VBAC Planning: Navigating Risks and Options in Your Pregnancy

Question
I'm am going to be 22 in September, i am now in my fifth pregnancy due October 11th. My first pregnancy was a spontaneous miscarriage that required a D&C and it was at age 16. at age 17 i became pregnant with my son (who is to be 4 on October 9th) and delivered him by emergency C- section (because of his heart rate) at age 18. at age 19 i became pregnant again and had a surgical abortion, at age 20 that circumstance repeated itself. Now that i am pregnant again at 21 i want to have a VBAC and then have tubal ligation. what, if any, are the increased risks after the 2 surgical abortions on the VBAC and tying of the tubes?

Answer
As with any VBAC, the biggest risk comes with induction methods. VBACs should never be induced and certainly not by pitocin as it can cause uterine rupture.

However, it may be that you have some uterine scarring from the surgical abortion (assuming it wasn't a D&C) depending on how it was done. I would consult your midwife or doctor about having an early ultrasound performed to check on your uterine lining and tissues. In addition, placenta previa (or other placenta problems) can develop in women with numerous c-sections or uterine surgeries so it would be good to check on this as well.

Please let me know if I can help you further or with anything else.

Best wishes,
Helen =)