Mom Shares She Almost Gave Up On Unmedicated VBAC During Painful Labor

Editor’s Note: This essay is a submission from a reader and is intended for information purposes only. It does not substitute a doctor. It is vital to consult a medically trained professional for advice that suits your needs.

I gave birth to my firstborn in 2018. I was hoping for a vaginal birth. I was exercising regularly — nag-Yoga and Zumba pa ako weeks before my due date.

Unfortunately, my baby’s heart rate started dropping. He (or she) was delivered via emergency CS due to a cord coil. I also lost a lot of blood and received two blood transfusions.

Fast forward to 2020, when I became pregnant with my second child. My first thought was “Kaya ko kaya mag-normal delivery this time?” Even though everyone was telling me na once na CS ka, it will be cesarean for subsequent pregnancies.

So I did my research to look for an obstetrician specializing in vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Fortunately, through recommendations seen on a Facebook group, I found a doctor who guided me all throughout my pregnancy to deliver via VBAC.

I wanted to push for it because I wanted a short recovery period, which you cannot have with a cesarean. I had my firstborn in mind. If my second baby was a CS delivery, I wouldn’t be able to play with her, carry her, etc.

I went through medical history with my OB, and I asked if I needed to reserve bags of blood because of my first childbirth. My OB said no need because kapag nagpapa-VBAC ako, it’s unmedicated.

My eyes widened and asked, “Unmedicated?!” She replied complications are less likely to happen if it is an unmedicated delivery.

On the way home, I was already having doubts about pushing through with unmedicated VBAC. But with my eldest daughter in mind and the support and encouragement of my OB, I decided VBAC it is!

I was advised by my OB to monitor my weight. When I entered my second trimester, I started doing prenatal workouts, prenatal yoga, and pilates at least twice a week and started eating healthy. It really paid off.

(Editor’s note: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy and if the baby is large make VBAC risky, according to doctors.)

Being amid a pandemic, I also started working out double time when I received my swab test results which were only valid for two weeks. My swab test results were due to expire on November 2, 2020, so I was advised to get tested again on November 1 to be ready.

At about 11 p.m. on November 2, my water broke. Then, I was in labor for 20 hours. I was dealing with constant contractions with increasing intensity. It took forever hitting that 10 cm mark.

Having normal spontaneous delivery brought inexplicable pain, and there were times I felt like giving up. Not to mention, there was no single familiar face in the labor and delivery room except my OB, whom I haven’t even seen without a mask or heavy PPE until this day.

 

 

In the end, though, my VBAC experience was the most rewarding feeling EVER. With prayers, strength, and words of encouragement from my loved ones, I followed my birth plan and delivered my baby safely.

I hope this can serve as an inspiration for those mommas out there who don’t think it’s possible.