What to do? Re: VBAC & "Postdates"

[MelissaMBoys]

Okay, I never thought things would come to this point. My other two pregnancies ended at 38 3/7 weeks and 36 5/7 weeks respectively. I'm now approaching 40 weeks and am a little nervous. My doctor is supportive of my VBAC, but is also cautious at the same time. Early on I brought him in studies on the negative effects of prostaglandin gel (Cervidil, etc.) with regard to uterine rupture since he wanted to induce to try to control the labor more. Now I feel as though I've shot myself in the foot.

So he talked with many other doctors and professionals (he's family practice, not OB), all of whom agreed that the tide had changed and it wasn't adviseable to induce at all with a VBAC. We've had the "postdates" talk. Because he won't induce he will perform a c-section on Dec. 2 (I will be 41 weeks 1 day). At the time I didn't argue much since I never thought I'd face that.

Now as I get closer and baby seems awfully comfy inside I've got a question. I've considered doing Castor Oil later on next week if things don't progress on their own. My thought is that it's better than just laying down for a c/s. Also, as a last resort I was thinking I'd request he break my water the morning of the c-section to see if it would send me into labor before the surgery.

I realize I could argue or plain refuse the c-section. For the moment I'd rather assume that wasn't an option and see what you all think of the other options I've described above. I'm basically asking about the lesser of the two evils I guess.

Also, where does one find castor oil? My local pharmacy only carried "mineral oil" and I'm pretty sure it's not the same.

Thanks,
Melissa

[miche]

I've seen castor oil at my grocery store. I'd recommend holding off. It isn't going to get anything going unless you are close anyway and it might make you pretty miserable and dehydrate you as well. I'd suggest talking your doctor into waiting until 42 weeks. Chances are it won't be an issue by then since most women deliver by then. I also would opt for rough membrane strippings and or AROM before I agreed to a scheduled c-section, but that is my opinion.

[hunter]

ITA with what Miche said. Also check with an herbalist for some natural teas that can help prepare for and stimulate labor, if your body is ready. Good luck!

[djk42]

I agree with these ladies. But I also think you need to wait until at least ten days over, and double check dates and make sure you are over, before you try anything to induce. Some babies just come late. (Mine were 9, 10 and 21 days over, depending on how you chart, but I think they were more like on-time, 7 days and 11 days over.)

[MelissaMBoys]

Thanks to everyone for their responses. It turns out there's been a change in the situation...just thought I'd update you all...

http://www.storknotes.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20382

Melissa

[miche]

This makes me so mad! If it isn't safe for you to deliver this weekend at that hospital I guess they aren't accepting any women in labor right? I mean there is more of a chance of Jane Doe walking in off the street with a cord prolapse and needing an emergency c-section than your uterus rupturing!!!

I am so sorry that this is happening. Might I suggest one option for you if you do go into labor this weekend is to labor at home as long as possible and show up ready to push. Sometimes that is easier said then done (that was my goal, but I had a premature urge to push at 3 cm :()

Otherwise I hope that baby stays put through the weekend and decides to make an entrance at a time where the medical professionals are friendly to allowing a vbac.

Best of luck. I'll be praying that all goes well.

[MelissaMBoys]

My thoughts EXACTLY, miche. What made me even more mad was after telling my MIL about it (who's an RN at our local hospital) she said - "well, I hope you aren't taking unnecessary chances with that baby. You know we all have gone through enough already with M****'s (my ds#2) birth".
How insensitive! I went on to tell her the facts about the incidence of cord prolapse versus uterine rupture and she still gave me a guilt trip!

BTW - my ds#2 was born with multiple birth defects, causing him an 8 week stay in the NICU and many difficulties in our family. However, he is fine now and we've dealt with everything really well. This is my "healing" birth. Like it or not it will do a world of good for my psychi to be able to nurse a normal infant (instead of expressing for 7+mos.) and to birth vaginally!

Thanks for all the support. I'm trying to take it easy this weekend! Less than 30 hours to go and we're home free again!

Melissa

[djk42]

That sucks!

To me, that is swearing (at least we got in big trouble for saying it so I never have), but I have no other words right now. :P~ on them.