VBAC attempt for #2 - when to consider?

[Kat]

Hi there,

I am not sure what thread this fits under the best. Essentially I had a terrible 1st pregnancy. It was just horrific. I remember reminding myself there were pregnant people worse off than me but in hindsight I think it was pretty bad! Then I had a 26 hour labour that ended in a c-sar. I have a beautiful mostly contented peaceful baby who I wouldn't exchange for the world, but I wonder about doing all that again!

The original plan of the moment was to not have a large gap between children. Part of me still agrees with this plan, however i have soem concerns, including ones about post-ceasar pregnancies and how people found them.

The things on my mind about 'when' to ttc are:
* I still have gallstones (apparently) though could only see a couple tiny ones on last scan - and theoretically need gallbladder surgery before conceiving again
* our finances are totally shot after all the additional expenses we had (including eight weeks of my DH not working and not being paid so he could look aftger me)
* my health in general - did anyone else find their health badly affected by preg. #2; or anyone out there who had a terrible #1 pregnancy and then #2 was fine? ddid you do anything differently?
* the pregnancy itself. one lady said the scar itched (I have really poor skin that itches all thetime so that really alarmed me!) - what did others experience?

when did you ttc #2 after ceasarian and how did you come to the choice? has it / is it a choice that has worked for you?

Kat

[Terrible2+1cutie]

hi Kat,

I have 2 beautiful boys who are 15 months apart that were both born by cesarean. Blaze was emergency after 24 hours labour and Bailey was elective. It took me ages to recover after having Bailey, i was sick all the time and couldn't sleep in a normal bed for a few weeks. I learnt that your body isn't used to having 2 operations so close. If you need someone to talk to about this further my email addy is catherinetad@hotmail.com.

Catherine

[Amy1978]

Dear Kat,

I don't have experience with the caesar issue, but I can say my second pregnancy has been heaps easier than the first. I HATED being pregnant the first time around, I could not believe how awful it was and used to be in tears about what a terrible person I must be to loathe it so and whatnot.

I think a large part of it is due to being so busy with the first baby that you really can't dwell so much on the second pregnancy!

I am worried about the second birth, as I had to have reconstructive surgery after the first ripped everything so badly, but for the most part, I'm a lot more excited and probably willing to put up with more as I know how valuable the end result is.

Good luck,
Amy