VBAC after pre-eclampsia

Risks :VBAC vs elective C-section

Planned repeat cesarean may be the safest choice in a small number of situations, but for most, the overall risks of surgical delivery outweigh VBAC risks.
For detailed evidence, please see here

My tips:

Get hold of your previous maternal records

What really happened during last labour? What dilation/effacement/station did you reach? What type of incision do you have? Is it a single or double suture?

Hire a doula

For those who are not familiar, doula is a support person who attends to the emotional and physical comfort needs of women before, during and after childbirth.My doula has been absolutely briliant.She has had a number of VBACs herself,has a great knowledge of medical stuff and experience with other women as a doula.She is constantly in touch with me giving me tips, ideas and encouragement.After delivering my Anya,she has become a dear family friend.
If you are in UK like me, here is Doula UK association

Write a birth plan

Mine was divided into 3 stages of labour and mentions things like intermittent monitoring (as opposed to constant),heplock vs IV,freedom of movement,no pain meds unless asked, no oxytocinon unless an emergency occurs,etc.
It is also useful to prepare a second birth plan in case you end up having a C again in order to make the whole process less scary and give you a bit more control.

Find out your hospital's VBAC protocol

and start asking questions as early in the pregnancy as possible.
Always remember it's your body,your baby, and it's never too late to switch hospitals or choose homebirth!

Comparing continuous electronic monitoring of the baby's heartbeat in labour using cardiotocography (CTG, sometimes known as EFM) with intermittent monitoring (intermittent auscultation, IA)

Do as much research as possible

Get informed.Know your rights.

Have a homebirth!

Or if you are not brave enough like me (I was dreading pre-eclampsia coming on at the last minute), at least try to stay at home and active for as long as you can. For pain relief, I was going to use my TENS again and a proper birthing pool (my bath tub is way too small).

http://www.waterbirth.org -all you need to know about waterbirth.
GivingBirthNaturally.com - also gives great info
Eco Birth Pools and other essentials

Stay positive!!!!!!!!!!

Red raspberry leaf tea/tablets
Raspberry leaf contains high concentrations of the alkaloid 'fragarine' (also called framamine) and flavonoids, which are believed to strengthen, tone and relax the uterus and pelvic muscles.
Raspberry leaf also contains calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, manganese and magnesium and vitamins A, B (1 and 3), C and E. It is therefore regarded as a nutritive tonic (as well as a 'yin tonic').

I have been browsing numerous forums to see whether it has worked for any VBAC-ers.The response is mixed:while some absolutely swear by it claiming that it made their contractions more effective and speeded up the 2 stage of labor (the pushing bit),while others are adamant that it is a waste of time. The thing is there is no medical evidence as such so it's impossible to tell. :

VBAC chances:

please see here

Recently I have stumbled across this VBAC success calculator. I thought I'd share but do not take it too seriously! :)

Symptoms of Rupture:
It is also important if you wish to VBAC to understand the symptoms of uterine rupture.

* Extreme pain (may or may not be felt through epidural, though it usually is because of it's severity)
* Bulge in the abdomen (where the baby may be sticking through uterus)
* Excessive bleeding
* Shoulder pain
* Loss of baby's station
* Cessation of labor
* Heart decels in baby

VBAC GUIDELINES by Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists(UK)
VBAC and Induction or Acceleration of Labour
How to Manage Your VBAC Fears

Pre-eclampsia information and forums
Pre-eclampsia Foundation
The Pre-eclampsia Site
Action on Pre-eclampsia
Diagnosis and Management of Pre-eclampsia - American Academy of Family Physicians

Good articles in the press on the mechanisms of preeclampsia:
The New Yorker: The Preeclampsia Puzzle - A must read!
New York Times: Silent Struggle: A New Theory of Pregnancy

Breastfeeding/parenting/etc
Kellymom.com - This is my Bible!!!
Mothering.com/discussion

Important resources for planning VBAC

VBAC/C-section information
ICAN
www.vbac.co.uk
www.naturalchildbirth.org
www.childbirthconnection.org
www.caesarean.org.uk
www.vbac.com
http://vbacfacts.com
plus-size-pregnancy.org-GREAT info on C-sections and VBAC
Top 100 Natural Birthing Blogs

Labour and birth - Great tips!!!
http://www.gentlebirth.org - Check out their Midwife Archives -Great stuff!
http://www.homebirth.org.uk
http://spinningbabies.simplwebsite.com
http://www.midwiferytoday.com
http://activebirth.org






Buy at AllPosters.com



KudoSurf Me!

Buy Posters at AllPosters.com

Informing & Empowering Women To A Natural And Magical Childbirth
Online Childbirthing classes
Discover How Baby Sign Language Can Help You
Connecting With Your Unborn Baby
Baby Names Dictionary
Sex After Pregnancy - An Essential Guide For Couples