[MamaPear]

to have a VBAC if I have a T cut on my uterus?

I had my daughter via c-section. Something that I was not happy about in the beginning and feel even worse about after reading a few of the threads on here. I did all of the classic things to cause the c-section, and I now realize this. I went to the hospital when I was in early labor, I opted for the epidural and I laid in bed the whole time. Well, my daughter's head wouldn't engage and my labor basically stopped. Plus, her heart rate would drop whenever they gave me any pitocin, so that was out of the question. Anyway, she was so high up whenever they went to perform my c-section that the doc had to cut a T on my uterus in order to get her out. And, I KNOW that natural childbirth couldn't hurt any worse than that c-section did! The docs were jumping on me in order to get the baby down to pull her out. Also, there was merconium in my fluid, so they were pretty concerned about that.

So, am I destined to have a c-section again as my doc says or could I possibly be a VBAC candidate?

 

[JanetF]

You really need to do some research for yourself. I have read VBAC stories from women with all sorts of surgery scars on their uterus. Knowing what contributed to your birth last time is a good start so getting your medical record and studying it closely will help. If you have a doctor who says you have to have more c-secs, ditch them because they obviously don't know what they're talking about. Even if you do have another c-sec, having it in labour with a healthy baby who's ready to come is a million times better than a booked c-sec which are dangerous and still often traumatising although oh so convenient for doctors! A friend of mine just had a beautiful VBAC after a weird scar for a footling breech and she too had doubts but stuck with a caregiver who believed in her capacity to birth, a midwife, and didn't put their own fears and superstitions onto her.

In the VBAC section here there are some sticky posts with great information. Get reading! And keep sharing in here. Unpacking a not so great birth experience needs a lot of support. Midwifery care is the best way to work towards a VBAC. It's just a birth!

Hugs,
J

 

[MamaPear]

Thanks for the support Janet.

I did start to read through some of the stickys listed here. I know I need to do a lot more research. Also, I really need to come to terms with what happened with my birth. I do love my OB, but you're right, if she's not willing to let me try to go on my own, she said that she would do a c-section a week early with my next baby to prevent having another big baby. DD was 9lbs 4oz...

I would just like the opportunity to be able to labor naturally and TRY to have my next baby vaginally. If it doesn't work or if there are too many complications, then sure, I'll go for the c-section. I just want a chance.

Thanks again!

 

[stafl]

Try asking over at ICAN, I'm sure someone there either knows someone or has themselves actually had a vbac with your type of incision.
I would also much rather have trial of labor before cesarean, even if you and your care providers decide that repeat c/s is best for you and your baby.

Good luck! I know you can do it, now it's just a matter of finding a care provider who believes that, too.

 

[JanetF]

The big baby thing is a bit of a myth really. I have a friend (and have read of countless other women) who had a c-sec for CPD (baby too big in fancy schmancy OB speak) and bubs was about 8lbs. She just had a HB baby that was 11lb. So obviously that doctor had no idea! Except in very rare cases, if you can grow 'em, you can birth 'em! She plans to let the doctor know...
J

 

[doctorjen]

I tried doing a literature search at pubmed, but couldn't find anything specific to T incisions. Basically, you would want to know what part of the uterus was cut. Vertical incisions that are confined to the lower uterine segment do not increase the risk of rupture during VBAC. Incisions that extend into the fundus of the uterus do increase your risk for rupture. Most of the time, T incisions do extend higher into the uterine fundus, making them similar to a classical scar, but you would need to find out about your own specific scar.
The risk of uterine rupture with a classical scar can be as high as 10%, which most people feel is too much risk to take.

 

[MamaGaia]

I found some things online regarding T-incisions that advises that if you have a T-incision, you MUST have a c-section every subsequent birth BUT the same websites give the advice that if you've had a classic incision, the same is true and well...I've had 3 VBACs and my incision is a classic soooo.....
I don't know!
Good luck in finding out the answers

 

[doctorjen]

You know, it's not really a matter of whether it is *possible* or not. The question really should be "what is the risk of VBAC" with different types of incisions. One person might feel that a 10% risk of rupture is acceptable, while another would feel that the 1 in 2000 chance of catastrophic fetal outcome is too much.
I hope you get the information you need to help you make a decision.

 

[elvispupy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stafl Try asking over at ICAN, I'm sure someone there either knows someone or has themselves actually had a vbac with your type of incision. I would also much rather have trial of labor before cesarean, even if you and your care providers decide that repeat c/s is best for you and your baby. Good luck! I know you can do it, now it's just a matter of finding a care provider who believes that, too.

There was someone on the ICAN list who recently had a VBAC with a T incision. I know she had a difficult time finding much about her actual risk of rupture though.

 

[loving-my-babies]

I think you can. The literature I have read explains that you would only have a slightly higher chance of uterine rupture.

 

[Electra375]

I have an upsidedown T scar from my first c/s. The downward slice was only about an inch from what I remember reading in the op report. I researched and felt this was acceptable as did my mw.