My first pregnancy was anything but straightforward. It involved IVF treatments, carrying twins, a first trimester scare due to a blood clot, and an emergency C-section five weeks early. Thankfully, all three of us emerged healthy, but the experience was far from the ideal I had envisioned. Despite the preexisting complications, I was determined to have a natural birth—no epidural, no medications—just me trusting my body to bring forth my children. The emergency C-section was a heartbreaking turn of events.
When my husband and I learned we were expecting again less than two years later, I was overjoyed. I reasoned that the issues we faced during my first pregnancy stemmed from the fertility treatments and the fact I was carrying twins, believing that this new pregnancy would be different. With just one baby to consider, I was confident in my ability to achieve a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). I assembled a supportive team of doulas and communicated my wishes for a natural delivery to my new obstetrician, who did not specialize in multiples. Everyone was on board, bolstering my self-assurance.
However, complications soon arose. During my second trimester, I became severely anemic, losing weight at a rate that surpassed my baby’s growth. I felt weak and fatigued, struggling to eat enough for both myself and the fetus while also caring for my two-year-old twins. My OB began discussing the possibility of a C-section, but I was resolute in my decision to have a VBAC.
As my due date approached, my doulas and I managed to stabilize my anemia, and I started gaining weight again. I truly believed I had the situation under control, and my dream of a natural delivery was within reach. However, my due date passed without a single contraction, and then another week went by. My doulas assured me that since my cervix was untested, it was normal to go past my due date. But my OB had concerns. He informed me that the baby was in a breech position and suggested scheduling a C-section.
“Just give me the weekend,” I pleaded. “If I can get the baby to turn, can we wait for natural labor? If she’s still breech on Monday, I’ll agree to the C-section.” He hesitantly consented.
I spent the weekend attempting various methods to flip the baby, including hanging upside down off the bed and shining a flashlight towards my abdomen—believe it or not, a technique that some claim works. By Monday, the baby had turned head down, yet my doctor remained skeptical. “Your uterus has excessive flexibility,” he remarked, “and I’m concerned you might still require another C-section.”
“Is the baby in any immediate danger?” I inquired.
“No,” he replied.
“What about me?”
“Not yet,” he answered.
“Then I’ll keep waiting. Just give me a few more days,” I insisted, and he agreed. I returned to his office every couple of days with no contractions and a cervix that felt like concrete. Despite my doulas’ gentle encouragement to consider another C-section, I was fixated on my VBAC. I tried various methods to induce labor, from eating spicy foods to even consuming only fudge for a day—though I had little faith in these techniques. Ultimately, I convinced my husband to try acupressure, which surprisingly led to regular contractions. However, they felt different than I had anticipated; the pain was concentrated around my previous scar.
By midnight, the pain became unbearable, and with my pregnancy extending beyond 43 weeks, I knew it was time to head to the hospital. Upon examination, the doctor informed me that I wasn’t having regular contractions; rather, my uterus was rupturing along the old cesarean scar. My baby was pushing her way out, and I was swiftly prepped for another emergency C-section.
I was fortunate. Had I delayed until morning, I could have succumbed to internal bleeding.
After five hours of excruciating pain, even with an epidural, I finally held my healthy baby girl. The recovery process was grueling; it took days before I could lift my legs, and I struggled to navigate the stairs upon my release from the hospital. In holding out for my ideal birth experience, I had put both our lives at risk.
Ultimately, the mode of delivery doesn’t matter as much as the health of you and your family. It’s crucial to heed the advice of medical professionals and not allow pride or preconceived notions to cloud your judgment. A flawless delivery isn’t worth jeopardizing lives. For further insights on fertility and conception, check out this excellent resource: Medical News Today on Fertility.
If you’re considering options for home insemination, you can find valuable information in our post at Intracervical Insemination or learn about home insemination kits at Make A Mom.
In summary, the journey to parenthood can be fraught with challenges, but prioritizing safety and health over idealized experiences is essential for both mother and child.