We know that unique circumstances in pregnancy can make a VBAC feel farther out of reach. Do your chances of having a VBAC go down if you had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy or your current one? What if you have a special scar? What are the chances of having a VBAC if you were diagnosed with “failure to progress”? What about fibroids or gestational diabetes? Julie Francom joins Meagan on today’s episode discussing evidence-based research around all of these topics. They share personal experiences as birth workers and overall takeaways that can help you confidently navigate your VBAC journey no matter what complications arise during your pregnancy. Additional LinksSpecial Scars StudiesThe VBAC Link Blog: Why Failure to Progress in Labor is Usually Failure to WaitAJOG ArticleNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Timestamp Topics02:54 Review of the Week5:51 Preeclampsia08:57 Ask questions12:51 Special scars17:58 Failure to progress26:15 Fibroids27:54 Gestational Diabetes35:06 Find a supportive provider, ask questions, and educate yourselfTranscriptMeagan: Hello, hello everybody. We are getting out of winter and maybe into some spring weather, hopefully. I always hope for spring weather in March because it’s my daughter’s birthday and she always wants sunshine, not snow for her birthday. So I’m crossing my fingers that this is the month we have sunshine, not snow. I hope you guys are having a wonderful beginning– well, I guess it’s not actually spring, but I hope you’re having a wonderful beginning of March. We are kicking off our very first Monday episode for 2024. You guys, we have a little surprise for you. We are going to be sending out two, not just one, but two episodes a week. Make sure to tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for stories and information. Today, we are kicking it off with Julie. Hello. Julie: Hey. I’m so happy to be here and yes, I’m hoping it’s warm or getting there because I am just a popsicle permanently from November to March so let’s just thaw out a little bit, please. Meagan: Just a little bit. Even if we just get some little sprinkles, let’s have April showers in March. Julie: Yeah. Meagan: You guys, I am so excited for today’s episode. Julie and I feel like these are some questions, I am definitely getting these questions on the weekly Q and A’s, but these are some questions that are often asked and we want to answer your questions today. We’re going to be talking about a whole bunch of things. Julie: A whole bunch of things. Meagan: What are the chances if I have preeclampsia? A special scar? Failure to progress?Julie: Gestational diabetes. Meagan: Gestational diabetes and maybe uterine fibroids. We are going to talk a little bit more about those. What are your chances for VBAC or vaginal birth if you have these things or have had them? Maybe you are not pregnant yet and you had preeclampsia last time or gestational diabetes last time. What are your chances? 02:54 Review of the WeekMeagan: So without further ado, I’m going to turn the time over to Julie for a review and we’ll dive right in. Julie: Without further ado, here is Julie. Okay, this review is from Google. It is from Christa and she says, “This podcast is beyond empowering. After my C-section after multiple unnecessary interventions, I knew immediately I wanted a VBAC for my next baby. I found this podcast not long after and have been an avid listener for four years.” Four years, wow! Meagan: That’s amazing. Julie: I know. “The VBAC link lifts the veil on birth and allows women to educate themselves and make their own decisions instead of just blindly trusting providers as many of us have in the past. Because of this podcast, the topic of birth/VBACs has become such a passion of mine and I now feel confident in my knowledge and ability to advocate for myself next time. I recommend this podcast to every mom and expectant parent I know. I am now pregnant with my second due Marc