You can have one but there are a number of reasons why they aren't a great idea with VBAC. One is that they say that it can possibly mask the pain of a uterine rupture, (your odds of this happening is pretty small though anyway). One of the most important others is that once you have an epi you are flat on your back and on the bed so your chances of being successful in your VBAC decrease, as anyone who has an epi increases their chances of other intervention like forceps or c/s. You would want to be as active as possible during labour. Having said all that it is a pain relief option like it is for any birth. Read up and do your research, SIlent Knife is a wonderful book if you are planning on a VBAC. Good luck!
Its really not recommended to have one with a VBAC. There are other ways to deal with the pain of birth without needed pain relief. Have you considered a Doula? If not I highly recommend that you think about getting one to support you for your birth as there is conclusive evidence that having one can lower the incidence of needing pain relief during birth. A Doula will also coach you through the birth, helping you find positions that will enable you to give birth effectively.
I have just successfully achieved my VBAC. I did have an epidural inserted but not activated. They were concerned I was feeling the need to push before I was fully dilated - silly moos, because our daughter was born 15 minutes after it was inserted and before the test dose could even take effect. It was inserted as a precaution as this time I wanted to be awake if I needed to proceed for a c-section.
They do not like having them active due to you not being able to detect changes in sensation that may indicate a uterine rupture - a very small risk. It also increases your potential for intervention and decreases your chances of a successful VBAC because you can't move around and you are unable to feel effectively during the pushing stage.
Spoke to my OB today about this as we are attempting a VBAC... he said an Epi if absolutely fine, and that although bub will have to be monitored during active labour, walking around prior to then is fine... and advised...
Hiya! Everything everyone has said is really important and you should definatly get as informed as possible but I thought i'd let you know that I had an epi with my VBAC and everything went really, really well. I had a fusion?? If thats right - it was a continuous drip thing instead of a one off shot of stuff. It started to wear off and I could feel the contractions (felt like butterflies!) a little bit just before she was born. I could push and she popped out really easily, no tears or anything and she was my biggest (8lb13). Obviously not for everybody but it worked well for me
Epi for VBAC
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