VBAC SUPPORT

Well my gynae told me it was ok to use arnica, and I chatted with a homepath, in fact using it during labour also helps with brusing and fatigue. I used it, and was 100% fine.

Shew this shows why I'm rather scared of even natural 'remedies' to commence labour.
The only thing I'm considering is perenial massages. Need to read up on when to commence, but thinking its about now. Hubby will probably argue that we may as well have s*x to achieve the same stretching

I will see doc next week Friday at 36 weeks for my internal & pelvic exam - Elamsmom I'm so glad you say it wasnt too bad cos I've heard it can be horrible, so a tad anxious!
All I know is that I cannot reach my cervix myself so its still pretty high.
I'd be happy for baby to stay put at least another 2-3 weeks, need some time to myself and time to get everything ready.
Baby has def gotten much bigger though, tummy is standing out very far, and she is a very busy girl!
@ Elamsmom very interesting read about your cervix still being closed. I guess full term is anywhere from 38-42 weeks so hang in there, hop about or bounce on a pilates ball, go shopping etc

Widget I'm glad your gynae will support your vbac! Mine 'supports' provided everything is as it should be. It goes by very fast don't worry. Before you know it you'll be in the final trimester!

Marijke thx for the info about your friend. I think because its a vbac, baby starting to descend means less chance of placenta being in the way. I think this is ultimately what he's looking for. I dont think I'll be happy to 'book' a c-sec date till closer to the time if it came to that, so just playing it one appointment at a time as a lot can change from one to the next.

Hasie, I don't know!

That's what missesmom told me, my doula lady

Hang in there Elamsmom, you've still got some time, although I am sure you are very eager for labour to start.

What did your midwife say are your options should you go past your due date?

My biggest worry is that I won't go into labour spontaneously as I never did with my first one. Wow, compared to you I still have such a long way to go though, Im only just in my second trimester now.

Hope everyone has an awesome long weekend!

Hi all!

Elamsmom, sounds like you are doing well! Good luck with the last little bit of the road, not to long now. Are you doing anything to help your cervix relax?

Widget, glad your doc is so supportive, hoping all goes well for you!

Marijke, your advice for EPO + raspberry leaf tea is great, just not sure about the arnica, did you check with a homeopath? It could be dangerous during the latter stages of pregnancy. Dangerous as in not cause labor (which you probably want...) but rather cause bleeding and possible hemorrhage after birth. You can drink it while bleeding, after the birth to help stop the bleeding, but according to my knowledge (I am not a homeopath...) you shouldn't drink it before the birth as homeopathic meds can have the opposite effect when you don't have a problem. Eg if you are bleeding, Arnica is great for healing it and helping to stop the bleeding, but if you are not bleeding, it can cause bleeding.

Hi Jacadebra *WAVES* Long time!

Thanks for the good wishes.

At my appointment on Wednesday, midwife did an internal exam & said I was nowhere near delivering this baby. My cervix was still 100% in tact at 38 weeks 3 days so, I'm guessing this little lady will come on/after her due date which is on the 30th. It's ok though.

The internal wasn't anywhere as bad as I expected it to be. Maybe that's cos i'd had the Shirodkar taken out a week before and that was much more "uncomfortable"

Other than that, hope everyone is keeping well.

Hi everyone,

I went for my 13 week scan yesterday and all is well Baby is growing nicely.

I spoke to my gynea about elective cesarean and vbac, because I wanted to hear what he had to say first before I meet with the midwife from Growth spurts, and I am so happy I did.

I told him I'm very scared of having another cesarean and I don't know if it what I would want. He was very calm, accommodating and honest; he does support vbac & is happy to support me should I wish to have a trial of labour.

Of course it does all depend on how the pregnancy progresses and how the baby is lying at the end etc etc. He said the chances of uterine rupture is 1% which is very small but as long as I understand that should it occur that puts me and baby's life in danger & the emergency cesarean hten will be much more traumatic than if it was an elective cesarean.

Anyway, point is, doctor agreed that we will push out a cesarean as far as he is comfortable doing and he feels is safe (40 weeks) and if I go into labour I can decide if I do want to try and birth naturally at the hospital. He also said he would not want to be in a prolonged labour, especially because of my history and that the previous time my pelvis was too narrow to birth a normal size baby because I have a petite bone structure.

I have decided to cancel the appointment with the midwife now as I am now even more happy to stay with my gynea. I was worried about having to trust a midwife above my obstetrician whilst attempting vbac.