VBAC??

I am currently pregnant with my 4th child. I have 3 little boys ages 7, 5, and almost 2. With my oldest son I had a completely natural birth and it was 27 hours long and I thought I was going to die. With my 2nd son I had an epidural and never felt a single contraction. I went to the hospital because he wasn't moving (he was fine) but I jumped from 3-5cm in an hour so they said I was in labor, broke my water, and gave me my epidural and I slept through the entire labor. With my 3rd son I had preeclampsia and he was born at 33 weeks through emergency c-section. I was sure that I was looking at another c-section but the OB's at UNC Hospital had to make the choice of whether or not I needed a c-section or could have a trial of labor. After pulling my medical record from my previous doc, they said that even though I was cut up and down on my belly for my last c-section, my uterus was cut low and transverse. They said I was the perfect candidate for a trial of labor and also said I had less that 1% chance of a uterine rupture during labor. I was so happy to hear no c-section with this baby. But the more I think about it, the more I want the c-section. I know it sounds ridiculous, but all I keep thinking about is that first labor that was 27 hours with no epidural and it scares the crap out of me. Then again, the recovery from my c-section was long and painful; definitely the worst thing I have experienced. Has anyone else had a VBAC? Was it a normal labor or was it worse? Also, I am almost 19 weeks and the bigger my belly gets the more uncomfortable I get. I don't remember being this uncomfortable with the other 3. Am I just losing my mind?

Keep in mind while making your decision that c-sections have been known to be more dangerous for baby and mother. It isn't the way babies were meant to be born. My brother spent several days in the NICU due to being born via c-section. However, the choice is yours of course.

first time labors are always the longest... i doubt you'd go through that again. and if your doctor told you you are safe to have a vaginal delivery that's what you should do. c-sections aren't as safe and like you said, recovery sucks.

Quoting willoughfam@live.com:" I am currently pregnant with my 4th child. I have 3 little boys ages 7, 5, and almost 2. With my oldest ... [snip!] ... belly gets the more uncomfortable I get. I don't remember being this uncomfortable with the other 3. Am I just losing my mind?"

You are not imaging. My Dr said that scar tissue is more painful as it stretches. I have had more cramps and issues this pregnancy than laser and its due to the scar tissue. I am vbacing.

Three c-sections here and they've only gotten easier for me. Less/no pain, easier/quicker recovery (third no pain, no recovery, felt great and left 2 days later) Both deliveries have their potential problems. My scar tissue wasn't thick and I'm a bigger girl. My doctor said with scar tissue like mine, I'd be able to have two or three more children (won't be!) C-sections in my opinion are way easier than a VBAC only because pushing and straining has a HUGE impact and can cause lots of damage. Yes, it's a major surgery but the percentage of something actually going wrong is very small (1 in 1,000)

I have had three VBACs and will hopefully have another one with this baby. I refuse to let myself be cut open again unless it is absolutly necessary. You'll do great! If you would like a more detailed story on any of my VBAC stories, just Pm. Since there are three it's a lot of details. But I've never had any issues.

i would go for the vbac!
my second c-section was WORSE then my first, not pain wise but i had a spinal headache, longer recover then with my first.

If i have another i will be going for a VBA2C!