VBAC might be possible - but I have some questions

I am 37 weeks pg and I am now starting to ask myself some questions..

I had an elective c-section with DD at 38+ weeks as my ob said I had a small pelvis and I didn't know any better than to believe him. I am currently booked in for another c-section at 39 weeks for this bub which we are happy about, but after being admitted at 35+5 for early contractions, the midwife (s) and ob on duty gave us something to think about, and having an appointment with my ob's mw tomorrow, just wanted to ask some questions before I see her.

My baby has been engaged since about 28 weeks. The mw when I was admitted last week asked if things progressed did I want to try naturally or go straight for c-sect? This question took both me and DH by suprise. She also said that if it definately wasn't going to fit, it wouldn't be that far down in my pelvis? Is that true? She said that baby has already done a lot of the hard work getting to where he has..

We know that there is no guaratees that it will work if we attempt a VBAC but if there is a good chance that given the current position of bub that it may happen vaginally, we want to give it a go should I go into natural labour before the booked c-sect..

Thanks for any advice you may be able to give..

Hi Heather
There is no way that your OB or anyone else can accurately measure the size of your pelvis. When they measure the size of your pelvis you are flat on your back. In this position your pelvis is at its smallest. You are also laying still, this is something that you would not be doing when you are in labour. Moving around alters the size and shape of your pelvis making it easier for your baby to pass through. I would suggest that you do some more reading on this prior to making your final decision.

Hi Heather,

It is sad that so many women have been flatly lied to and told that their bodies are defective, when in actual fact, it is our maternity services and the obstetric management of birth that is defective and dysfunctional. They leave you feeling that there is something "wrong" with your body, undermining your trust and confidence, instead of telling the truth - that the defensive, controlling obstetric management of a normal birth process can have a counter-productive effect resulting in unnecessary surgery.

There is an excellent workshop being conducted by two Midwives who I think are the most skilled in teaching women how to find out about their own pelvises and how to make maximum space for the baby in your own pelvis. It sounds like you have ample room, but this workshop is so encouraging as you learn to feel with your own fingers just how your unique pelvis is shaped. It's run by Jenny Blyth and Fiona Hallinan. If you would like to email me on autumnrainoz@bigpond.com, I can email you a pdf flyer about this workshop. I think these two women are really the best in this field.

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to have a VBAC. You might want to think about choosing a different careprovider though. You could also hire a doula, she can help you access the information you need to feel really confident. She could also help you labour at home for as long and possible and move to hospital when you are almost ready to push - which maximises your chances of dodging unnecessary intervention.

Good luck to you, and strength and courage to you, as you research your options.

Here's a couple of links that might help your quest:

Question CPD - from the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)

Birth Rites - healing after ceasarean

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/C...vbacindex.html

Thanks for that Julie, but I might be a bit late to do any workshops. I am 38 weeks tomorrow..

After our early labour a few weeks ago, and the options given, DH and I had been discussing what would happen.. Our biggest fear kept going back to complications with the 'small pelvis'..

The m/w's at the hospital and the ob's m/w that I saw last week (she also works on the labour ward at the hospital) said that if I go into spontaneous labour that they will not get the ob in until I am either having complications or baby is about to be born.. And they will not let an ob push for a ceaser if the mother is labouring well and no complications present..

We have also decided that if we reach the 39 weeks that ceaser is booked for, then we will just go with it. We know what is involved with the ceaser and the selfish side of us is happy to go with the 'devil we know'. But if this little one does decide to come in the next week, we will just decide at the time the best option..

But again, thanks for your advice.. Who knows DH may talk me into a 3rd baby? :p