Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I can’t imagine how long that 4 minutes felt. Excruciating probably doesn’t begin to cover it.

I’m glad she’s doing ok now.

You might find it help to google “birth trauma resources” as I suspect there must be an on-line or in-person support group for moms who have experienced similarly scary events around the time of birth. I have always found it healing to talk to people who “get it” and maybe you will find the same.

Thanks again for your comment and take care,

Warmly,

Jen

The evidence on the relationship between uterine thickness and rupture is incomplete. There have been some great studies conducted, yet they are to small (less than 5,000 scarred women). You can review some of those studies here: http://vbacfacts.com/2009/01/17/predicting-uterine-rupture-via-sonogram-to-measure-uterine-thickness/.

You might find it helpful to get a copy of your medical records, including surgical report, have a consultation with 2-3 VBAC supportive OBs and get their opinion. You can read more about how to identify a VBAC supportive OB here: http://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask/.

Warmly,

Jen

If your midwife says you are a good candidate for VBAC, I would trust her assessment.

It’s understandable to be nervous. You might find comfort in the following articles: http://vbacfacts.com/2011/11/07/a-father-says-why-invite-the-risk-of-vbac/ and http://vbacfacts.com/2010/10/14/nervous-about-planning-a-vbac/.

Warmly,

Jen

We don’t have great evidence on how long to wait, but many women have successfully VBAC with 18 months between CS and VBAC. The odds are in your favor. I recommend interviewing a couple VBAC supportive care providers and get their opinion. Here is a list of questions to ask: http://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask.

Warmly,

Jen

I am not a medical professional and have zero knowledge regarding your question. I would recommend getting a copy of your medical records, including surgical report, and get the opinions of two or three VBAC supportive care providers (http://vbacfacts.com/2009/06/06/interviewing-care-providers-questions-to-ask.)

Warmly,

Jen

Yes, you have the right to not show up to your induction. A VBAC supportive provider does not require induction at 39 weeks. They should wait till 41 weeks at the very least.

Warmly,

Jen

The fact that you have had two prior vaginal births means you have about an 80% chance of a successful VBAC.

Learn more about how you can attain a VBAC when your local hospital has a ban here: http://vbacfacts.com/2012/01/23/mom-encounters-vbac-ban-request-advice/

Warmly,

Jen

I had 2 very successful vaginal births and one c-section that turned out to be completely unnecessary (they had misjudged her weight during an ultrasound and were expecting a 13lb baby…turns out she was 9lbs). I had every complication and side effect possible with the c-section it was awful. I’d rather have this baby at home alone that go through that again.

The Landon 2006 study found that the risk of uterine rupture after two prior cesareans was 0.9%. The latest ACOG recommendations support VBA2C (vaginal birth after two cesareans) in “some women.” Plussizepregnancy has a great overview of the VBA2C research which you can read here.

I recommend you get a copy of your medical records and surgical reports for each cesarean and review them with one or two VBAC supportive providers. Then you can make an education decision.

Sometimes women who are pregnant after a cesarean have adhesions (internal scar tissue) and as your uterus grows and things move around, some of this scar tissue can break up. This might be what you are feeling, but I would recommend talking with your care provider if it concerns you as I am not a medical professional.

Warmly,

Jen

Landon, M. B., Spong, C. Y., & Tom, E. (2006). Risk of Uterine Rupture With a Trial of Labor in Women with Multiple and Single Prior Cesarean Delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology , 108, 12-20.

I’m not sure it Makini is still collecting responses. You can contact her directly at makiniduewa at gmail dot com.

Warmly,

Jen

The sources for each statistic are located after each statistic. I do refer quite often to the Landon 2004 study as it is the largest study completed comparing the outcomes of VBAC and elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS.) Landon (2004) included over 18,000 women in Southern California. This is important because in order to document the occurrence of an event that happens as rarely as uterine rupture, large numbers of VBAC labors must be included in studies in order to get the most accurate measurement. Landon 2004 is the source for the rates I reported for repeat cesarean maternal mortality (0.04%) and perinatal loss or oxygen deprivation during a TOLAC (0.05%).

While I attended the 2010 NIH VBAC Conference, I have not reviewed the 370+ page report that was presented there entitled Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: New Insights (Guise, 2010). I do plan to read it and will update the Quick Facts page as well as subsequent articles as appropriate.

Thanks for your comment!

Warmly,

Jen

Landon, M. B., Hauth, J. C., & Leveno, K. J. (2004). Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Associated with a Trial of Labor after Prior Cesarean Delivery. The New England Journal of Medicine , 351, 2581-2589