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If you've had 3 sections... you probably won't be able to find a Dr. that will allow you to even try having a VBAC. Many Dr's. will consider it after one C, but after 3?! I seriously doubt you will be allowed to try. Your risk of uterine rupture would likely be high due to the scar tissue from the previous surgeries. Best of luck to you!

I was able to have a VBAC after 3 csections. I went to a group of 4 Drs. two were willing and two were not. I lucked out and delivered with a Dr. that was. I explained my reasons for wanting a VBAC, I did my research and plead my case. I am now pregnant with my 5th and my new Drs/midwives are amazed that it was allowed. They have not told me no I cant try but I again will need to plead my case. It is possible, be prepared, be informed and argue your case - it certainly cant hurt. Good Luck

Crazymomto4- where are you from? And was your labour monitored closely- induced or not? Was it better than A C? I've had 2 sections also and am afraid of having more sections- I realize the last one was scheduled, I was pressured into it, and I regret it. I want more kids- but not more sections. Please give details of your situation. Thanks.

Hi, I have had 3 sections as well and really would love to have a 4 th child. We are struggling right now with that decision because of all the risks that my dr has told me about that come along with a 4th section. He has told us about placenta accrete, uterine ruptures, placenta previa and the list goes on. My o.b is from a High Risk centre in the major city close by here in Ontario so this is the place that would be giving us a second opinion. His advice to us was that it is doable but really think about the risks and what you already have. 3 healthy children. I also have a past of preeclampsia with my first 2 but not my third. We are very frightened and struggling with the decision and are finding it hard to let that dream go. as far as asking the dr aout a VBAC for me I'm sure he's be against it. That is wonderful all was well when you have had yours, it certainly would be a blessing not to endure another section. All of my sections went great and I had no problem at all. I think that why I'm also scared of trying for that last one partley as well. I would also love to hear stories of people that had 4 sections or vbacs after 3. Thanks so much.

Hi all, I am from Orange County in NY. We are about 2 hours out of NYC. My labor was monitored but I wouldnt say closely, I came in at about midnight and the doctor showed up around 6:30 in the morning. I did have a fetal monitor on all night with a nurse checking in of course. I had my first section due to fetal distress, she a had a 6 inch cord so it was true fetal distress, the second was breech but then they determined he was at least 3 weeks early so he may have turned, but they convinced me to have the c section because he was breech and they were sure of my due date. My third I "thought" would be my last and just decided to go ahead with it. When I found myself pregnant again I just refused to contemplate a csection. I had kids at home to take care of and not much help. Recovery just took toooo long. Really the first delivery was the only one that required a section the rest fell into place. Which may be why they allowed me to try. Honestly my last was a full two weeks late and I was scheduled for a section the morning he was born. They let me wait to deliver because they new I wanted to and because at least the one of the doctors was willing to admit that my dates werent always really accurate. Good luck to you, whatever you do. Just so you know, there is alot of info on the web for and against. I could quote all sorts of statistics and will to my docs. But the bottom line is a healthy baby. Last thought also keep inmind there are many mothers who have delivered more than 2 or 3 babies via section. I worked with a woman who is 40 something now. Her mother had 6 kids via section in the 50s and 60's all survived and are getting old and gray now. I think there is concern on the doctors part I wonder how much has to do with lawsuits though, but thats another topic. Best wishes and good luck

you probably dont have a choice after 3...good luck! and your chance of uterine rupture increases every c you've had...

Hi guys. I just wanted you to know that I asked my doc today if I would be allowed to Vbac after my two sections and he said it was my choice. I'm in Canada and apprently it's still allowed where I am at. I have to admit it, I thought he'd tell me no for sure after all the stories I hear on here! He said though that the slightest mishap or no progress or anything like that and they'd want to section me though. I was glad to hear I have a choice at least if I decide to have another one.

Hi there, I'm in Canada as well at a high risk clinic in Toronto and my dr discouraged that idea. I ended up having 3 sections. Thats great to hear, good luck.

Was it discouraged for any particular reason with you? Were you at a highrisk clinic for a reason in the first place? Just curious...

Saird, where in Canada are you? I'm in NB, and am considering a VBA2C... my first ceasarean was b-c my son was turned sideways (after 30 hours of labour and at 10 cm, they discover this!), my daughter was a c-section because it was only a year later (which increases the risk of rupture significantly - it should be at least 2 years later). It is now three years after my daughter was born, and I am due in September with a normal pregnancy so far... I would dearly love to avoid another c-section, especially with two small kids at home. Info on line is confusing though - the risks to the mother seem less with vbac, even after 2 ceasareans. The complication rate is lower, but if complications do occur, they are more serious and potentially fatal to the baby. I haven't yet decided what I even want, so haven't yet talked to my doctor. I did check the practice guidelines for the american college of obstetricians and gynecologists, and they have no problem with vbac after one ceasarean, if the incision was low-transverse and there are no other complications, but don't seem to approve of vba2c... I would be interested in any other experiences/info out there... gl to all!

Read this story about a women with a succesful VBAC after 2 C-sections. http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2005/06/09/coverstory.html

take the dashes out

Ndalcourt- I am in Ontario. I'm not going to say my doctor loves the idea of it! They'd much rather do another c-section. But, I know what you mean, I've read so many things- and they all point towards the Vbac being the safest route to go-unless you end up as one of the 1 or 2% or whatever it is that ruptures. How to decide? what are you thinking?

I looked into the practice guidelines further (ordered a copy) for Canada and the US both. The reason they don't seem to support a vbac after two c-sections or more is that there was one study published, with about 150 patients, where the rupture rate was 3.7% after two c-sections (after one c-section it is less than 1% in almost every study published). I think both organizations are waiting for bigger studies. There was another, much larger study, with thousands of women, which showed no increase in rupture rate after 2 c-sections compared to 1, but there were some problems with the way they reported stats (they didn't look at the effects of induction and some other factors). So basically, I'm thinking I'll ask my doc to look at the same literature (she's pretty open that way), and we'll discuss it then. My opinion based on what I've read is that if the risk of rupture is greater after 2 c-sections, it is not much greater. Also, in th canadian guidelines, it was suggested that a measurement can be made by ultrasound at 36-38 weeks which indicates the probability of rupture. Because it hasn't been confirmed by multiple studies, they aren't yet sure that it is a reliable predictor. Still, worth looking at I would think. If anyone is interested I will post the link.

In my opinion, of all the studies I have looked at, I doubt the rate of rupture is that much higher either. I feel as if I'd be in a much better spot emotionally at this point in my life to give birth as well. And, odd as this sounds, I'd like to somehow undo all of ther terrible experiences I've had with the births (surgical removals) of my other two children.

I am 38 weeks and in the same boat here in Phoenix AZ. I have been persuaded to have 2 c-sections as I was not well informed - now pregnant with my 3rd the doctor lead me to believe he would consider a vba2c but is now harping at me to do another c-section and I am not willing. I would be interested in the site mentioned by ndalcourt. I can so appreciate what Saird said as well!!