QuestionI am almost 33 wks pregnant due July 4 2010, with a baby boy and no complications. This is my third pregnancy. I need help in deciding on a repeat c-section or try for a VBAC. My first daughter was born vaginally at full term with no complications and no epidural. My second pregnancy I gave birth to twin girls on May 7th 2009(emergency c-section). They were born at 32wks a 5 days, due to bleeding caused by velamtuous cord insertion. We lost the first one 2 days after birth due to the results of the bleeding. Our second twin went home after 2 wks in the NICU, then at 4 1/2 months she passed away from an episode of sleep apnea due to prematurity (according to the coroner).
Shortly after the loss of our second twin, I became pregnant just 5 months after having the emergency c-section. I am having a difficult time deciding on trying for a VBAC or going with the repeat c-section. After doing lots and lots of research I am still confused. Both routes concern me greatly. Even though the risk of uterine rupture is low, I'm not sure I want to take that risk with everything that has happened in the last year with our twin girls. But a repeat c-section also concerns me with the complications that could happen and the fact that we would like more children after this one.
My doctor wants me to go with a c-section. She will not do a VBAC so if I chose a VBAC then she would send me somewhere else. Is there any information that you can give me? I know you can't diagnose me but if I was your daughter which route would you advise me to take?
AnswerDear Jessica,
If you were my daughter I would tell you to have the c-section!!!!!! At this time in your life all you want is a healthy baby boy with the least amount of stress. You have already experienced a vaginal birth, which a lot of women have not! This time just think of the safest way to have your baby. When you go in for a scheduled c-section it is totally different than a emergency c-section. You can choose the date you want to have your baby, have everything at home ready for the care of your daughter. A lot of women say it is so much easier the second time because usually the first time they have gone through labor and push and still end up with a section. Also if you do find a doctor that will do a vbac they will not use pitocin, you will have to go into labor on your own, plus if anything happens in labor, trust me, they will rush back for a section. Then once again you will be in a stressful situation. Today we do so many sections its almost common place, I know you are concerned with complications but you really don't see that many. Also, you can have more children,
you will just have c-sections, women do this all the time.
You can also have everything written out what you want for the c-section. Examples are you want your husband to take pictures after the birth, he can also cut the cord in the warmer after birth,that you want to see the baby before he goes to the nursery, and you want to start breastfeeding (if you plan too) as soon as possible. These are just a few examples. Your first c-section was totally different than the one you are about to experience this time if you plan on going that route.
Trust me I am not pro c-section, but in your situation after the lose of twins not that long ago I would tell you to have a c-section. Please keep me informed and I am so sorry of the lose of your twins. Hope this helps!!!
Of course, this is only my personal and professional opinion. Please consult your own physician to make this decision
