I talked to the C-Section OB today. He was SO nice when he called, and talked to me for several minutes about my questions. Here's the scoop:
My C-Section incision is 100% normal. It's just like any other low transverse scar, and it doesn't extend outside of the normal range for that type of incision. So in terms of uterine rupture, my risk is no higher than any other woman doing a VBAC.
The vein that "sprung a leak" was not the uterine artery (hence it being a vein), and it was on the entire opposite side of the uterus from the incision. So that had nothing to do with my incision, and could've come from any number of places...he couldn't give me a straight answer because he had no idea where the "leak" came from, he just fixed it. :-)
Having had a placental abruption puts me at a higher risk for having another one, but I don't have any risk factors for abruptions with this pregnancy. In my last pregnancy the only risk factor I had was being pregnant with twins. I don't have that risk factor now, so I think my risk would be lower than any other woman who had a placental abruption with a singleton. The studies say the rate of recurrence is 10%, but mine is probably lower than that because I don't have any risk factors now (except of course the prior abruption). There is a higher risk of it happening during labor, since the uterus is contracting and all, but I would already be in the hospital and on monitors. I know what it felt like the last time, and with everyone watching me like a hawk they would probably catch it VERY quick. So, that's really the least of my worries.
Now that I have all of this info, I think VBAC is the best choice. Having a C-Section comes with its own bag of possible complications, especially when you have multiple C-Sections. Since I want to have a lot of kids, having several C-Sections would be *much* riskier than attempting (and hopefully being successful at) a VBAC. My risk for uterine rupture is as low as anyone else's, and that was my biggest worry. So with that gone, there's really nothing saying I shouldn't try it. I think you guys probably agree, right? :-)
It sounds like you're in a good spot for a VBAC. How do you think your current doc is going to respond?
ReplyDeleteHey Elana. You're doing the right thing by doing all this research. Hope it goes okay with the dr - they tend to respect other drs.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like great news! I think a VBAC would be great - much better than multiple c-sections.
ReplyDeleteI hope all your doctors work together to respect your choices.
Yes, I agree that you should go for the VBAC!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think you're in good shape. My friend had Placental abruption with her first, the reason is still unknown as she had no risk factors. They were prepping the OR when she delivered the baby ooops. Anyway she had her second last March and everything went well no abruption and no c-secton.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It sounds like you've done your research and have the green light. From what I've heard and as you said, VBAC is healthier over the long run if you want several children.
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