My firstborn came into the world in the most natural way possible—no medications, minimal medical intervention. And let me tell you, it was incredibly intense. My second child, however, was delivered via an emergency C-section. That experience was tough too, but for entirely different reasons. I felt robbed of the beauty of childbirth, as I was heavily medicated and couldn’t fully grasp what was happening. Still, I returned home with a healthy, beautiful baby I instantly adored.
I believe there’s no shame in any birthing method, and I don’t carry any, but my C-section left a lingering ache in my heart. So, for this final pregnancy, I’m determined to pursue a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Now, a VBAC isn’t a sure thing. There are risks, and a C-section might still be necessary if complications arise. As noted by WebMD, women attempting VBACs generally undergo TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean), which serves as a rehearsal before the big event. If everything goes smoothly during labor, I can move on to the pushing stage. However, it’s worth mentioning that about 40% of women who plan for a VBAC will still end up needing a C-section.
The primary concern during a VBAC is the risk of uterine rupture, which sounds as terrifying as it is. The scar tissue from a C-section can, in rare cases, rupture, posing serious risks to both mother and baby. Thankfully, for those with a low transverse scar—the standard practice in the U.S.—the risk of rupture is quite low. In fact, less than 1 in 100 women face serious danger of this occurring.
The symptoms of a uterine rupture can be alarming because there’s no way to predict or diagnose it beforehand—you won’t know it’s happening until you’re right in the thick of it. According to Healthline, some signs to watch for include excessive vaginal bleeding, sudden pain between contractions, and a rapid heart rate in the mother.
Despite these risks, which are rare but certainly daunting, I am still choosing to attempt a VBAC with guidance from my trusted OB. She believes I’m a strong candidate for this path, and I have faith in her ability to recognize when either my baby or I might need additional support. Interventions can be necessary, and I’m fully open to that if the situation calls for it.
I draw inspiration from the VBAC success stories I’ve encountered on sites like The VBAC Link and Birth Without Fear Blog. These women have shared their incredible journeys of overcoming obstacles to achieve the births they desired, even in the face of previous negative experiences. Reading these stories makes the idea of a VBAC feel more relatable and attainable for me.
Every mother has complicated feelings about her childbirth experiences. For some, a C-section is the ideal choice, and that’s perfectly valid. But for me, as I approach this pregnancy, my heart is urging me to strive for as natural a birth as possible.
With deep breaths, my OB and I have crafted a plan—and a backup just in case—so I’ll enter the delivery room with my husband at my side, ready to support me as I give it my all to bring this baby into the world. I genuinely believe this is the best path for both my baby and me this time around.
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Summary:
In this article, I share my decision to pursue a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for my final pregnancy. My first birth was natural, but my second was an emergency C-section, leaving me feeling like I missed out on the birth experience. While I understand the risks involved with VBACs, I trust my OB and am inspired by success stories from other women. My goal is to have a more natural birth this time, and with a solid plan in place, I’m ready to embrace the journey ahead.