Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 7/7/2009

Question
with my first child i stopped dilating at 8cm. My water had broke and everything was progressing fine then it just kind of stopped. they even gave me petocin, nothing worked. What would cause that and what are the chances I'll have to have another c-section.

Answer
If you did not progress past 8 cm, it may have had something to do with the position of the baby or it may have been that your doctor might have not given it enough time - sometimes Failure to Progress is really Failure to be Patient.

Your odds of having a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean) depends on many factors - the most important is your care provider.  Do they truly support VBACs?  Find out their VBAC success rate.  If it is very low, unfortunately, your chances of a VBAC will be very low if you stay with them (and it is never too late to switch care providers)  You can also go to the ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) at http://www.ican-online.org  for information on ICAN groups/leaders in your area who can give you further information on VBAC supportive hospitals/care providers in your area as well as further information to increase your chance of having a successful VBAC.

To insure your baby is in the best position before you go into labor, you can visit www.spinningbabies.com for more information about helping your baby get into a good (optimal fetal) position before birth, which will greatly increase your chances of your labor moving smoothly.

I wish you the best with the rest of your pregnancy and your upcoming birth!