Wednesday, April 8, 2009

To VBAC or Not to VBAC

That is the question. My OB check up today left me with questions I haven't pondered in months. After Lawson came via C-Section, I've wondered if I'd have to do another C-section or not. When we found out about my gene mutations this time around, a repeat C-section was STRONGLY recommended. The blood thinner I am on takes 12 hours to leave the system and until that 12 hours is up, you can not receive a spinal or an epidural. For a scheduled C-section, you can plan around your last shot. For a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), there is no such thing as a plan.

Up until now, I've just been thinking that we would schedule my C-section, I'd show up and she'd be born. Well, then I started wondering, what if I go into labor early? I asked the doctor that question today and he said that in that case I'd have to be knocked out for this C-section, just like with Lawson. Doing a spinal epidural with blood thinners in my system is out of the question, as it can cause uncontrolled bleeding by the spine. This is obviously a bad thing, so to get around it, we would have to do general anesthesia. So, I ventured to ask if a VBAC at that point would be out of the question. Surprise answer: Not out of the question at all. If I feel I could cope with the pain for at least the first 12 hours (since I'd not be able to receive an epidural) I could absolutely try a VBAC. So, if I could try a VBAC in that situation, why not just go ahead with a planned VBAC? That is the question of the hour for me. Quite a shift in thinking, as I had counted that option out, but an exciting thought, none-the-less.

4 comments:

  1. I'll be going natural this time with you! You can do it! And just watch, you'll have her in less than 12 hours anyways :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I hear it's better that way if you can take it. When it's over, it's over. No lingering effects. What made you decide to try it au natural?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am sure you know what I would say...VBAC! Do some sort of hypnobabies or hypnobirthing and it is amazing how you can transport yourself and totally manage any kind of discomfort. I had an almost pain free birth! It will not last forever! My friend Jen has an awesome website www.vbacfacts.com, she is a wealth of info about VBACS. Her first was a c-section and her second was a HBAC.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You can totally handle it. I had an epidural with Kayley, and an Intrathecal with Brielle, but Maeghan came so fast that they couldn't give me anything, and I delivered in a little podunk hospital with a doc who's not an OB/GYN, and there's definately no real birthing center or alternatives to just sitting on a bed and having contractions. Utilize all the natural birthing techniques that the hospital can provide you. She'll probably come before that anyway and then you'll have no crazy drug after effects.

    ReplyDelete