Yes its normal to start getting bh earlier in subsequent pregnancies. Mine start about 12 to 15 wks now. Take note of them though and act if you have any concerns about them.

If you are feeling movements at the side but not at the front, sounds like an anterior placenta. I had an anterior placenta with #5 and i felt her heaps at the sides. I would not think an anterior placenta would affect chances of a VBAC, only if it was low.