Cesarean Scar Thickness- Should it affect your chances of VBAC?
I had an ultrasound today (38w 3d) to get measurements of my baby's growth and measurements of my scar thickness. The baby's growth- good! The thickness of scar- not so good. I have been getting a slight sharp pain in the left side of my scar for the past couple of days, though it isn't much of a concern and there is not sign of rupture of abnormality. However, the thickness of my uterus on the left side of my scar is only 1.5mm whereas above the scar on my uterus has a thickness of 4.5mm. There are studies to show that the risks increase when there is a thickness under 3.5mm. But there are also other studies that show lower cut-off measurements such as 2.0mm, 2.5mm, some even 1.5mm & 1.0mm. None of the studies are done on a large enough group to really count for much though, so I'm not sure whether or not to think anything of it??? or whether my OB will??? But I see him tomorrow morning so I guess I will know his opinion then.
Here's a link if you are interested in reading about the studies and the latest study:
Sorry hun, all I can offer is that scar thickness was never even mentioned when I was PG with my VBAC baby. I didn't even know they could scan your scar until I read it on BB
It might be one of those things that depends on the Ob, how much importance is placed on it, you know? But I would be wary of placing too much importance on studies based on small gruops etc.
I'm the same as Fleur - I never had mine measured in my pregnancy with DD1 (which ended in another c-section) or with DD2 (VBA2C). And again, I never knew docs did it until I read it on here.
Just gotta wonder how accurate it is in predicting uterine rupture, cos if it was 100% accurate - wouldn't all docs be doing it?
It is only a new study that has been taking place since around 2009. So I don't think it is practised often. And they can't consider it appropriately before more research is done.
Well I saw my OB today and even though the thickness is 1.5mm on the left side and I've had small pains in the area he said that it is thinner and may be an adhesion or window, and that sometimes if something is pushing on it that it may cause uncomfort or slight pain, but he believes it is fine for me to try for a natural birth and is more than happy to do so! He and the midwife also told me that I don't need constant monitoring and they will monitor the baby hourly, I can still walk around and shower and due to my pelvic instability they will even allow me to get in the tub and be able birth in whatever position is more comfortable. So I'm feeling really positive and supported! Fingers crossed!
I've never heard of them measuring scar thickness either, with neither of my 2 bubs born after my 2 c-sections. Must be a new trick obs have up their sleeves!
Hope all goes well.
Thanks everyone! I successfully had my VBAC on Saturday, it went so well! Regardless of my scar thickness... I had pain on the thin side of my scar during contractions and the pushing stage which was scary and I thought that it was going to rupture but they kept me reassured and it was absolutely fine after the birth I'm so pleased with the outcome it was so empowering and I'm home today already!
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Cesarean Scar Thickness- Should it affect your chances of VBAC?
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