Anyone having an elective cesarean section?

tarynkim

I'm so utterly torn right now, and I really don't know what to do.  How late can i wait to decide?

bethiec

what are the indications for you to have a c/s instead of vag

JenLuvsRichard

I didn't think that was something you could elect to have on your first? I thought they usually want you to try to deliver naturally first?

Mrs.Carlybella

unless there was a medical reason-  why would you opt for a c?

mirdamae03

I don't think there would be too many who would opt for a c-section if it wasn't medically necessary. I'd rather not be cut open unless I had to be.

Mrs. Carly your son is precious!!

theprincessPAT

I would imagine you can wait quite a while to decide. 

Has your doctor given you a reason to believe you need to elect for the c-section?  I work with a woman who had one because she is just all around small and the baby wouldn't have come out.

Also consider that fewer and fewer doctors are doing vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and you may not be able to have a vaginal delivery if you want to have another child.

MrsB0701

First off a c-section is not that bad. BUT please know that it is major surgery and that there are a few cons to it. One, some girls don't recover quite as well as others. I was up walking and showering in less than 12 hours. Two, some hospitals don't let you hold LO until you're out of recovery. Three, believe it or not, if you have a c-section you will mourn the loss of not being able to have a natural delivery. Most subsequent pregnancies most likely would end up c-section as well. There are definitely some pros as well. One, it's scheduled and there's no surprise. Two, you hopefully shouldn't feel anything. Three, some girls recover easier from a c-section than from natural delivery. You really really need to do your homework on this one. Most doctors won't do elective c-sections. Good luck in your decision!

tarynkim

My doctor has recommended for as long as I can remember (well before we conceived) that I make the decision to have a c-section, and I've never been one of those women that feels the need to deliver vaginally so I always agreed.  However now that I'm pregnant I feel very conflicted.  His reasoning for suggesting this is that I have lupus which has caused kidney problems over the years, and I also deal with severe anxiety/depression so he thinks it would be the best decision for my overall health.  I'm just worried about regret if I don't try to deliver vaginally at least for my first one.  I know if my kidney function continues to decrease I won't have a choice, but as of now the decision is still mine.  I appreciate all of your opinions and advice!!!

AACraven85

This is probably something you should discuss with your OB. I wouldn't ever have major surgery if it wasn't necessary, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the matter and to do as they wish with their bodies.

Edit: Just read your latest response, which really clarifies what you are asking. It sounds like you have a tough decision to make. Go with your gut on this, as long as whatever you decide is best for yours and baby's health.

 

Sleep2Live

I "elected" to have a c-section with my son because i'm 5'2 and have narrow hips, and he was 9 lbs 9 ozs.  The doctor thought there was a good chance of him either getting stuck, or having shoulder dystocia, which can lead to permenant nerve damage.  Never once have I felt like I missed out, or made the wrong decision.  If your doctor feels like it would be in your best interest and health, and you don't feel like he's off his rocker, then I would go with the c/s.  The goal is to have a healthy baby and mama, not to do it in any certain way.

Edit: I totally forgot to answer your actual question.  It depends on your doctor, but we didn't decide on the c-section until about 5 days before they scheduled it.  I would think that if you go into labor on your own, and decide even at that point you want a c-section, they will allow it.  I don't know how far along you are, but it sounds like you've got some time, so don't stress it.

tarynkim

I really appreciate your reply Carah.  It's helpful to hear that you made a similar decision and didn't feel any regret.  I am 23 weeks today so I do have quite some time.  It's just been on my mind lately.  I think it would be best if I just wait it out because I may not even have to make the decision when it comes down to it.  I've just been a complete mess this week:(