u/sophieon379

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience, particularly a **VBAC induction with a small/FGR baby**.
I’m currently pregnant with my second baby and have a planned induction at **38+2**. I had a previous emergency C-section after labouring to around 4 cm, so this will be my first attempt at a VBAC.

This baby has been measuring small from the beginning. At the most recent growth scan at **36 weeks**, she was estimated at the **7th percentile**. However, she has continued to grow steadily along her own curve, rather than dropping percentiles, and there have been **no concerns with her Dopplers** throughout the pregnancy. Her Dopplers have remained reassuring/normal, which is one of the things I’ve found difficult to reconcile with the recommendation to deliver at 38 weeks.

The current plan for the induction is:
At **37 weeks**, I’ll have a membrane sweep to hopefully encourage things along naturally.
On the day of the induction at **38+2**, they’ll assess my cervix and decide how favourable things are.
If things are favourable enough, they’ll use a **Foley balloon** to help dilate the cervix, as I’m not being offered prostaglandins because of my previous C-section.
If/when the balloon comes out and my cervix is suitable, they’ll **break my waters**.
Then the plan is essentially to give my body around **24 hours to establish labour and hopefully progress into a VBAC**.
They are recommending **no Pitocin/oxytocin augmentation** because of the previous C-section.
If the induction doesn’t progress, if they can’t safely break my waters, or if things otherwise don’t go to plan, the recommendation is to proceed to a **C-section**.

I’m feeling quite positive about attempting the VBAC, but also a little nervous about the induction itself, particularly because I know induced labour after a previous C-section can be a bit of a different experience.
I’d really love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation — **small/FGR baby, reassuring Dopplers, induction around 38 weeks, Foley balloon and/or VBAC after a previous C-section**.
How did the induction go for you? Did the Foley balloon work? Did your body take over once your waters were broken? Were you able to have a successful VBAC, or did you ultimately need another C-section?
And if you had a small baby with reassuring Dopplers, did you feel that the baby tolerated labour well?
I’m particularly interested in positive stories, but I’d genuinely appreciate hearing about all experiences — I’m just trying to get a better idea of what the next few weeks might look like and go into it feeling as informed and prepared as possible. ❤️

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience, particularly a VBAC induction with a small/FGR baby.
I’m currently pregnant with my second baby and have a planned induction at 38+2. I had a previous emergency C-section after labouring to around 4 cm, so this will be my first attempt at a VBAC.

This baby has been measuring small from the beginning. At the most recent growth scan at 36 weeks, she was estimated at the 7th percentile. However, she has continued to grow steadily along her own curve, rather than dropping percentiles, and there have been no concerns with her Dopplers throughout the pregnancy. Her Dopplers have remained reassuring/normal, which is one of the things I’ve found difficult to reconcile with the recommendation to deliver at 38 weeks.

The current plan for the induction is:
At 37 weeks, I’ll have a membrane sweep to hopefully encourage things along naturally.
On the day of the induction at 38+2, they’ll assess my cervix and decide how favourable things are.
If things are favourable enough, they’ll use a Foley balloon to help dilate the cervix, as I’m not being offered prostaglandins because of my previous C-section.
If/when the balloon comes out and my cervix is suitable, they’ll break my waters.
Then the plan is essentially to give my body around 24 hours to establish labour and hopefully progress into a VBAC.
They are recommending no Pitocin/oxytocin augmentation because of the previous C-section.
If the induction doesn’t progress, if they can’t safely break my waters, or if things otherwise don’t go to plan, the recommendation is to proceed to a C-section.

I’m feeling quite positive about attempting the VBAC, but also a little nervous about the induction itself, particularly because I know induced labour after a previous C-section can be a bit of a different experience.
I’d really love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation — small/FGR baby, reassuring Dopplers, induction around 38 weeks, Foley balloon and/or VBAC after a previous C-section.
How did the induction go for you? Did the Foley balloon work? Did your body take over once your waters were broken? Were you able to have a successful VBAC, or did you ultimately need another C-section?
And if you had a small baby with reassuring Dopplers, did you feel that the baby tolerated labour well?
I’m particularly interested in positive stories, but I’d genuinely appreciate hearing about all experiences — I’m just trying to get a better idea of what the next few weeks might look like and go into it feeling as informed and prepared as possible. ❤️