Blog

In Part 2 of her conversation on the Healthful Woman podcast, Gabrielle Moskovitz returns to speak with host Dr. Nathan Fox about her fifth pregnancy with her goal of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Following previous losses and a difficult C-section delivery, Gabrielle shares the challenges of seeking high-risk pregnancy care in New York City while managing anxiety, gestational diabetes, and a fear of loss.

Gabrielle’s Fifth Pregnancy and Anxiety

Early in her fifth pregnancy, Gabrielle had anxiety that followed her two previous miscarriages and C-section. She shared, “The main feeling was anxiety. When I had my first miscarriage, I was like, “Okay.” Like, it was really, really bad. But I was like, “I feel like everyone has like one miscarriage.” So, I was kind of able to process that. And when I had the second miscarriage, I’m like, “No, you don’t get struck with like two bad luck.” So, this time I was like, “There’s no way I could have a third, but maybe I could.” Like, there is a higher incidence rate with women with PCOS for miscarriages. So, I did come in, to your office, like, anxious every time I had a scan.” She returned to Dr. Fox and the team at Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates in Manhattan, despite her worries about commuting through the city. During each scan, she experienced anxiety, but she felt reassured by the compassionate care she received and the consistent communication with her providers. Gabrielle describes the support she received as feeling like a “concierge medicine service,” sharing how meaningful it was to have quick access to her doctor and feel listened to at each visit.

Gabrielle’s VBAC Goal

During Gabrielle’s pregnancy she had a goal of VBAC, “I knew what the vaginal recovery was like. I was up and at it, like, three days after Noah’s birth. I was fine. I recovered really well. And a part of me also, again, I have this issue with control. And so I felt like I couldn’t control the C-section. This baby was taken out of my body without me doing anything. I like the control aspect of I have to push when it’s a vaginal delivery. Like, I’m sort of in the driver’s seat in a sense. And so I think for those two reasons, VBAC was so important.”

Gabrielle’s Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis

During her pregnancy, Gabrielle was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which she had not experienced in her previous pregnancies. She found the diagnosis difficult and questioned whether it was accurate. Still, following her doctors’ advice, she began monitoring her blood sugar and eventually required nightly insulin to maintain healthy levels. Although the diagnosis added another layer of worry, Gabrielle was motivated by her desire to achieve a VBAC. She pushed through her diagnosis with that goal in mind.

Gabrielle’s High Amniotic Fluid and Continued Monitoring

Later in pregnancy, Gabrielle learned that her amniotic fluid levels were elevated, a condition known as polyhydramnios. The news was difficult to hear and triggered new concerns about her baby’s health. Weekly ultrasounds were added to her routine, but she continued to feel supported by her care team and appreciated their reassurance. Her fluid levels gradually improved with tighter blood sugar control. By then, Gabrielle had adjusted to her new normal and was starting to feel more comfortable as her due date approached.

Gabrielle’s VBAC

Despite the ongoing complications, Gabrielle’s baby continued to measure large. Around 34 weeks, one doctor raised concerns about the baby’s size and suggested a C-section might be necessary. After further discussion and a case review, Dr. Fox and the team guided her to proceed with a VBAC at 37 weeks. The induction process began with a balloon catheter and progressed steadily. With her epidural in place and Dr. Melka overseeing the delivery, her healthy baby was born, and she achieved her goal of a vaginal delivery.

Learn More

To hear Gabrielle’s full birth story and learn more, listen to “Gabrielle’s Story, Part 2: VBAC in the Big City” on the Healthful Woman podcast. For high-risk pregnancy care, visit Maternal Fetal Medicine Associates. For imaging services, contact Carnegie Imaging for Women.

Carnegie Imaging for Women blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!