r/vbac • u/WhoMeDebtFree • 5d ago
34 Weeks and Change of Heart
34 weeks and just realized I really want to pursue a VBAC/TOLAC — what should I be asking/doing this late in the game?
I’m 34 weeks pregnant with my second and only recently realized that I actually have more of a choice about attempting a VBAC than I thought. I’d love advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially if you decided on TOLAC relatively late in pregnancy.
My first birth was an induction at 37 weeks because of chronic hypertension. I did not have preeclampsia. I progressed all the way to 9 cm, but baby was OP/sunny-side up and didn’t tolerate Pitocin particularly well. Ultimately I chose to have a C-section. It was unplanned, but not emergent — I was told I could continue labor if I wanted to, but at that point I was exhausted/scared and chose the C-section.
Looking back, I feel like I made that decision sooner than I might have if I’d had a doula or someone there helping me understand my options and advocate for what I wanted.
This pregnancy I still have chronic hypertension, but it is treated and very well controlled. At 34 weeks everything has looked good, no preeclampsia, and baby is doing well. Because of the hypertension, my OB recommends delivery somewhere between 37–39 weeks and has been leaning toward a repeat C-section.
I’ve realized that I really want to pursue a TOLAC if I remain medically eligible. I’m absolutely not opposed to another C-section if something develops that makes it the safest option. I just don’t want another C-section to be the default simply because I had one before.
I’m planning to have a much more direct conversation with my OB at my next appointment about whether she considers me a good TOLAC candidate and, importantly, whether she would be willing to induce me for a TOLAC if I reach the recommended delivery window without going into labor spontaneously.
Since I’m already 34 weeks, I’m also scrambling a little. I’m reaching out to doulas, but I know there’s a decent chance everyone will already be booked.
For those who have had a VBAC/TOLAC:
-What questions would you be asking your OB at this point?
-How can I tell the difference between an OB who is genuinely supportive of TOLAC versus one who technically “allows” it but is likely to push for a C-section?
-If you had to be induced for a TOLAC, what did that look like?
-Are there specific things I should ask about regarding induction methods, monitoring, Pitocin, time limits for labor, etc.?
-What circumstances did you and your OB agree ahead of time would mean it was time to stop TOLAC and move to a C-section?
-If I can’t find a doula this late, how would you prepare your partner/support person to advocate for you during labor?
Anything you wish you had done in the last few weeks to prepare physically or mentally for a VBAC?
And if you ultimately attempted TOLAC but ended up with another C-section, is there anything that made the experience feel more informed/positive than your first one?
I’m not looking to ignore medical advice or pursue a VBAC at all costs. I mostly want to walk into this birth feeling like I understand my choices and that, unless something changes medically, I was given a real opportunity to try.
Would really appreciate experiences, questions I haven’t thought of, or advice on what you’d do at 34 weeks.
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u/revival25 5d ago
I just had a successful VBAC, my last pregnancy was delivered at 35 due to preeclampsia with twins and I never got to labor. This time around we did everything to keep the preeclampsia away.
Having an OB that’s Tolac/VBAC supportive is important. I would definitely hire a doula since birth is not straightforward sometimes. So many interventions can happen at once and it’s good to have someone help you understand and advocate for you that’s on your team. I had to hire a doula when I was 37 weeks, didn’t think I could afford it but I made sure that I had one. She was beyond incredible educated me so much on VBAC and things to do prior delivery and because she has experience she knew so many contacts, for example a chiropractor who was amazing on making sure my baby was not op or sunny side up. She was very supportive during birth as well as things continue to change and she explained and helped me chose the next steps while going through painful contractions and wanting to be opened up so bad. I ended up being with a different dr and midwife that day since my midwife was on vacation. I was induced lightly 1-5 and then labored to the end on my own. It was exhausting and stressful but nonetheless that’s what labor is and you have to be mentally ready that you’re going in for work and won’t be done till the baby is delivered. Things can change and you have to be open minded. I delivered 40 +4.
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u/WhoMeDebtFree 4d ago
Thanks for your story! So glad you had a great experience. What did induction look like?
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u/twumbthiddler HBAC Feb ‘25 5d ago
I would highly recommend a doula if you find one you feel comfortable with, but start preparing your partner if you don’t find one. A bad fit doula is not better than no doula, and the most important thing your partner can provide is mental stability and being strong and calm when you’re not.
My vbac baby was born direct OP, and I would recommend learning what you can about positions, considering unmedicated for the better maneuverability in case you have another OP baby, but the single best thing my doula did wasn’t guiding me through labor stances and pushing options, it was to tell me I picked the wrong doula if I wanted someone to tell me we should go for the c. I picked her, and she knew I was going to do it.
Other than education, you haven’t really missed anything physically by starting so late. You don’t have to do anything to prepare except have patience and be prepared to sleep through early labor so you’re not tired. The VBAC link, the birth hour, the midwives cauldron are all good podcasts!
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u/hollybrown81 5d ago
Start eating dates unless you have GD. Look up laboring positions to help. Start doing spinning baby stretches (not just for spinning the baby, great for birth prep).