Moms who've had a c-section...

I dont want to start any kind of debate so please just answer the poll.

Are you planning a VBAC.

FH and I are getting ready to TTC again and I was just wondering about everyone else.

Can one ever determine how its going to happen?? That is a honest question, not meant to start a debate or anything. With the way these babies are they come how they want, is it ever guranteed???

Maybe I should have been more specific...

I had an emergency c/s with Emma. If I had the CHOICE I would have given birth the vaginally. For #2 if God determines that a c/s is it then so be it but I might want to go to the hospital like I did with Emma... with every determination to have her naturally.

There is a choice to have a repeat or a VBAC as long as everything is 'normal' I was wondering what the general consensus (sp?) was here for the women who have had a c/s

Michele - I remember when I went for my 6 week check up with Emma. He said there is no problem with a VBAC but there is a chance of rupture. He said #2 was up to me. I love my DR

Can someone please explain further why is it harder for a woman who has had a c-section for them to have a vaginal birth on their second child.

i think bc it can cause pressure and possible tearing on the old wound - where the c section was? thats a guess on my part.

Yes also the same problem that she had before could happen again. When we have a 2nd child I will be opting to have another section.

From what I understand, there is a riisk of uterine rupture with the VBAC although with the way C-Sections are done now I believe they say that risk has gone way down (vertical slice vs. horizontal slice--sorry to be so graphic). Also, I think the risk is higher the closer your second pregnancy is to the first.

Edited to add: I'm going for the repeat CS even though my doc wants me to go for VBAC. Forget it!

Thanks for all the input guys.

I originally wanted the repeat but I am leaning toward the fence. I know I dont want to experience labor again but I am now beginning to be able to touch my scar... its been 20 months (today)

In answer to Shamma's question:
When a woman has had a c-section, there is a risk of uterine rupture-basically the uterus opening along the old incision site-when she goes into labor. For this reason, if a woman has already had a c-section, she can choose to have a repeat c-section or to try for a vaginal delivery. The risk is very small but it is your right to decide if you want to take that risk. If you had a vertical incision on your uterus-which is rare-than you are not allowed to VBAC because the risk is much higher. The reason for the original c-section also plays a role in the decision. If it was an emergency because of fetal distress or an elective section for a breech the odds are better than for someone who had a labor-related problem. Other than that, its a very personal decision. No right or wrong answers, you have to do what's best for you.

My 'area' (sorry sounds funny saying that) is completly healed. I have a SLIGHT red scar just above my bikini line. Its probably about 4' long. Since the nerve endings were cut it has that numb feeling. Its not too bad but you know its different from your regular skin. I just dont like to touch it.

The uterus was cut so if you take something like a piece of paper and cut it in 1/2 then tape it back together it will never be 100% as strong as it was to begin with. Its healed with scar tissue but there is always a chance that a section is not as strong as the rest.

Karen, thanks for explaining that I really appreciate that. I have never seen anyone's up close who have had a c-section, all my friends, so far except 1 has had v-birth. She is not shy, so I will have to ask her to show me. I never thought to ask her