VBAC Risks & Concerns: A 38-Year-Old's Pregnancy Dilemma

Question
Hi,

I am 38 yrs of old. I have two children one that I had natural who is now 17years old and one c-section with my 6 years old.  I did have a couple of early pregnancies in between which ended up with a d & c. I am now 35 weeks pregnant and my OB is pushing me aggressively for a VBAC. If I go with a VBAC and go into labor my doctor may or may not be there during my labor. Due to hospital scheduling. So in case of an emergency c-section a Dr. not familiar with me will be the one trying to treat me. But if I have a schedule c-section he would be the DR to preform. Every mother I have spoke to said they were advised not to have a VBAC due to possible uterus rupture. which can be deadly to mother and baby. My past c-section went fine. I had a good group of medical staff and I had no complications at all. I was in the hospital for 2 nights. I have search the web regarding VBAC and 90% of the post are against C-section due to complications. I guess I don't understand because my c-section experience was fine. I am so afraid of endangering my life and my baby's life. I am very afraid of my uterus rupturing. What are the chances of uterus rupture in VBAC? What is VBAC vs. C-sections complications?

Answer
A uterine rupture is a complication of VBAC, but with the lower section cesarean section the incidence is extremely low and in the hands of a good obstetrician the rate is very low indeed. In fact the American College of obstetricians recommends that VBAC be followed unless there any specific contra Indication to a trial of labour. The college has come with with a very good patient education pamphlet on this. You can read it by clicking this link http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp070.cfm

Here is something you can do. Talk to your doctor and tell him your concerns. The both of you could come to  joint decision about how this can be done. Like you can talk you doctor into monitoring you during the delivery so that even if you have to have a C section, he would be doing It.

Thirdly although C section worked fine for you, it is not without its risks. In fact My personal preference is not to subject a woman to C section unless there are compelling reasons to do so. May be you may not agree given your current state of mind, but the natural birthing process in the most efficient and safest way to give birth.