VBAC with chronic hypertension

From the beginning of this pregnancy I've advised my ob that I want to try for a VBAC if I go into labour naturally before my scheduled c/sec (I have enough medical issues to cover several women) and he's agreed to this. I'm about to see him again and need to ask any last questions I have.

However, I suffer from chronic hypertension and my BP goes up under stress. Never having been in labour before, I can't anticipate how I'll handle the pain. My pain threshhold isn't so bad, but my anxiety tends to reduce me emotional threshold in some situations. I've been seeing a antenatal psych who advised that due to my BP issues that a epidural would be provided to me in a flash if I requested. But as I'm working through the final details I've read that epidurals aren't great in VBAC's.

Has anyone had any experience with a VBAC with chronic hypertension and what was the outcome not just for the birth but the recovery. I had severe PE with DS and I would not wish trying to recover from PE or high BP with a newborn on anyone.

I'm just trying to get as much information as possible on what could prove to make or break my attempt at a VBAC. Any info would be appreciated!

Hi livsgoesagain,
I have had 2c/s and will be attempting a VBA2C in March 09. I had an epidural with my first labor and firmly believe that I would not have had the c/s if I had avoided the epidural. I don't know the stats of the top of my head but epidurals increase your liklyhood of having a c/s. Epidurals are also not reccomended in VBACS as they can cover the pain from any rupture or partial rupture so it is really better to avoide an epidural if possible.
I hope all goes well.
Jules

Hi Liv, not sure if your little girl has arrived yet. And I haven't had a VBAC . . .yet. But regarding the epidual, it's kind of a hard one. Epi's are not usually recommended for VBAC, however an epi CAN reduce your blood pressure during labour if it is high. I would be interrested to hear what your OB says about it.
Best of luck whichever way you go.

Tamara

Hi Spice,

Know it's been a long time since you responded.

I actually ended up having DD 2 days after I wrote the thread. Unfortunately DD had started showing signs of distress on and off over the two week period prior and push finally came to shove. Sad to say - no VBAC. But glad to have a healthy daughter.

I never got to ask the ob whether an epidural was viable.

Thanks
Liv