. It can’t hurt to try for a vbac.

My first was an emergency c-section. I had an app today and was still indecisive on weather I want to try vaginally or just go for c-section. (I’m due the end of January) Talking with the nurse helped my nerves, since I healed so well and it was 4 years ago since I first gave birth she said it would be more unlikely for it to reopen… so I’m going to try vaginally.

Not sure…babies get bigger
So what if head is bigger than 10com🤔

I heard about incision tearing with contractions and pushing …it was softer to do c section at that point

I had a VBAC. I’m sure recovery would’ve been great but my son wasn’t positioned ideally…he was face up instead of down so he was stuck and it was hard for me to get him out. He ended up breaking my tailbone. So my recovery felt just as painful as when I had my emergency csection with my first. I’m currently 33 weeks pregnant and I’m going to go vaginal again. However, I’m going to make sure they tell me how she’s positioned prior to pushing and all that. I say just do what feels right! Don’t stress about it. Just go with the flow. Prayers and good luck. I hope for a safe delivery for you, a healthy baby and a quick recovery!

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Go for it. I couldn’t have a vaginal delivery after my first c section because it was my body that messed up. So it was to risky

My doc refused because in her experience everyone who tried ended up having a c-section anyways. That is much more dangerous and risks include ruptured uterus from pushing and previous scar tissue. I’ve had 3 sections and am glad I did. Recovery was easy, back to normal within a week. Didn’t even need the pain meds

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I was given the choice and I went with the c section. Sadly I didnt make it to my delivery date because of complications and had to have a csection regardless if I wanted a VBAC delivery or not. It was scheduled for 2:00 pm and and before 3 I had a health baby girl. No long labor and I’m thankful for that.

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I’m 39wks and trying for vbac! No advice just letting you know I’m right there with ya girlie, I was so back and forth and to this day wonder if waiting to try vbac will be right choice or not! Scared but with me luck! Lol sending you love momma

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I had the same exact experience as you first was vaginal 2nd was c section and 3rd was vaginal no complications at all and it’s sooo much easier than a c section especially the recovery . Everything went as smooth as my first vaginal delivery

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I would always go for natural first, Its the way we were meant to be :woman_shrugging: be it with foods, childbirth or skincare, We’re just meatplants with portable roots…

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Vbac is safer than repeat c section.
I’d always choose vbac over a section if I had a choice

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No way i didnt even want to try…im small so i knew the same complications ihad with my first could potentially happen again…im always up and moving the day after and always refuse pain meds besides motrin or Tylenol…but my threshold for pain is very high also so. 💁 my opinion is csections are better anyway :rofl:

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Mine was a successful vbac, even with being induced! Recovery has been easy and pleasant compared to the csection recovery and honestly it was less stressful. My first was an emergency csection and it was horrible during and after.

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My Mom had 2 csections,4 natural births, and one more csections.

I say it’s doable!

Had a friend do this. She died due to a uterine rupture. Left 4 children without their mom.

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My first was a csection and I’ve had 2 successful vbacs since! I would definitely try for a vbac over having a repeat csection.

I say if your doctor is giving you the green light then go for it! I was terrified to do VBAC, but was able to do it and am so glad I did. My baby is only 6 weeks old, and I did have to have quite a bit of stitches because I tore a lot so the recovery for me seemed the same as the c-section recovery, but the birth experience was much better and less stressful. I think with vaginal birth I felt like I had more control of my body. Bonding, delayed cord clamping and skin to skin were much more doable as well this time around so if that’s something you are for sure wanting then VBAC all the way!

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Vbac if possible for sure!
I did everything I could to avoid another csection…

My first was vaginal, my 2nd I got diagnosed with cholestasis and he was also breech so they induced at 36 wks via c-section. I’m currently 35 wks preggo with my 3rd, and I decided on another c-section. Mainly bc both deliveries will only be around 1 yr apart and the last thing I wanted going through my mind trying to push was the thought of my uterus, etc rupturing! (The risk of uterine rupture is higher if you attempt VBAC less than 18 months after having a C-section.) Do what you feel most comfortable with, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

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I just had a successful VBAC only 23 hours ago. My first was vaginal and my second was emergency c-section due to labor at 36 weeks while breech. My VBAC went amazingly! Admitted to the hospital at 8pm yesterday and delivered at 12:01 with epidural. He practically fell out while we were waiting for the dr to arrive. No rupture and not even any tearing or stitches (which I required with my first).

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I had an unplanned vaginal delivery after 2 C-sections with no complications

I had a successful vbac two years ago! With my oldest I had a planned c section since he was breech. I had a really really rough recovery from surgery so I wanted a vbac really bad. It was a great experience, after the epidural at least.

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I personally have not but I would definitely be worried about the internal c section scars ripping and tearing from contractions.

Well lve had a dreadful vagina birth that resulted in a vaginal reconstruction 12 months later… I know l was unlucky… Ive since had two c sections and had no problems. Yes a little pain and discomfort but nothing like a bad birth. Give me c sections any day.

My dr. Was all for a VBAC with my second. We ended up going c section about 2 weeks early. It was only because my sweet girl was breech. I went in to have her turned and she was in correct position before they began procedure. By next week, she was breach again. He gave me the option to continue trying for VBAC with the knowledge that if she was breach we would have to do an emergency C section when I went into full blown labor. I decided I would rather have her planned C Section. Go with what you feel and keep an eye on all things. It’s always ok to change your mind the more informed you become on your circumstances.

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I know a lot of women successfully do it. But I nearly lost my life requiring over 100 stitches, infection of the amniotic fluid, 6 blood transfusions, problems from those blood transfusions and extreme ppd. 8 years later it still hurts to sit on a park bench. If I had a do over I’d choose C-section for myself.

I just has a successful vaginal birth after c-section in March 2019. My babies were delivered 21 months apart. No complications and only 10 minutes of pushing. I’d highly recommend trying, especially if your doctor recommended it. Recovery should be a lot easier on you with a vaginal birth compared to a c-section, which was super important to me, especially with a toddler to chase around!

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For me the recovery time for C-sections is way easier

My sister in law has had 2 vbac

Following . my daughter just turned 2 the end of November and I’m due at the end of may next year. Dr says as long as baby isn’t breech or 9+ lbs we can try for vaginal delivery.

My sister’s first was a c section then she had 4 natural and then her 6th one was a c section. All her babies are a year apart.

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I had an emergency c-section with my first. I was able to have a successful issue free virginal delivery 2 and a half years later.

Not me personally, but a friend of mine had 2 very successful vbacs after having her first via csection

I had an emergency C-section with my first. Two successful VBACs after. I found the healing to be more comfortable with the VBAC than my C-section.

I had one vaginal and 2 csections. I hands down would rather have a csection rather than a vaginal delivery. All my 3 kids were 9+ pounds. A Vbac was offered but didn’t want any unseen complications just because I have big babies. Congratulations and good luck

VBAC and Birth After Cesarean Facts — Evidence Based Support

I had a scheduled c the first time, my daughter was breach the whole time. 8lb 14 oz. second daughter v birth, 8 lb 12 oz. no problem at all.

If you have younger ones at home vaginal is better as your not as restricted as you are with a c section

I had a scheduled c-section and 2 vbacs.

I tried and wanted for a VBAC after my first was an emergency c section and unfortunately I ended up having to be booked in for a planned c section due to her size

Try for vaginal. If it doesn’t seem to be working they will do a c section anyway.

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It all depends on their reasoning for your first section. Personally, I was told I would be better off with a scheduled c for my second child due next week because of the reason for my first c (failure to progress past 2cm after almost 40 hours of labour, broken water, very high dose of meds to induce labour and contractions equivalent to what u should be pushing through) and if I chose vbac I would only have about a 15% chance of delivering naturally.however, the other girl scheduled for a section the same day as mine had a vbac recommended because her issue had nothing to do with her (baby was breach) and she had an almost 90% chance of delivering on her own

Had a Csection with my eldest, he was in breech so had no choice, took me 6 months to recover due to complications.
Natural birth with my daugther 2 years after that, in labour for 26 hours but was back to work 2 weeks later (worked from home). A Csection is still a big operation so if your doctor is confident on it being an option, I would certainly go for it.

My sister had 2 children vbac and couldn’t have been happier.

I had a v birth 1st, a c-section than a vbac…give it a try…I am sure u will be fine😉

Yes I delivered vaginal and then csection and then vaginal. I was a high risk my last pregnancy and it wasn’t because of my previous pregnancy but I still had a successful vbac

I tried last year and wasnt successful. I was in labor for 24hrs with 3min contractions. I only made it to 3cm after pitocin and having my water broken. It is possible, just didnt happen for me. Now I’ll have another csection on Tuesday.

Just keep an open mind with your two options. As long as you and baby are safe and healthy :heart: May I suggest go in with both birth plans. Plan A and Plan B kind of thing.

If you trust your doctor, follow his lead. The only thing is, if you go through the whole labor and pushing and then still have to have the operation, you are going to be exhausted. Make sure you have reliable help (husband, mom, good friend) to care for you and your older child, so you can relax and focus on the new baby.

I had a c section with my first 8 years ago. I just had my second in September and I had her naturally. I didn’t need a c section. And no complications. I just tore a little bit. But some girls do, and others don’t. That just depends on your body.

And as someone who did both… I’d much rather do natural over c section any day. C sections were so much more rough and hard to heal from over a natural delivery.

I was gonna try vbac for my 2nd child but after my doctor told me that if he doesn’t come out on his own that they would take him by c-section anyways. I can’t have the drugs used to induce labor because of the cut on my uterus from my 1st c-section.

I had a vbac and I say definitely go that route if your dr is for it. There is no comparison of recovery times, vaginal birth is so much better imo.

Im the sister Heather Cantera is talking about. My first VBAC babe weighed 9lbs 11oz, so dont let potential size scare you either. My 8lbs 15oz babe hurt far more than my biggest. I also have toddler size babies lol. I was induced with my 2nd two VBACs and did just fine (with no epi). My last one, I got my tubes removed, so i opted to have a csection so everything was done at the same time.

I had emergency c section then fell pregnant 7mths later they advised I had another c section which I didn’t want due to the complications I had first time so I had a vaginal delivery best choice I could of made no complication and home 5hrs later

Following. My first was a vaginal birth and second was an emergency c section as well. Interested to see the comments to prepare me for my 3rd! :hugs:

Wished my doc gave me the option unfortunately I had to have two csections! Hope it works out well for u

My doctor said it was highly dangerous to Vback.

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I was given the option of a vaginal delivery after having had a C-section and I am so glad I did. The recovery is so much easier.

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My vbac failed but given the chance I’d try everytime

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I tried a v bac 7 years after my emergancy c section
My scar wouldn’t hold up and almost ruptured, so was another section unfortunately

Not trying to scare you they do monitor you very closely but it is a risk

Good luck x

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I have a friend who had a csection and then teo vaginal. I would take the dr up on the opportunity to do vaginal again my recovery from csection has seriously stopped me from wanting to have any more children

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I had a c-section with my first so when I got pregnant again they were ready to schedule me for another c-section and I refused. They told me all the risks and my kids are 3yrs apart. I remembered how the c-section recovery was and I promised myself I would never go through that again. The dr wasn’t very happy with me she kept saying I was “stubborn” I made sure I pushed that baby out with no complications and it was the best decision ever!! I was out walking around just 1 week post lol

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It mostly depends on the reason you had a C-section. My c-section was due to the baby being breach. I had a successful vbac five years later.

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I had an amazing VBAC in October last year and am set to have another VBAC in mid-January. It was 3.5 years after an emergency csection with my oldest. His csection was due to him not being in position and having heart rate issues. I was pleased with how much easier all of it was than the csection, espcially the recovery with other small children to care for. If your doctor is comfortable with a vbac under more supervision, then I say it’s worth the try. I am due mid-January and have been told that even though my last 2 deliveries are only 14 months apart, they are willing to let me try another vbac and that is with having an anterior placenta pressing on the previous scar tissue.

My first was vaginal and my second was also an emergency c section. I was given the option and then read all the risks and chose to just have another c section.

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Lots of women deliver vbac with no issues. You know your body. Go with your gut. You had a successful vaginal delivery and then an emergency cesarean. If you’re not at risk for the same situation as before, I’d try vbac. If you’re not comfortable schedule your cesarean.

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My first, second were vaginal birth third was a emergency c section and forth was a vaginal birth.

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Mine was 22 years ago, but I did vaginal after c-section when I had my 3rd baby and had no issues. First was vaginal, 2nd c-section due to baby turning and going breach then 3rd vaginal. Lot less healing time!

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I know its very common to have a vbac and if your doc thinks you can i would go for it. But its your birth your situation. Dont do something your not comfortable with girl!

My first was vaginal, my second was c section and my third baby was vaginal

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My 1st was a C-Section 28 hours into labor. My 2nd a Vbac. Such an easier recovery. I was able to hold and care for my baby right away. After the C-Section I was unable to hold her by myself for hours and was reliant on help at home for the 1st few days.
If your doctor is offering then I say try for a Vbac. You’ll be in a hospital being monitored. All deliveries are dangerous and beautiful so whatever you decide good luck to you!

More doctors are hesitant about a vbac than not (this is slowly changing but overall a lot don’t like it) so if your doctor is encouraging one I think that’s a good sign. They must be confident you’ll tolerate it well.

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I know several people that have had successful vbacks

VBAC and Birth After Cesarean Facts — Evidence Based Support

If the dr says go for vag id trust dr.

I’ve had 2 water births one still born and 3 c sections. For me my recovery was much easier from c section but I also miss the experiance. I say go for it since your dr says u will be monitored

I wanted to have my daughter 100% natural. I ended up having a c-section and I’m lucky I did. Her head was too big for her to come down & even if it would have her shoulders would have gotten stuck. Because I’m my personal experience I would not try vaginal again, I’d opt in for another c-section . 20 hours of labour and 4 hours of pushing isn’t something I want to do again to end up in surgery. But if it’s something your comfortable with, and your doctor is comfortable I 100% believe it’s possible!

Well since your c-section was an emergency I think it would be fine to do a vaginal birth since you have in the past.

Most hospitals wont let you do vaginal delivery after a csection.

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I just had a successful vbac Monday!

My first was vaginal, second was cesarean, then my vbac! It was quick - doc broke my water and started pitocin at 8:25 am, she was delivered after 5 minutes of pushing at 5:30 pm. I progressed so quickly at the end that I didn’t even have time for an epidural!

You can do it!

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I had an emergency c-section with my first, and was in so much pain, that I VBAC’d twice. I’m so glad I did, recovery time was so much faster, and I could move the same day.

My mom did over 20 years ago so you should have a very good shot at it.

I broke my pelvis completely in half and had it come out in-between my legs in 2015 from a car crash, i had to wear an external hip-fixator for 3 months while the bones fused together, I didn’t have a C-section but my doctor was a little worried about me having a vaginal delivery after what i had been through but i decided to give birth vaginally because of how long the healing time is with a C-section and I did great. I think you will do great too!!

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