Post date and VBAC question

[Lkg4dmcrc]

I read somewhere else that they "won't let you go post date with a VBAC" and force you to schedule a c-section. Does anyone know more about this?

[ncastro]

I think it depends on your healthcare provider. With my second, my midwives agreed to a trial of labor (don't you just "love" that expression). I had an appt scheduled for 41 weeks (I knew they would try to pressure me for a c/s as they had been asking me since week 37 when I wanted to schedule... real supportive, eh?). I called and cancelled the appt, simply told them I couldn't come in. They were NOT happy, but what could they do. I agreed to an appt at 41.5 weeks. Ended up I was in early labor that same day.

Unfortunately, it ended up in another c/s, but that's another email. I'm sure there are other "tactics", but I don't know what a dr/midwife could do if you didn't schedule or go in to an appt?!?!

Good luck!
Natalie

[eleven]

It completely depends on your care provider. It is a good question to ask when looking for someone to attend your birth. I went 41 1/2 weeks last time and expect to go over this time as well. My midwife will just need to wait. :)

Nobody can force you to schedule a c section!!! Whether you go into labor at 40 or 43 weeks, it is your decision. The difficult part is finding someone who will support you in that decision.

[hkjg]

I agree w/ Pease- that it depends on the provider. My provider told me going past your due date doesn't decrease your success rate for VBAC- you may just have a bigger baby, and she wouldn't even talk about induction until 42 weeks.

[aisraeltax]

Nobody can force you to schedule a c section!!! Whether you go into labor at 40 or 43 weeks, it is your decision. The difficult part is finding someone who will support you in that decision.

i agree. its important to have support but also realize that the medical professionals are not always acting in YOUR best interest...sometimes it is in THEIR best interest...and baby WILL come. believe me, i moaned and groaned for weeks on end but in the end he did come...just several weeks after i expected him and at least a week after everyone else expected him to.

[ncastro]

Hi ladies,

This really is a frustrating topic, isn't it?! Most everyone knows that 40 weeks (exactly) is just not that common. Many of us simply carry babies longer. It's tough to find a healthcare provider that will tell you one thing, and then stick to it. Heather, it seems that you have found a gem! With #2, my MIDWIVES started asking me at 37 weeks when I wanted to schedule a c/s, even though from day ONE I had made it clear I had wanted a vbac. I left every appt after that CRYING. But where was I going to go at 37 weeks! And then when healthcare providers start throwing the "dead baby card" (if you don't agree to the surgery.......). Who really wants to take THAT on? Even though in my heart of hearts I KNOW the baby (and I) will be fine... could I ever live with myself if I were wrong, and on this RARE occasion are they right?!?!?!

It's nice to know there are others out there who understand what I feel/what I'm going through.

Good luck all,
natalie

[dlm194]

My midwife group works under an ob group that has a policy that if you don't go into labor naturally at 41 weeks, you must be a repeat c-s. My midwife told me this at my annual last year. I wish I had remembered this study to get their response:

http://www.birthlove.com/free/safe.html#40weeks


WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) Mar 13 - Among women with on previous cesarean delivery, the risk of uterine rupture during a subsequent trial of labor is not substantially increased after 40 weeks' gestation, according to a report in the March issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

"Because spontaneous labor after 40 weeks is associated with a cesarean rate similar to that following induced labor before 40 weeks, awaiting spontaneous labor after 40 weeks does not decrease the likelihood of successful vaginal delivery," Dr. Zelop and colleagues conclude. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97:391-393

[MAMom]

FWIW, I just had a VBAC at home (HBAC) at 40w5d & the baby was 7lb14oz (my first child was born at 41w2d 7lb6oz).

I think it's important to remember that 40 weeks gestation is an AVERAGE, which means lots of babies are not ready to be born at 40 weeks. Doctors seem to have forgotten that 40 weeks is not "the" due date, it's an ESTIMATED due date. If we're going to call it a "due date", then why not use 42 weeks? Being pregnant past 40 weeks IS NOT "overdue" (I know the medical community has come to believe that it is, but they're wrong :)

To the OP -- remember, the "they" you're referring to is the healthcare provider you choose. You can choose a healthcare provider who is going to pressure you to have repeat surgery, or find one who will support having a VBAC when your baby is ready to be born.
___________________________________
SAHM to a spectacular DS (5/2003) & delightful DD (2/2006 HBAC!)
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things ~ wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." ~Eda J. Le Shan

[Mama Coltrane]

Yes, both my babes were born at 41 weeks. With my VBAC, I asked my provider the ? of induction and he blew it off. He said that babies come when they are ready. He wasn't worried at all . His laid back approach was an added bonus to my already growing confidence in delivering vaginally. I really dislike that some providers make a woman antsy as the " due date " approaches. Ugggh