Elective c-section

jay062016

Has anyone decided whether they are going for a natural birth vs. C-section? The more i think about it the more i think i will go for an elective c-sec

noslen0519

For what it's worth, my scheduled c- section was a breeze. I was eating dinner that night, on my feet the following day, and off painkillers and doing housework 5 days later. Frankly, going through labor and pushing scares me more. Unless I have a VERY good reason to believe the VBAC is a good option for me and will be fast and easy, I plan on scheduling this baby as well. Some people will call me crazy, but I really felt it was no sweat. You are no less of a mommy- good luck whatever you choose. 

MynaBird

Can I ask why? Nothing wrong with a section if it's needed, but personally it wouldn't be my choice to opt for the extended recovery time resulting from abdominal surgery. It's not a decision I would make lightly or without serious discussion with your OB (who may or may not support your decision).

jay062016

I have panic attacks. Not willing to go through labour + panic attack. I don't mind the extended recovery time. Luckily OB cannot say no. I don't live in the US.

fishwife799

Can I ask why? Nothing wrong with a section if it's needed, but personally it wouldn't be my choice to opt for the extended recovery time resulting from abdominal surgery. It's not a decision I would make lightly or without serious discussion with your OB (who may or may not support your decision).

Exactly this. I have had a c-section as well as a med free VBAC and I would take the latter any day of the week.

ETA- I'm not trying to sway you either way. I would just suggest you do as much research as possible on the different birth experiences and make the best choice for you. I would also look into treatment for your anxiety that you can do during pregnancy and labor. There are so many different coping techniques out there that could help you manage them if you are opposed to medication. Just off the top of my head having a doula or maybe even trying hypnobabies could be huge in stopping them while you are laboring.

LizM61409

jay062016 said:

I have panic attacks. Not willing to go through labour + panic attack. I don't mind the extended recovery time. Luckily OB cannot say no. I don't live in the US.

You think having major surgery while awake is preferable for the anxiety?

Wyattnash00

This topic is going to get a lot of opinions, be prepared!! I had an emergency CS with DS, recovery is No joke! I had a hard time getting up off the couch, in and out of the car p, many everyday things for weeks, all while you have a newborn, And the experience was traumatic, you're literally sawed in half. Friends that had vaginal births are up and walking around quickly, I'd suggest talking to your dr about your anxiety, maybe see a therapist, look into a doula, so many options before you elect to have major surgery.

meggyme

I would suggest looking into things to help calm your anxiety during labor. A doula who might have experience with clients with anxiety or something like hypno-birthing to keep you in a calm state.

Atlast111

MynaBird said:

Can I ask why? Nothing wrong with a section if it's needed, but personally it wouldn't be my choice to opt for the extended recovery time resulting from abdominal surgery. It's not a decision I would make lightly or without serious discussion with your OB (who may or may not support your decision).

This is a very good point. A C section is still major surgery with additional risks. It's not something I would choose to do without good reason. I am also prone to panic attacks but would feel more panicked laying on a table being unable to move than being free to move around in labour. Personally I would go for a natural birth and look into hypno birthing to aid relaxation in labour.

marriedtoadutchman

MynaBird said:

Can I ask why? Nothing wrong with a section if it's needed, but personally it wouldn't be my choice to opt for the extended recovery time resulting from abdominal surgery. It's not a decision I would make lightly or without serious discussion with your OB (who may or may not support your decision).

This.

I would look into some other ways to maybe ease your anxiety? There are so many complications that can arise with a c-section.

Atlast111

Worst case scenario it is better to take medication for anxiety such as beta blockers than opt for surgery.

Arwen0503

I had an emergency c-section with my 1st. With my 2nd and 3rd I had an elective c-section, it was just a better choice for me and I was up and walking around within the week of the surgery all 3 times. It really depends on the person and what is better for them. I have to have a c-section this time because they don't want my uterus to burst with contractions.

Linsbins

Interesting. I have also had panic attacks, and birth makes me incredibly nervous. However, I am way more terrified of being cut open while awake! I feel that with a vaginal birth I am in more control. We will see how it ends up, but at least ask all the questions of your ob before you tell her what to do. They are experts.

hockeyfan42

I had an emergency c section with my first. My spinal migrated during the operation and I panicked because I couldn't tell I was breathing. Nearly hyperventilated and passed out. My recovery was slow. I developed two wound seromas (fluid pockets) and had to have parts of my incision reopened. I spent weeks having to pack gauze into the openings. Not to mention having a newborn to care for. Not exactly fun.

A c-section is major surgery. If I were you, I'd talk to your doctor about ways to combat your issues.

CourtJack

jay062016 said:

I have panic attacks. Not willing to go through labour + panic attack. I don't mind the extended recovery time. Luckily OB cannot say no. I don't live in the US.

Any reason aside from panic attacks? I can understand being worried about the idea of panic during labour - but if it's the pain that has you concerned - you could consider an epidural? Your body, your choice, but if you're truly interested in getting some opinions on what is the better option - I'm sure we'd all be able to share resources with you. Just say the word.

Emztron500

Labour is tough but they can make it a lot easier for you - my labour was long but I slept through hours with my epidural, and before I had that I was given nitrous (like you get at the dentist) which was less effective for pain management but really helped calm me down and took the edge off. Maybe watch some videos of C sections before you opt for one. You're still conscious for it, you can feel yourself being cut open, and they still have to "deliver" the baby through the incision, they don't just lift it out. It might be a scarier experience. 

theatremandy

I've had two c-sections, and the recovery isn't easy. I was walking at the gym within a month, but you'll likely be on pain meds for a couple weeks. I wanted to try for a VBA2C this time, but doc said no. I'm not excited about another major surgery, but it is what it is. I can say laying on a table with a screen in your face, feeling everything being moved around inside of you can be nerve-wracking. It makes me anxious for sure.

TwoBadMice

This is totally your decision! If you are less worried about a c section do it, recovery is a bitch either way. My best friend was very worried about vaginal birth but also scared to ask about an elected c section. It is YOUR birth YOUR way. My friend had an amazing experience after talking to her doctor about wanting a c section. You do what will make you the most comfortable and fuck everyone else!

VikingGirl12

I had an emergency c section. I suffer from daily panic attacks. I would opt for a VBAC if I could but my body wasn't made for birthing babies. I strongly urge you to research the risks of having a csection before you make the decision.
I am absolutely terrified that I have to have a repeat c section with the anxiety I suffer from. I would much rather have the control of a natural birth. Natural birth sounds scary, but once you're in there and it's happening, you go with it. IF you happen to have side effects from your anxiety during labor, a csection can be done.
Good luck in making your decision.

june2016baby

Hmmmm, I'd do more research! I had three scheduled c-sections because my doctor did not want me to push (for medical reasons applying specifically to me).

As a side note, some doctors actually prefer them because they feel more in control than during a vaginal birth.

I was soooo relieved to be told during my first pregnancy that I "had" to have a section. It was super easy for me all three times, and hopefully it will be this fourth time also. I've never even felt a real contraction! And yeah, I do have a scar. But I didn't have to go through any vaginal trauma. (Although I know that heals.)

BUT, just the other day I was thinking about how I'll never really know what it's like to have a labor pain, or give birth vaginally, or feel accomplished that I did it.

You know what's best for you, though. Do you have any friends who had elective c-sections? Was it a good experience for them?

RMR7779

I guess I also had an elective c section- but for medical reasons my doctor felt strongly about. I would not have done it otherwise. I had serious anxiety on the table, and am actually terrified about having a repeat CS but it's still the better option for me. I actually started feeling the surgery at some point after baby was out, they had given me all the drugs they could and the only other option was to either put me under or just finish. I told them just finish, but I'm a little traumatized. Not a decision I would encourage anyone to make lightly.

mrscrosby53

I have given birth both ways and I also have panic attacks. I was fine during the vaginal birth and had a major panic attack during the surgery. Being awake while someone is cutting you open is terrifying! Due to medical problems I have to have a c section and it scares me. I wish I had the option to give birth naturally. I also had serious complications from the c section that kept me in the hospital for a week. It was terrible.

sthomas1222

I respect all women's right to choose their way of giving birth. But I will strongly advise you to educate yourself on what this may mean for future pregnancies. Each c/s brings more & more risk & if you want a large family that may not be possible with repeated c/s. Also finding a VBAC provider can be difficult so if you should change your mind for the next it's something to consider.

Also, being in the US means nothing so not sure your point there. I'm sure there are doctors who won't do an elective c/s but typically it's not an issue.

scotten

I had an emergency/unplanned c-section with my DD, and I fully intend on having a repeat c-section this time. Don't feel bad with your decision - whichever way you decide to go. You will know what is best for your situation!

jennk0118

I had a c-section the first time around. I want(ed) to do a VBAC solely for the purpose of.. Give me my baby! And the recovery of my last one was hell. My OB just had a conversation with me and said that I can now hold my baby while being stitched up and some of his patients are even able to breastfeed. Some hospitals won't let you do that. But I feel mine is more flexible and advanced than the hospital even just an hour away in my hometown. He also told me that I cannot be induced. I understand. So now that kinda scares me of the labor not progressing. He also told me that it is easier for a scheduled c-section rather than laboring and then cesarean.

In the end, we decided that it will be best and less rushed if we see how big baby is growing and position, and my cervical status and make the decision along the way.

Truthfully, I may be leaning toward scheduling it. But who knows?! It's early yet.

Either way you choose IS the best decision!

june2016baby

sthomas1222 said:

I respect all women's right to choose their way of giving birth. But I will strongly advise you to educate yourself on what this may mean for future pregnancies. Each c/s brings more & more risk & if you want a large family that may not be possible with repeated c/s. Also finding a VBAC provider can be difficult so if you should change your mind for the next it's something to consider.

Also, being in the US means nothing so not sure your point there. I'm sure there are doctors who won't do an elective c/s but typically it's not an issue.

Good point about repeat c-sections meaning your possibility of a large family going down. During my third pregnancy, my doctor encouraged me to get my tubes tied, because
he said that during a pregnancy that follows 3 c-sections, there is a 40% chance of some sort of placental problem. (I did not fact check this info, however I wrote it down in my pregnancy journal afterwards, so this is definitely what was said to me.) However, after he preformed the c-section, he said to me, "Your uterus held up well, I think you could go for one more." (And, I did! Although it was a surprise.) So far all is well with baby. But my point is, if you're planning on more than 3 babies, you probably shouldn't plan Ina c-section.

I do think all of my friends who wanted to get a VBAC were able to do so, but that's something to consider also.

And wait, didn't she say she DOESN'T live in the U.S.?

june2016baby

Oh, one more thing. I get oral herpes (cold sores). But 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 (depending on your source) U.S. women get genital sores. If I were part of the 1 in 5, I'd get an elective c-section, even if I wasn't experiencing an outbreak. Newborns often die or experience severe damage if they get herpes during or shortly after birth. I'm not saying they get it from a mother often, but when they do get herpes, it's very serious.

My cousin got a elective c-section for this reason. She just felt too anxious about giving the baby herpes. And I "get" her fear.

So whatever the OPs reasons are, they main be founded in some kind of real fear.

Atlast111

june2016baby said:

Oh, one more thing. I get oral herpes (cold sores). But 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 (depending on your source) U.S. women get genital sores. If I were part of the 1 in 5, I'd get an elective c-section, even if I wasn't experiencing an outbreak. Newborns often die or experience severe damage if they get herpes during or shortly after birth. I'm not saying they get it from a mother often, but when they do get herpes, it's very serious.

My cousin got a elective c-section for this reason. She just felt too anxious about giving the baby herpes. And I "get" her fear.

So whatever the OPs reasons are, they main be founded in some kind of real fear.

Ok googled this....lol. You are right that genital herpes virus can be very serious for newborns but they only recommend a c section if you are having an active outbreak. Babies that are most at risk are ones born to mothers who contract genital herpes for the first time while pregnant (40-60% chance) this is because the mother hasn't had enough time to aquire antibodies. For women with long standing genital herpes as long as you aren't having an active outbreak the risk of transmission is very low (approx 1%). I would argue the risk of a c section greatly outweighs this risk (7.1% serious complications for electives).

Read more on WhatToExpect.com:
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/herpes/

Atlast111

It seems really odd that docs are so unwilling to perform VBACs when the chance of rupturing your scar is so low. I can't help but feel that this is done for the convenience of the doctors. A C section is fast and can be scheduled while labour is much more time consuming! Just a thought. I might be wrong.

lm45678

I would speak with your doctor about options for your anxiety. Look into birthing classes, hypnosis, anti-anxiety medication.

As a former OB nurse, I will say that seeing women recover from a C-Section is painful to watch. After delivery you aren't able to eat for a while, get out of bed, and you have to be catheterized for at least 8 hours post-op. The pain from the incision is real, it is uncomfortable to hold and breastfeed the baby. The risk of complications are much higher.

I am supportive of whatever is best for you as a mother, but am coming from a place of seeing both births and thinking that a vaginal birth with pain medication may be a better option.

Good luck in whatever you choose!

halesnwhales

VBAC generally isn't the doctors decision, it's insurance companies that make them difficult to get. Whether the whole hospital doesn't allow them because it lowers costs for thems or a doctor specifically doesn't allow them because many insurance companies won't cover them or won't work with them if they perform VBACs.

Atlast111

haleyburgess1 said:

VBAC generally isn't the doctors decision, it's insurance companies that make them difficult to get. Whether the whole hospital doesn't allow them because it lowers costs for thems or a doctor specifically doesn't allow them because many insurance companies won't cover them or won't work with them if they perform VBACs.

Wow...That's crazy. It didn't even occur to me living in England. Either way, it really should be what's best for the woman not the docs or insurance companies! I would be curious to see how the vbac rates vary between the uk and us. If they are different (US lower), we will know it's due to insurance and if they are similar it's down to the docs! Although it is possible the NHS could also use c sections to reduce costs. Who is more expensive, a surgeon for an hour or 2 nurses for 24 hours? Lol...

FutureMrsCAF

Like PPs said, I would take a lot of time to research methods for anxiety control while in labor before you officially decide on a c/s. I had a section with DD because she was breech, and I hated it so much. DH and I were looking at photos last night and we found the photos of DD's birth. I was flooded with negative emotions about being unable to hold her right away, being stuck in bed with a catheter for 24 hours, and being in so much pain before the nurses figured out the right dosage for my pain meds. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. It truly is major surgery and it really limited what I could do as a mother during the first week or two of my daughter's life. I am trying for a VBAC this time and I am praying I am successful, as a c-section is something I hope to never have to do again. We'd like to have 3 children, so this one is crucial, as I'd rather not have 3 sections.

Huskerfanz

I want a vaginal birth so bad.  I'm dreading the c section and recovery a toddler and multiples. 

Huskerfanz

Also, your delivery might not be that bad.  Mine wasn't for my first.  I planned on going med free this time even.

FinePlacentaPie

*lurking*

Not all insurance will pay for an elective C/S either. Not that finances are everything, but it's something to think about. It depends on the medical necessity rules of your insurance.

Corts

My next door neighbor had a c section 2 weeks ago. She curses whenever she has to get off a chair. I feel bad for the delivery guys who are still bringing flowers and gifts

vampbride99

Personally, I'd never purposefully elect to have a C-section....ever.  If there is no true medical need for one, I don't see there being a point to have one.

Despite this, it is your baby and your decision to make.  Do you happen to know anyone who has had a C-section?  If you do, I would suggest speaking with them to get their accounts of what happened.  That way you get the full picture of what to expect if you choose to have one.

lavina2244

Just to give the other side of the coin; I know of 2 close friends who have had successfull elective Csections. Up & walking the next day & although recovery is naturally longer it was nothing major. Naturally, everyone's experience is different and everyone's body recovers at a different rate. I don't suffer from anxiety but after some research I must admit a vaginal birth gives me much more anxiety than a c-section. For me personally, it feels like something I would persue.

june2016baby

noslen0519 said:

For what it's worth, my scheduled c- section was a breeze. I was eating dinner that night, on my feet the following day, and off painkillers and doing housework 5 days later. Frankly, going through labor and pushing scares me more. Unless I have a VERY good reason to believe the VBAC is a good option for me and will be fast and easy, I plan on scheduling this baby as well. Some people will call me crazy, but I really felt it was no sweat. You are no less of a mommy- good luck whatever you choose. 

Sounds like me, especially after the first c-section.

sthomas1222

haleyburgess1 said:

VBAC generally isn't the doctors decision, it's insurance companies that make them difficult to get. Whether the whole hospital doesn't allow them because it lowers costs for thems or a doctor specifically doesn't allow them because many insurance companies won't cover them or won't work with them if they perform VBACs.

not true. There are hospitals with VBAC bans. Someone mentioned above about not being induced for a VBAC when ACOG says it's a viable option. Insurance typically does not care how a baby comes out & I've never heard a story of insurance not paying for a VBAC. Maybe they aren't an insurance accepted at a hospital & out of network is unaffordable. But no direct bans of VBAC by insurances. This is doctors & hospitals being unsupportive. Some extreme cases even having the police & CPS involved if a mom doesn't consent to a RCS...