Why did you have (or will you have) a C-Section?

starrysmile18

My doctor is having me do a growth u/s next Tues. Babe has been measuring a little big, and my Dr. said that if babe is measuring close to 10 lbs (was 7.1 a few weeks ago) they would offer me a C-section. Now I would really like to do a regular birth, but I was just wondering some of the reasons you momma's decided to go with a C-section? Seems like I may have some decisions to make pretty soon.

TIA!

terri_doula2010

I had a c-section due to breech baby and no one willing to support me trying for vaginal delivery. I would have tried for vaginal if there were any doctors in my area willing to let me try.

Keep in mind that there are always stories of women who are told they have 10+ lb babies and get a c-section only to deliver a 6 lb baby.

Also, some people just have big babies. If you were big, likely your body just makes big babies and wouldn't have a hard time delivering one.

Not trying to sway you, just giving you my 2 cents.

kismetjess

I'll have one because baby dropped down low in my pelvis in a frank breech position.

Manx4

If it was medically necessary, I would.  If I wasn't getting the baby out quickly enough or he wasn't making progress fast enough & was in distress, cut me open.  But unless I'm told for reasons otherwise, I want to attempt to deliver vaginally first. 

numb3rMel

I would only consider a medically necessary c-section. That is if I or the baby is in distress or if the baby is breeched.

I do not judge those who choose or have had c/s but if the option is left to me, I'm going vag.

isacdimi10

Growth ultrasounds have an error margin of +/-2lbs.

 

That being said. Failure to progress, not allowed to VBAC/RCS and finally RCS. 

mrs.kapow

Given the inaccuracies in u/s measurements that I've seen around here, I would probably at least attempt labor in your position.

For me, a c/s is something that I would do if necessary, but it's not my first thought.

Like PP, I would obviously make that decision and be fine with it if I or the baby were in distress and if the baby were breech.  

jocymama

I had one because my daughter was breech. I am hoping for a VBAC this time. Good luck with your decision!

mrsjenni

Please do not have a c/s for a "big" baby.  Pretty please?  Growth u/s can be way off.  

DS was measuring almost 8lbs at 35 weeks and I refused to have a c/s.  I was induced at 38w0d due to pre-e and he was 9.5lbs 2 full weeks early.  I had a vaginal delivery and I'm so glad I didn't go right to a c/s.  I was induced with DD as well (again, pre-e) and she was 9.3lbs at 39w0d.

I had a growth u/s this morning and this baby was estimated to be over 7.5lbs with 4 weeks to go. Who knows what size he/she will end up being, but I'm sure they'll be right around the 9lb-9.5lb mark by my 39w induction just going by the size of my other two kiddos (not the growth u/s alone.)  But there's no way I'd go right to a c/s.

terri_doula2010

tara1223:

LO is complete breech, so really, the safest way for her to come out is through an incision...they won't even attempt a vaginal delivery at my practice with a breech baby.

They should do an analysis of your pelvis and baby's head/shoulders to see if you can successfully deliver...I had to sign a consent form stating that although I could have a successful vaginal delivery due to her size, I was electing for a c/s. I was pretty upset because I wasn't electing shiit, and the form did indicate baby was breech, but it still sucked to sign.

  Tara I had to sign something similar and it upset me as well *hugs* Mama, You are going to do great!

I should add that the only reason I was willing to try a vaginal delivery with DS is because he was Frank breech. I would never attempt footling or complete.  Frank is safest for vaginal delivery, but most OBs in the US aren't trained in breech delivery at all, and that's why most people don't have many options even in the best circumstances.

kelbel527

Manx4:

If it was medically necessary, I would.  If I wasn't getting the baby out quickly enough or he wasn't making progress fast enough & was in distress, cut me open.  But unless I'm told for reasons otherwise, I want to attempt to deliver vaginally first. 

This. Especially now that I've already delivered vaginally, I know what expect in recovery.  I feel prepared for a vaginal birth and would do anything I could to avoid a c-section.  And FWIW my son was just shy of 9lbs.

mlf625

I had my first c/s at 39w4d because I had GD, my OB didn't want me going overdue, and I wasn't interested in an induction without any dilation or effacement that would likely lead to c/s, anyway.  I was really fine with the idea of a c/s from the start and didn't have my heart set on any certain type of birth, so the decision wasn't a huge deal for me.  DS was measuring right at 9lb and was born the next day at 8lb15oz with the biggest head I've ever seen on a newborn, so I didn't regret the decision at all.

A c/s birth, like a vaginal birth, can be rough or easy.  Every person is going to heal differently.  I had fast and easy recoveries and gladly signed up for c/s #3 this time despite being offered the option of VBA2C.  

Megroons

mrs.jenni:

Please do not have a c/s for a "big" baby.  Pretty please?  Growth u/s can be way off.  

DS was measuring almost 8lbs at 35 weeks and I refused to have a c/s.  I was induced at 38w0d due to pre-e and he was 9.5lbs 2 full weeks early.  I had a vaginal delivery and I'm so glad I didn't go right to a c/s.  I was induced with DD as well (again, pre-e) and she was 9.3lbs at 39w0d.

I had a growth u/s this morning and this baby was estimated to be over 7.5lbs with 4 weeks to go. Who knows what size he/she will end up being, but I'm sure they'll be right around the 9lb-9.5lb mark by my 39w induction just going by the size of my other two kiddos (not the growth u/s alone.)  But there's no way I'd go right to a c/s.

This. I wouldn't want to do it unless medically necessary.

KellersPrag

I just want to throw my 2 cents in that the whole hospital where I am delivering (one of the best in the state) and any doctors' group affiliated with the hospital will no longer do growth scans because they come back +/- 2 lbs. at any given time, and they say they no longer want to give inaccurate measurements. So if the only reason they'd offer the c-section is due to size, I wouldn't go for it. That's just my opinion, though!

bonjourbelle05

My doctor generally doesn't decide on C-sections until delivery day (except for certain medical situations)....she said she has seen some tiny women push out some large babies and that she thinks women should be at least given a chance to deliver vaginally (again except for certain medical situations), so I feel safe not saying yes to a c-section until the doctor says I need one because I know she isn't "c-section happy".

Jumpin4joy

I'm being told I am due to have a 9 lb baby.  I still want to try and go natural.  I have read that this is just an estimate and they can be and often are wrong.  So I'm hoping he's not quite that big and that he takes after his mama and has a small head.  I would consider a C/S only under medical necessity.

Manx4

Jumpin4joy:

I'm being told I am due to have a 9 lb baby.  I still want to try and go natural.  I have read that this is just an estimate and they can be and often are wrong.  So I'm hoping he's not quite that big and that he takes after his mama and has a small head.  I would consider a C/S only under medical necessity.

Don't worry - I had a 9 lb baby with a huge head and delivered vaginally.  It can be done.

rsp247

As of right now I am all set for a vaginal birth when ever she is ready. But the dr has warned me that if she doesnt show up by my due date she will be taken out due to my gd. They said no matter what she will be here by the 24th of Sept. I suppose the only way otherwise is if she is in destress from my bp that has a mind of its own lately.

TAGSL710

terri_doula2010:

I had a c-section due to breech baby and no one willing to support me trying for vaginal delivery. I would have tried for vaginal if there were any doctors in my area willing to let me try.

Keep in mind that there are always stories of women who are told they have 10+ lb babies and get a c-section only to deliver a 6 lb baby.

Also, some people just have big babies. If you were big, likely your body just makes big babies and wouldn't have a hard time delivering one.

Not trying to sway you, just giving you my 2 cents.

I echo these sentiments.

TAGSL710

tara1223:

LO is complete breech, so really, the safest way for her to come out is through an incision...they won't even attempt a vaginal delivery at my practice with a breech baby.

They should do an analysis of your pelvis and baby's head/shoulders to see if you can successfully deliver...I had to sign a consent form stating that although I could have a successful vaginal delivery due to her size, I was electing for a c/s. I was pretty upset because I wasn't electing shiit, and the form did indicate baby was breech, but it still sucked to sign.

That would really piss me off, too.  I'm sorry.

White0rchid

With DD1, I had to have a c/s because she was being held back by her cord. I was fully dilated and pushed for a while. Her heart rate started dropping very low with each push. The midwife and OB made the decision and they literally ran my bed to the OR. I was put under general anesthesia. DD came out with the cord wrapped tightly around her neck twice. 

Her birth was so traumatic that I have since chosen to do RCS. 

damabo80

I didn't have a choice. DD needed to come out, like right then, to save my life, and since I was so early, my cervix was no where near giving up the goods.
The time it could have taken for induction and labor would have meant my liver would have exploded.

But, I still want to try a vbac for this time. I hated my c section and the recovery. I'd like to at least attempt a normal delivery. It won't be the end of the world if I end up with a repeat c, but I'm willing to give it the old college try.

Dncr251

I had a c-section the first time due to a drop in mine and DS's heartrate after 6 hours of labor. Pretty sure my drop was due to the anesthesia. DS was induced 2 weeks early due to a grade 4 placenta, and they didn't want to put too much stress on his one working kidney since we had already had a procedure in-utero. This time, I have a repeat c-section scheduled for Sept 13.

LLBean2012

My little one is breech so I will be having a c-section Monday. Honestly, it was a very easy decision for me. I wanted whatever would result in the best chances of happy, healthy baby and mommy. No preconceived notions or expectations on delivery around here... 

VineyardMel

Mines a little different. I used to have vulvadynia and have had a major vag surgery and a minor one. It took years to get the lady bits in working order and I'm not willing to risk going back to that, which is a real possibility with the trauma of a vag birth. I don't want to have a c/s, but even more I don't want to give up enjoying sex. As you might imagine, DH completely supports my choice.

I'll also add that this baby has been measuring ahead for a while and at my 32wk growth u/s her head measured 37wks. My OB is very reluctant to do primary c/s, but she said that even if I didn't have the other issues I might be looking at one just based on the size of her head and the size of my pelvis. I have to tell you that this bit of information made the "choice" to have a c/s MUCH easier. 

MrsAB1316

My best friend is 5 feet tall and 113lbs normally.  She gave birth to a 9lb 7oz baby girl a couple of years ago...vaginally.   Her doctor had estimated her baby to be in the high 7s at a previous appointment.   She pushed her out just fine....she ended up with 2 tears, but nothing that didn't heal...

That being said...you have to make the decision that YOU and YH are most comfortable with.