[Right_Writer]

Hi. I had a c-section with twins in November 2002. I'm wondering if anyone has had a VBAC after a multiples pregnancy with a c-section. The next time around I'd like to have a VBAC as opposed to the difficult recovery from the c-section. But is there more risk to the mom and the baby? Just curious.

Thanks,
Karen

[beth]

My sister's first deliver was a c-section due to hydrocephaly, but her second child was delivered via the usual method and everything was fine. This was a relief to my sister after the trauma of her first labor which went on for several hours before they decided to intervene. Also my SIL had two C-sections followed by a conventional delivery. Again, everything went well.

[simplechic]

I had a c-section with my first child and I've thought that with the next one I would like to try VBAC. There is a lot of info available online about this. I found quite a few sites that address the issues just by doing a search. One thing that is promising for you is that the reason that you had a c-section was because you had multiples. Was there any other reason? If you are pregnant next time with just one baby, and as long as the c-section wasn't because because of something else that would likely happen again, there might be reason to try VBAC. Of course, I'm not a doctor!

[chdsgrl]

I did have a VBAC after my c-section, but not really by choice. My first delivery was an emergency c-section as the baby was facing the wrong way and stuck. With my second pregnancy, my doctor preferred doing a c-section, but when I went into labor, I barely made it to the hospital and almost had him in the hallway (no medication, no nothing, thank you very much!)
With my third pregnancy, my new OB also preferred a c-section over a vbac, even though I had already had a sucessful one. The reason why was because every time you have a contraction, it puts pressure on your uterus. When that pressure happens, it can cause tearing where the original incision was made. If that tears, one of two things can happen: they can do an emergency c-section which might require an up and down incision instead of a bikini incision, depending on how fast they have to get in there and how much scar tissue you alredy have, or your uterus can rupture which could be deadly to you and the baby. My doctor told me that unless I could guarantee a speedy delivery like with my second one, she wasn't willing to take the chance, as they had just had a woman at the hospital who had 3 successful VBACS who had her uterus rupture and the baby died.
So, I'm not trying to scare you, many, many women do VBACS and are fine. I was one of them. But, listen to your doctor and follow his advice. He knows you, your condition and your body better than any of us do.

Originally Posted by Right_Writer

Hi. I had a c-section with twins in November 2002. I'm wondering if anyone has had a VBAC after a multiples pregnancy with a c-section. The next time around I'd like to have a VBAC as opposed to the difficult recovery from the c-section. But is there more risk to the mom and the baby? Just curious.

Thanks,
Karen

[pattiewrites]

I just want to mention one thing that many women do not know and are not told by their doctors. Repeat c sections limit the number of children you can have. A friend had one c section and was offered the choice of VBAC or another c sec. She chose the c section because she thought it would be easier. Unfortunately, the baby died unexpectedly. They tried for another child and had a third c sec. The doctor told her she probably shouldn't have any more children because the uterus was now thin from three c sections and could rupture during the pregnancy. They were devastated, as they wanted at least one more child. She was never given any information on this as a possiblity in the future for chosing the second c section over the VBAC. She told me if she had been given that info, she would have chosen differently. She isn't the only person I know that this happened to. It also happened to my best friends sister. She wanted more children, but was told not to get pregnant again after 3 c sections. Doctors often don't think this is a big deal, since many families are smaller now. But, consider the number of children you want to have in making your decision. I don't know if different stitching techniques can help change this risk. Ask your doctor about it. If you are in doubt of his advice, seek a second opinion. Doctors are not God. Some hate doing VBACs and just won't do them. Others do them with great results. I've known women to do homebirths after c sections with no problems at all. Particularly if this is a new doctor who hasn't treated you in the past, I would seek another opinion. If he wasn't there for you other birth, then he really doesn't know your history. Also ask about his rate of VBACs. If he doesn't do any or does very few, I would think his advice is suspect. If he routinely does VBAC deliveries, but thinks it isn't advised in your case, then I would be more inclined to believe him. Also, ask about his overall c section rate. Some doctors have outrageously high numbers. I would stay away from them. Oh, and if he doesn't want to answer these questions, or gets defensive, run! You should be a partner in your health care and reproductive decisions. In the end, this is your decision and only you will be affected long term by the choices you make. Read as much information as you can and talk to other mothers and medical professionals to help you make an educated decision. Good luck!