Often times choosing a repeat c-sections seems to be a popular choice. I do think that there are other options however.
I will not be choosing to have another c-section. I plan to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and plan to make choices that will lead to a successful birthing time.
One of the biggest reasons women choose not to have a VBAC is the risk for uterine rupture. If a doctor told you that you have a higher chance of having your uterus rupture, most likely killing both you and your baby, it sounds pretty good to just go for a repeat c-section. I believe if you take a look at the hard facts, and sometimes the motivating reasons for why doctors say this, you may decide differently.
Obstetrics and Gynecology released this 10 year population study of uterine rupture in October 2002. Out of 114,933 deliveries and there was 18 of those that had a complete uterine rupture, zero of those resulting in the mother dying, and only 2 of those 114,933 resulted in death of the baby due to uterine rupture, one of them the mother had not even had a pervious c-section.
Risk. There are risks with either choice. The risk for a repeat c-section is infection, adhesions, hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and placenta abnormalities. You are limited in the amount of children you can having when having a c-section, most providers will max you out at 3, some will say 4, some will even say 2. Also, babies born by c-section are 3 times more likely to develop complications after birth.
You must choose what you feel has the lowest risk. Look at all the information and make a decision that is best for you and your family. These are our choices, I have no judgement for those who make different choices than mine, this is what is best for our family.
We will choose to have a vaginal birth. We will not use any form of induction because it can increase your risk of uterine rupture. (so when it gets to be September, please don't ask when baby is coming, because I will have no clue) We will not use any medications or drugs (including an epidural) because it can slow down labor, which most often times will need to be assisted by the use of pitocin which can increase risk of uterine rupture. We will not be having any unnecessary interventions from the hospital and we will be careful watching my diet, exercise, and chiropractic care to ensure my body is in the best shape, and that baby is in the best position. I do not want to be limit in the amount of child I can have. Uterine rupture is very very uncommon. When it does occur, most often times there is little damage, sometimes the tear is so small that it goes unnoticed for years.
I share this with you because I do believe that VBAC is possible, and I do believe there are options. Look into your options within childbirth, not just for VBAC, and make decisions that are best for you and your family. Doctors are not God, they do not always know all, that is why different doctors have different opinions. Don't just take your doctors word for it, look it up, look at the facts for yourself, then make a decision.
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You go girl:) Thank you for sharing and I hope you find peace in this decision. Do not be discouraged by others who don't understand why you would choose this. You know what is right for your child and family.
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