Bed Rest update and a WWYD Question

LilacStar11 · August 2011

Went to the docs on Monday. Separation seems to be healing and on its way out. If I have no issues for the next two weeks, I am off modified bed rest--YAY!

With that said... I had a c-section with LB and have the option of a c-section or a VBAC. I wanted a natural delivery with LB but it wasn't in the cards and was hoping for one with this new little peanut. I understand the risks of a VBAC and know that they are not high, especially because my c-section was planned and not emergency. However, I almost feel that I have had so many issues this pregnancy already, maybe I should just have the planned C/S so as to not risk rupture and other future risks. (not to say that there are no risks with a C/S)

What would you do in these shoes?? Just looking for some insight, I am so torn.

ELF4321 · August 2011

I don't have any opinion on your question (sorry), just wanted to say that I'm glad things seem to be looking better for you and you're not going to be stuck lying there for the next few months!

MargieMags · August 2011

I'm glad to hear that you're doing better. I had an emergency c-section and would opt to try for a VBAC. Some people have an easy time recovering from a c-section but I didn't so that's where I'm coming from.

Augustbride · August 2011

That's great that you might be off the bed rest soon.

I did not have a C section with DS. However from my reading it takes 1-2 years for your body to completely recover. That being said I probably would opt for a C-Section if I was inside of the that time frame for delivery.

jesspacatc · August 2011

I had an urgent (but not emergent) c-section because K was breech and around 9cm it was discovered. The group I go to does not do VBACs, and that's fine with me. But I am not one of those people who desperately feel the need to have a vag delivery and I didn't have a great recovery but it wasn't terrible either. Finally, having delivered babies both in the OR and in the delivery room, I'm much more comfortable with the controlled, sterile environment of an OR. But that's just me. Good luck making your decision!

LilacStar11 · August 2011

Thanks so much ladies. I did not have an easy recovery from my C/S. In fact, the area is still tender, scar is itchy, and I still get some wierd twinges every now and then. Ugh.. oh well, at least I have a few more months before I would have to schedule to make a decision. Thanks again!

cloey615 · August 2011

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better and everything is getting better. If it were me in your position I would opt to go with a c-section just because of all the things that you have had going on so far.

navybride06 · August 2011

I had a csection. I am having a planned one this time. My Dr is going through my scar, and going to "fix it" since it has stretched somewhat, then again I got PG 6 months after giving birth.

I like the fact that it is planned because I know when the end is in sight (not saying I can't still have a surprise). Also having a kid already the planning is needed for people to take off work, and be able to watch/help with him.

Also I love my doctor and she did the Csection for Jack and will do Charlotte's.

sugardumpling · August 2011

can't help you there but oh so happy you may be off modified bed rest.

Jen&Louie · August 2011

LilacStar11:

Went to the docs on Monday. Separation seems to be healing and on its way out. If I have no issues for the next two weeks, I am off modified bed rest--YAY!

With that said... I had a c-section with LB and have the option of a c-section or a VBAC. I wanted a natural delivery with LB but it wasn't in the cards and was hoping for one with this new little peanut. I understand the risks of a VBAC and know that they are not high, especially because my c-section was planned and not emergency. However, I almost feel that I have had so many issues this pregnancy already, maybe I should just have the planned C/S so as to not risk rupture and other future risks. (not to say that there are no risks with a C/S)

What would you do in these shoes?? Just looking for some insight, I am so torn.

So glad things are resolving and that the end of bed rest is hopefully in sight.

I AM in your shoes with the c/s vs. VBAC debate, just three days behind you ;-) And, I'm also still really torn, reading and thinking a lot about my options.

G was breech so, I know I would need a c-section (despite my original med-free, doula-assisted natural birth plan). However, my section ended up being emergent because my water broke more than two weeks before my surgery date. My doctor still feels that I am a good candidate for VBAC if I want to try it. Here are my back and forth issues:

* I'm AMA (will be 37 at delivery) so, my risk of rupture is a bit higher than average (about 1/1,000 - enough that every doctor in my practice has seen at least one)

* We would like to leave the door open for a third child so, a rupture would be devastating on many levels

* A c-section is still major surgery and carries it's own risks. I really don't WANT to have surgery for convenience. I want to experience child birth.

* I had a difficult recovery from my c-section last time and I cannot imagine going through that again but, with an extremely active toddler at home. Add to this that I had a full 4 weeks of help last time between DH, my mom and my sister and will be lucky if I have 3 weeks this time.

* My maternity leave will likely be only 3-4 months this time (compared to 7 months for G). Do I want to have 6 weeks of that time taken up with recovery?

Right now, I'm stuck. My doctor will support me in either way. I'm thinking of scheduling the surgery and having her monitor my scar tissue in the last month to see if that will play a factor in my risk then making a game time decision.

mrsredmoose · August 2011

Lilac, so glad to here things are progressing well! I have no experience to draw from to offer a suggestion, but just wanted to wish both you and Jen&Louie the best with your deliveries. The uncertainty stinks, but I'm sure you and your docs will make the best decision!

Melanie2003 · August 2011

no experience = no advice.

however, i'm happy things are looking good for you!

LilacStar11 · August 2011

Jen&Louie:
LilacStar11:

Went to the docs on Monday. Separation seems to be healing and on its way out. If I have no issues for the next two weeks, I am off modified bed rest--YAY!

With that said... I had a c-section with LB and have the option of a c-section or a VBAC. I wanted a natural delivery with LB but it wasn't in the cards and was hoping for one with this new little peanut. I understand the risks of a VBAC and know that they are not high, especially because my c-section was planned and not emergency. However, I almost feel that I have had so many issues this pregnancy already, maybe I should just have the planned C/S so as to not risk rupture and other future risks. (not to say that there are no risks with a C/S)

What would you do in these shoes?? Just looking for some insight, I am so torn.

So glad things are resolving and that the end of bed rest is hopefully in sight.

I AM in your shoes with the c/s vs. VBAC debate, just three days behind you ;-) And, I'm also still really torn, reading and thinking a lot about my options.

G was breech so, I know I would need a c-section (despite my original med-free, doula-assisted natural birth plan). However, my section ended up being emergent because my water broke more than two weeks before my surgery date. My doctor still feels that I am a good candidate for VBAC if I want to try it. Here are my back and forth issues:

* I'm AMA (will be 37 at delivery) so, my risk of rupture is a bit higher than average (about 1/1,000 - enough that every doctor in my practice has seen at least one)

* We would like to leave the door open for a third child so, a rupture would be devastating on many levels

* A c-section is still major surgery and carries it's own risks. I really don't WANT to have surgery for convenience. I want to experience child birth.

* I had a difficult recovery from my c-section last time and I cannot imagine going through that again but, with an extremely active toddler at home. Add to this that I had a full 4 weeks of help last time between DH, my mom and my sister and will be lucky if I have 3 weeks this time.

* My maternity leave will likely be only 3-4 months this time (compared to 7 months for G). Do I want to have 6 weeks of that time taken up with recovery?

Right now, I'm stuck. My doctor will support me in either way. I'm thinking of scheduling the surgery and having her monitor my scar tissue in the last month to see if that will play a factor in my risk then making a game time decision.

Thanks so much for sharing all of your research and options!!! I want to leave the door open for more children as well. Is it true that if you rupture, that door closes?? I did not know that and that would definitely impact my decision. Also, what does your scar tissue have to do with the surgery if you dont mind me asking.

Thanks so much, this is all such a help!! Where are you delivering?

LilacStar11 · August 2011

mrsredmoose:
Lilac, so glad to here things are progressing well! I have no experience to draw from to offer a suggestion, but just wanted to wish both you and Jen&Louie the best with your deliveries. The uncertainty stinks, but I'm sure you and your docs will make the best decision!

Thanks so much. While it stinks we both have this decision to make, it is nice to kinda have someone to go through it with!

Jen&Louie · August 2011

Yes, not the most fun decision to face but, at least we are in good company!

LilacStar11:
Thanks so much for sharing all of your research and options!!! I want to leave the door open for more children as well. Is it true that if you rupture, that door closes?? I did not know that and that would definitely impact my decision. Also, what does your scar tissue have to do with the surgery if you dont mind me asking.
Thanks so much, this is all such a help!! Where are you delivering?

Yes, my understanding is that a rupture usually leads to at least a partial hysterectomy and can be fatal (my practice has never had a fatality related to a rupture, according to my OB). How the scar tissue on the uterus from a c-section stretches at the end of pregnancy can play a role in whether someone is a good candidate for a VBAC because, if a rupture were to happen, it would most likely be at the area of the scar.

I'll deliver at Northern Westchester again. I had a great experience there.

jesspacatc · August 2011

Jen&Louie:
Yes, not the most fun decision to face but, at least we are in good company!

LilacStar11:
Thanks so much for sharing all of your research and options!!! I want to leave the door open for more children as well. Is it true that if you rupture, that door closes?? I did not know that and that would definitely impact my decision. Also, what does your scar tissue have to do with the surgery if you dont mind me asking.
Thanks so much, this is all such a help!! Where are you delivering?

Yes, my understanding is that a rupture usually leads to at least a partial hysterectomy and can be fatal (my practice has never had a fatality related to a rupture, according to my OB). How the scar tissue on the uterus from a c-section stretches at the end of pregnancy can play a role in whether someone is a good candidate for a VBAC because, if a rupture were to happen, it would most likely be at the area of the scar.

I'll deliver at Northern Westchester again. I had a great experience there.

Jen is right.....its a surgical emergency with really high fetal and maternal mortality risks.

LilacStar11 · August 2011

Now, why did my doctor not tell me that a rupture would result in all that. That puts another check in the C/S column. Ughhh.. no fun.

Jen&Louie · August 2011

Remember though - even at 1/1000 the odds are hugely in our favor!

i3utaphly1 · August 2011

Just wanted to say sending good vibes that you keep healing and modified bed rest will be lifted!

LuckEinLuv · August 2011

Good luck with the bed rest!! As for the c-section question, I will be scheduling my next one. I don't think that my doctor does VBACs and I kind of like knowing when the next one will be here. As Navy said, it will be easier to set up childcare. I see playdates in our future!!!

LilacStar11 · August 2011

LuckEinLuv:
Good luck with the bed rest!! As for the c-section question, I will be scheduling my next one. I don't think that my doctor does VBACs and I kind of like knowing when the next one will be here. As Navy said, it will be easier to set up childcare. I see playdates in our future!!!

Thanks so much! And YAYYY for playdates!!

jesspacatc · August 2011

LuckEinLuv:
Good luck with the bed rest!! As for the c-section question, I will be scheduling my next one. I don't think that my doctor does VBACs and I kind of like knowing when the next one will be here. As Navy said, it will be easier to set up childcare. I see playdates in our future!!!

I don't know about Joanow and Aro, but I know the crystal run docs down at SACH don't do them.

LilacStar11 · August 2011

jesspacatc:
LuckEinLuv:
Good luck with the bed rest!! As for the c-section question, I will be scheduling my next one. I don't think that my doctor does VBACs and I kind of like knowing when the next one will be here. As Navy said, it will be easier to set up childcare. I see playdates in our future!!!

I don't know about Joanow and Aro, but I know the crystal run docs down at SACH don't do them.

This is the kinda stuff that really makes me nervous. Some doctors do not even perform them. My friend in PA is pregnant as well and wanted a VBAC but there is not a doctor w/i one hour of her that will perform one. It freaks me out.

Jen&Louie · August 2011

That is very interesting...in a sad way. The c-section rate in this country is already ridiculously high and then to not even give women the option? The practice I am with is huge - 13 docs plus 1 midwife and they ALL do VBACs.

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