QuestionHello Brenda,
I have a question regarding c sections. I had a c section with my son, almost 8 years ago because I have a tilted cervix, and he was almost 10 pounds. I am going to give birth in a few weeks and I was wondering what your opinion is about vbacs. My doctor is giving me the choice, however she is highly recommending a c section. I think she is concerned because my son was so big, and I am having another boy, which the chances are he will be big too.I know that I have had a c-section before, but I am really scared about a blood clot, or other complications. On the flip, I know that there is also a chance of your uterus rupturing during a vbac. What is your opinion regarding this?
AnswerDear Allison,
The risk of a blood clot is approximately 3 to 5 times higher after a C-section than with a vaginal delivery. However, your doctor takes precautions to avoid this and getting up to walk as soon as possible after delivery minimizes the incidence of blood clots. Conversely, the risk of your uterus rupturing with a scheduled repeat C-section is virtually nil as opposed to with a VBAC.
The decision really is yours. I had the exact same situation. My first baby was frank breech (bottom first) and would not turn manually after several painful attempts. With the second, we strongly considered and planned on VBAC, went through Lamaze, the whole bit. Then they decided to do an amnio to determine fetal lung maturity and estimated his size at 8 lbs. Since I had an untested pelvis, they advised a repeat section. That's the way we went and everything went fine. Fast forward a couple of years - I am working in home health and begin working for a pediatric client who had cerebral palsy. It turned out that her mother had a VBAC and her uterus ruptured during labor. Although there were some circumstances which I feel could have possibly prevented the extent of damage (opinion only), the result was the CP and lifelong in-home nursing care.
Now, obviously, there have been a huge number of successful VBACs and this was one isolated case. Personally, I think my connection with this family was God's way of making me quit resenting the fact I could not have a vaginal because after that day I never again gave it a second thought. But the point is that it is a very personal decision. I am a firm believer that there is a plan for us and we just don't know all the ins and outs of it until they happen. Your heart usually tells you what to do - just be still and listen. :-)
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well and a blessed delivery.
Brenda
