VBAC looking like another C.....

[Macca79]

I am now 'past due' for this bub by 3 days and after seeing the OB yesterday she has told me that if bub is not here by Tuesday arvo next week she wants to do another c section. The reason for this being that bubs head is engaged but at the moment it's just not coming down enough. This happened with DS but he got stuck after 15 hours of labour and was an emergency c section. He ended up with a 40 cm head that just never fit through.

I have been told it's not my pelvis, that is fine DS was just big (10 pounds and 56 cm long). This bub is smaller and measuring with a smaller head (had a scan 3 weeks ago) but despite 2 cervical stretch and sweeps and stop start labour for 3 weeks (full on labour pains that last for up to 12 hours, get very regular and then stop) this bubs head is not coming down any more then it already is. My cervix is already 3 cm dilated (has been for a week now) is soft low and ready to go.

I have done everything to prepare for a VBAC with a very supportive partner, our original plan was to homebirth but in our area previous c sections rule you out. I have read heaps of books on natural birthing etc. I have been practicing OFP (Optimal Fetal Positioning) even several rounds of acupuncture, walking, leaning forward you name it, everything to have this baby naturally. Nothing seems to work and the prospect of another surgical delivery is really devastating. But at the same time DS birth was so traumatic and distressing to both of us Im not prepared to go through a long labour and emergency c section like that again.

So I guess the question is how do you prepare for an 'elective' c section you don't want but might actually need?

[Michelle71]

OK - this is going to sound completely out there BUT are you ready?? Have you emotionally and psychologically *let go* and decided to let you body take the reins??

With my VBAC (post emerg c-section for failed vaginal breech) I was so concerned about the birthdate (she was due Christmas Day) that it wasn't until I consciously decided that any day she arrived was meant to be her birthday that anything happened. 24 hours later there was a show and the next day she was here. The pre-labour was because she was posterior and I believe I had to turn my brain (and my fears) off before she would make her entrance. The mind is a very powerful tool and birth doesn't happen if there is mummy stress. The stress hormones are just all wrong!!

Maybe try for acupuncture and ask for some mummy relaxation help as well as the baby come on out stuff. Good luck

[Fleur]

No advice on how to prepare I'm afraid...
I did have the threat of a repeat CS hanging over me if I didn't go into labour, just because there's not a lot they can do to induce. All I was offered was AROM, but at my antenatal appt at 41 weeks my cervix was very high & closed, if it had stayed like that then it would hve meant a CS.
I left that appt in tears... went into labour 3 days later.
I know this is a bit different to your situation.
I do think as Michelle said your mind has a lot to do with it. I tied up a few loose ends & went into labour the next day.

As for preparing for CS.. I guess I was just telling myself that it doesn't really matter how they get here, just that they do... that the birth is one day in their lives & there is so much more afterwards to be treasured & enjoyed... that it would be a better experience than the emergency CS as we would be prepared & know what was happening ahead of time....basically trying to find whatever 'pluses' I could. I hadn't really given it much thought until then as I had assumed I wouldn't need one.

I guess the key is to open yourself up to be accepting of things happening however they need to.. .but I know that's not easy. All I could think about was how it wasn't going to my plan, dammit!

I hope whatever the outcome that you have a happy & empowering birth

[bon]

My midwife at my antenatal appointment was talking about this the other day - she told me that often with second and subsequent babies the head doesn't tend to go right down until the very last minute - for many women, it won't happen until they are actually in labour.

Your body sounds like it is definitely ready for the birth I don't really have any advice on how to prepare for a c/s, but I agree that relaxation and mentally "letting go" will help. I am trying to work on that myself atm! Also, think about the kind of experience you would like if you do have a c/s - what would help make it a more positive thing for you? Forming a birth plan might help get your thoughts together and feel more in control of what happens.

[Fleur]

My midwife at my antenatal appointment was talking about this the other day - she told me that often with second and subsequent babies the head doesn't tend to go right down until the very last minute - for many women, it won't happen until they are actually in labour.

I meant to add before - my daughter did not engage until she was ready to be born. I was made to sit on the bed & not move for fear of a cord prolapse - when she did move down it was right before she crowned.

[Liviam]

Macca grab that DH of yours and DTD heaps and heaps. Nothing like natural postogladins to help get labour moving. Also try nipple stimulation. Oh don't forget to have lots of O's too. I've got everything crossed for you.
I agree with Michelle. Your mind is such a powerful tool with childbirth. Have a beautiful relaxing bath and let go and get our mind in the right place (easier said than done I know).
YOU CAN DO IT!!! Best of luck.