VBAC Vs. Elective Caesarean for second child?

Well, induction itself carries an increased risk of c-section, so if you can avoid that, you might have a better chance. I would always choose a vaginal delivery first, but be prepared for anything. Second deliveries are often much easier than firsts, so perhaps your body will be better prepared for this one. It's a very personal decision. Some people like the convenience of a c-section because it can be scheduled and you'll know exactly when everything is going to happen. But vaginal deliveries are more natural and supposedly healthier for mom and baby. Also, vaginal deliveries are cheaper, since you don't have insurance.

First of all, where does your husband get off that he doesn't want to add any risk by selecting a c-section? More women die or are permanently injured from c-sections than from VBACs. He is way off base. I would attempt labor. Most of the serious complications from VBAC are doctor induced, but since they no longer induce or give labor enhancing drugs to women with prior C-sections, if you don't go into labor on your own, then c-section becomes your only choice. There is no reason, however, that you can't wait until a week after your due date to have a c-section. Your specialist is feeding you a big fat lie or he is incapable of reading percentages. It is .10%, not 10% that have complications. Old stitches breaking open just doesn't happen unless you use labor enhancing medications. Your kidney disease is a completely different story, but since your specialist is already lying to you, I don't know what to say other than to get a second opinion from a completely unrelated doctor. I don't see how pushing can affect the kidneys and more than pregnancy would. A 7 year age gap is a lot bigger than I would prefer, but there is no point in worrying about it because it is something you cannot now change.

Hi,

I am in Australia and dont have private health insurance either. I had a caesarean with my first son in 2006 due to him not being able to fit through my pelvis.

I am 22 wks pregnant with my second son and have chosen to have an elective caesarean again as I dont want to risk the stress on my baby. I know there are alot of people out there who have successfully given birth after having a caesar but my personal decision is to not take the chance.

Whatever you decide MUST be your own decision - ask your doctor for the pro's and con's and decide yourself.

Ultimately, all we want is a healthy baby so do whats best for you.

From what I've heard, there is usually no reason not to try to have a natural birth after having a previous c-section. I don't know about the health care system in Australia, but if you can go to a midwife, I have much preferred the midwives I see now over the OB I went to originally. If you have the baby in a hospital, then you can try for the natural birth and then if you need extra help it will be available.

I had a similar situation, and my OB told me this time since my pregnancies are close together (my children will be 18 months apart), that i don't have the option of a natural delivery. Something about the old incision.

i had a cesar with my last baby and i had 5 naturals before that and im pregnant with my last and i will opt for a cesar this time as well so i can get my tubes tied at the same time good luck with you decision