My first labor was as natural as they come, with minimal medical intervention and no pain relief whatsoever. Let’s just say it was a true workout! My second delivery, however, took an unexpected turn, resulting in an emergency C-section. That was tough in its own way, but it left me feeling like I missed out on the beautiful experience of childbirth. Heavily medicated and unable to grasp what was happening, I felt disconnected. Nevertheless, I returned home with a healthy, gorgeous baby boy whom I instantly adored.
I harbor no shame about the way I gave birth, but that C-section affected me emotionally for quite some time. So, for this final pregnancy, I’ve decided to pursue a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Of course, a VBAC isn’t a guaranteed outcome. There are risks involved, and it’s possible that a C-section might still be necessary if complications arise. According to WebMD, women who attempt VBACs will first experience a trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), which acts as a practice session leading up to the main event. If all goes smoothly during labor, then it’s time to push! However, bear in mind that about 40% of women who plan for a VBAC will ultimately end up with another C-section.
The primary concern during a VBAC is the risk of uterine rupture, which sounds as frightening as it is. The scar tissue from a previous C-section can, in rare cases, rupture, posing serious risks to the mother. Thankfully, for those with a low transverse scar (the standard in the U.S.), the chances of a uterine rupture are incredibly low—less than 1 in 100 women face serious risks.
What’s more alarming is that there’s no way to predict or diagnose a rupture until it happens. You might not know you’re experiencing one until it’s already underway. Symptoms can include excessive bleeding, sudden pain between contractions, and even changes in the baby’s heart rate, among others.
Despite these rare but terrifying risks, I’m still committed to trying for a VBAC under the careful supervision of my OB, Dr. Emily Grant. I have complete faith in her expertise and judgment. If she senses that either my baby or I are in distress, we’ll pivot to a safer option. I’m fully open to interventions if necessary—after all, the ultimate goal is a healthy delivery.
I find inspiration in the success stories shared on sites like The VBAC Link and Birth Without Fear Blog, where women recount their triumphs over challenges to achieve the birth experience they desired. These narratives help normalize the concept of VBAC for me and make it feel like a tangible possibility.
Every mother has her own complicated feelings about how her children enter the world. For some, a C-section is the ideal or necessary choice, and that’s perfectly valid. However, for me, my heart is leading me toward an experience that is as close to a natural birth as possible.
So, with a deep breath and a solid plan (plus a backup plan) in place with Dr. Grant, I’ll step into that delivery room alongside my husband. He’ll be right there to support me as I push with all my might to bring my baby into the world. I firmly believe this is the best path for both me and my little one this time around.
For more insights on pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on women’s health and pregnancy. And if you’re considering at-home options, this guide can also be helpful. Plus, for those interested in self-insemination, CryoBaby at-home insemination kit is a solid choice!
Summary:
In this blog post, Jessica Larkin shares her journey toward choosing a VBAC for her final pregnancy after experiencing both a natural birth and an emergency C-section. She discusses the risks and benefits of VBAC, her trust in her healthcare provider, and finds inspiration in the stories of other women who have successfully navigated similar journeys.