VBAC and stretch and sweep, also preg past 41 weeks?

[javic]

Hi all VBACers!

I'm currently 40 weeks and planning a VBAC. My Dr has said he'll let me go to 42 weeks and then straight to c-section.

One thing I have read is that chance of successful VBAC decreases after 41 weeks. Does anyone have more information on why this is or could you direct me to some good info on this?

Also, my Dr won't induce, which I am fine with, but I wonder if this includes induction by stretch and sweep or ARM. Is there any evidence suggesting that S&S is bad for VBACers? Any VBACers here have S&S done? I'm wondering if I should ask for one, and, if so, when. I have my midwife appointment tomorrow, but think maybe I should wait another week before trying any unnatural inductions. Advice anyone?

[Beach Mama]

Good luck hun! The reason the % decreases after 41 weeks is because not many hospitals and obs will let women go past around then.

I had a s&s like you though I waited til I was 41 weeks but I did acupuncture and Chinese herbs and was 3 cms at 41+4. Most hospitals will not induce with synto as it increases the risk of rupture but some will use arm if bub is low enough.

Good luck and sorry for the errors on my phone.

[Fleur]

Hi javic

I was 'allowed' up to 42 weeks for my VBAC. I went in for a check at 41 weeks & asked for a S&S, Ob was quite happy to do it but could barely find my cervix, it was very high & closed up tight. I went into labour three days later anyway.

AFAIK there is no problem with doing a S&S, just as in any other pregnancy it depends on your body being ready. I have no idea why chances of a succesful should VBAC decrease after 41 weeks? the only thing I can think is as tanstar said, a lot of Obs won't let you go that far. FWIW I was 40+10.

One thing you might ask for is you get to 42 weeks is AROM, that was the one option I had for induction if labour didn't start of it's own accord. And like Tanstar I had acupuncture (tried a few other things as well - RLT, EPO, walking, sex, pineapple, curries, I even played football with my boys). I had three sessions of acupuncture from about 40 weeks.

Good luck!

[informedbirth]

My 3rd bub was a VBA2C and I had a s & s by ob at 2 days past EDD and another by midwife at 7 days over. Was very desparate to have baby and did everthing you could think off to encourage going into spontaneous labour (including massage and reflexology). Baby born on 9th day past EDD after going in to labour spontaneously. In my 4th and last pregnancy, I did nothing apart from a couple of massage/reflexology sessions (which are sooo relaxing) and I just waddled around the place doing daily things that needed doing and no more. Just focused on letting go of everything and letting baby know I was ready. Baby was born on 5th day past EDD. The key is to just try and relax, don't madly rush around trying to get things done, focus on your baby and let him/her know that you are ready. I wouldn't do more than a couple of s&s's as there is always the risk of infection being introduced which can (rarely) have devastating consequences for baby. Make sure care provider washes hands before undertaking s&s. Best wishes.

[~Lashes~]

my first bub was 7 days over, the hospital gave me an appointment for 41 weeks to disscuss induction, i had decided not to go to it and wait for bub to decide, i ended up going into labour that day!
ds2 was 3 weeks early, but the hospital told me they must have had there dates wrong as he had characteristics of an over due bub.
with dd (3rd pg) i was 9 days over, and she came out on her own, no induction or intervention at all.
in my opinion bub will arrive when he/she wants to, some just need a little more time then others!
good luck and definatly go with what your comfortable with!

[~Minny~]

Like you the hospital i was booked into would only let me go 10 days over 14 at the max. I went into labout on the 2nd and by the time I had my check up on the 4th the ob gave me a stretch and sweep then broke my waters the next day. I was 40 + 5 when i had DS