Should I push for a VBAC?

[2moms3kids]

I am 31 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. My first was a c-section 6 years ago due to macrosomia. She was 9lbs at 38 weeks and they didn't want to risk attempting a vaginal birth. No other issues and the c-section went off without a hitch.

6 years and 2 kids later (my partner carried #2), my OB doesn't want to attempt a VBAC b/c (and only because) I am overweight and she doesn't want to have to do an emergency c-section.

While I understand that an emergency c-section on an overweight woman can be harder, who is to say that I couldn't have an easy vaginal delivery. Baby is measuring average size, not 90th% like my first and I haven't gained any weight this pregnancy (after 60+lbs in my last).

WWYD? Do you think I should push the issue and say if I go into labor on my own BEFORE my scheduled c-section date (39ish weeks) then I want to attempt a VBAC? I really would like to avoid the surgery and long recovery now that I am a SAHM with 2 other children to care for!

Thanks!

Sarah

[liberal_chick]

I don't see any reason up there that you aren't an awesome candidate for a VBAC.  I'm overweight and had two awesome HBACs.  And, quite honestly, I would wait to go into labor whether you decide to have a c/s or not.  There are lots of benefits to it for baby (although not any for the doctor).

I would just say that you'd like to cancel your scheduled c/s date and go into labor.  If things are progressing, you'll be having a VBAC and if the need arises for a c/s, well, then ok.

Of course, that is just my opinion.  :)

[lexapurple]

From your words it sound to me that your doctor doesn't want to consider VBAC for her own convenience and I think you should push harder for VBAC if there are no risk factors for you. If she finds that being overweight is somehow make it more dangerous to have an emergency CS I would ask her to tell you why and weigh that information. If there are no other risk factors for you, I would ask her if she schedules CS for every overweight mother? What if they need an emergency CS and what would it make it more likely for you to need a TRUE emergency CS than them? Just my opinion, but it is not like you had a CS last time because there was an emergency or severe complication during labor. Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to judge you but I had a lady in my class her first was 9lb6oz baby and she was born vaginally without any issues. It doesn't sound like you were even given a chance to see if the baby would come out and it doesn't sound to me that it is reasonable to deny you to try have this baby naturally. On other hand if she is already so pessimistic about you, it may be that she will not be trully supportive during your VBAC and you might end up with another CS.

[jenniro]

We phat women can have absolutely have babies naturally.  It sounds like your doc has a fat bias, which is a sad excuse to railroad women into unnecessary surgery.  Barring a VALID medical reason, even ACOG states that "big baby" is not a valid reason to do a c-seciton, there doesn't seem to be any reason for you not to be pregnant as long as your baby needs to be in the womb and then have a vaginal delivery.  (Sorry if I seem savage.  I am on the hunt for a midwife that will attend a homebirth after 2 c-sections, and the one I talked to yesterday said she would if I lost 50 lbs  )

[LisaSedai]

Hi.I am 5'5" 240ish and VBAC'ed a 9lb 14oz baby. I think "fat bias" was one of the contributing factors to my first c/section. Having a VBAC is difficult if you have an unwilling OB. If I were you I would switch to a VBAC friendly doc/MW. Good luck!

[roadfamily6now]

IMO, you should find a new Care Provider ASAP! That's a load of bull crap! I have always been overweight and yet somehow miraculously VBACed 5 babies!  Some of those babies were over 10 pounds too. Being overweight (5'4" and 225) does not mean I will need a c-section. And it does not mean you will either. Dump your fat-o-phobic OB and find one that supports YOU.

Good Luck!