VBAC

Hi, I had a consultant call today as my son was a c section due to being 10lbs 9oz and I'm currently 13 weeks pregnant with my second. He told me there's a 1 in 200 chance my scar could open if I have a natural delivery and that it's usually a lot safer if you go into labour naturally over being inducted, etc. I just wanted to see other people views on this? I feel like they were trying to scare me into having another c section? I'd obviously rather have a natural delivery, especially since I will have a 3 year old to chase around as well as a newborn to care for! He said it's just information at this point, and I'll have a growth scan around 32 weeks and then will see him again to discuss my birth plan. I e been crying all day at the thought of another c section just want to hear some positive VBAC stories!

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Isn't a 1 in 200 chance REALLY low? That's less than a percent. That sounds promising if you ask me.

When I was pregnant with my second child (first child was an emergency c section) they said there was absolutely no reason why I couldn't try for a vaginal delivery, it's only after two or more c sections that they advise against it. In the end of I opted for an elective anyway, but if you've only had one c section your risks are minimal.

I had an emergency c section in May 2022 and then in May 2024 I tried to go for a Vbac delivery but I ended up opening my scar back up and going in for another emergency c section. But I’m still glad I gave natural a go first as I really didn’t want another c section xx

How long between deliveries will you have? When I spoke to the consultant he said 75% of women, with straightforward pregnancies go on to have a successful VBAC. I think this was based on only having had 1 prior c-section. The % is lower for multiple previous sections or if there are additional complications. I don’t think he was trying to scare you, it’s factually correct that it’s safer to go into labour spontaneously over being induced, if you’ve had a prior section. Are you UK based? There is some info on the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists website & the Royal College of Midwifery. I would highly recommend having a look and making your decision based off the facts on there. It’s what I’ve done for my current pregnancy, due December and I’ve decided that for me the odds aren’t good enough to opt for VBAC over elective section x