Vaginal Birth After C-Section: Giving Women the Option

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desperately seeking answers. I had a c section on my 1st child (11.5lbs, horizontal cut), different doctor c section on the second child (9lbs 12oz). This same doctor is delivering my 3rd due Oct 3rd, but just told me she had to do a t-cut when she delivered my 2nd child because her head couldn't fit thru the incision made on the 1st child. I'm not really being asked,but told I have to take the child I'm carrying out at 36 weeks, 4 weeks early because of the risks. yet I'm having trouble finding anything that says it has to be so early. Anyone? help?

sulu293 of HI 3:24PM July 12, 2010

desperately seeking answers. I had a c section on my 1st child (11.5lbs, horizontal cut), different doctor c section on the second child (9lbs 12oz). This same doctor is delivering my 3rd due Oct 3rd, but just told me she had to do a t-cut when she delivered my 2nd child because her head couldn't fit thru the incision made on the 1st child. I'm not really being asked,but told I have to take the child I'm carrying out at 36 weeks, 4 weeks early because of the risks. yet I'm having trouble finding anything that says it has to be so early. Anyone? help?

sulu293 of HI 3:05PM July 12, 2010

I, for one, did not try to blame anyone else. However, I was disturbed by the fact that my own obstetrician, who was not on call for the birth, could not get my medical records when we were planning for the birth of my 3rd child. The hospital provided only a typewritten paragraph that said a cesarean was performed. Is that right either?
Do you believe that the hospitals and doctors have an obligation to make sure there are enough anesthesiologists and other support staff available to handle the situation if a VBAC goes wrong? There are a lot of factors involved in making an informed decision. Probably ones that aren't addressed beforehand.
As far as liability. I am living in a country under socialized medicine where there is no medical liability. Yes, the US is very litigious and it's an issue that has to be addressed but the underlying premise behind the protection makes sense. You woudn't believe the blatant negligence that happens here. I'm not saying the docs do these things on purpose but I do believe they are much more flippant with their advice and might think twice about making sure they are right before dispensing it if there was recourse for the victims. Example: Numerous women contacted a journalist to tell their stories of how their babies died during birth because the doctors refused to come in the night and the nurses were beligerant with them because they had to 'feel the pain' and the women were just complaining. So be very careful what you wish for.

Deb of MA 5:43AM March 13, 2010

Women (and families) should have the choice of a repeat c-section or VBAC. We should not take that away. But, then they have to be willing to accept the outcome, even when it is not the one they want or expect. The problem is that when there is a bad outcome even though it is rare, they always want some to "blame". Hospitals and doctors are not going to continue to accept that responsibility. A uterine rupture does not equal a bad outcome, but when there is one it cannot be predicted and that is not negligence. You want the choice, than accept the outcome, and release the providers from liability.

LW of MO 9:02PM March 12, 2010

I agree a woman should be able to sit down and talk it out so she can make an informed decision. Unfortunately, most of the people she will talk to will have their own agenda/opinions they will be touting. And the pessimist in me believes some are probably colored by those who would benefit most by a drop in the overall cost of births. I tried a VBAC. My baby was born by a crash C section (just like my first) and suffered neurological issues. Nine years later and I am still kicking myself for feeling pressured into it. My doc didn't push it per se but I was given books that preached the benefits of a vaginal birth for both infant and mother and how safe VBACs are. Sure, the statistics may indicate only a small number have to be worried but if you're one of those few...

Deb of MA 7:32AM March 12, 2010

Simple - pass laws releasing providers / hospitals of liability from uterine rupture after VBAC in lawsuits by patients/families.
Everyone knows the risk is very low. Having taking care of the asphyxiated infants who survive after this very rare complication, families facing this very rare tragedy often find the greater good a difficult concept to swallow.

Neodoc of WA 8:03PM March 11, 2010

My daughter had her first baby by C-section . . .followed by 3 vaginal births with no complications. I agree that when there are no complicating facts to increase the risk, a woman should have that option.

Linda of AZ 4:38PM March 11, 2010