1st Trimester

Request a C-Section?

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Re: Request a C-Section?

  • imageMiss.Modular:

    i do not understand what the hell you are asking?  you have no BP problems currently, but are anticipating them?  You have a high tolerance for pain, but think a c-section will be easier/less painful??   It's major abdominal surgery,so i hope your Dr sees that you are crazy!

     

    Word.

    You are insane, along with anyone else who would rather be sliced open than give birth the way you were supposed to. C-sections are for emergancies!

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  • Okay hopefully you didn't GBCN yet.?

    If you do read this, I had an elective c/s. I am/was terrified of vaginal birth. Yes, someone CAN be terrified of vaginal birth and it does not make me lazy, stupid or ignorant. It is your body and your decision.

    While it is "major surgery" as so many women have went on about, MY recovery was a breeze. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Again, this was my recovery. There are complications involved as there are with *gasp* vaginal birth. Do what is right for YOU.

    Just make sure you do your research and speak to your Dr. ?

  • I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

  • From my experience: after 24 hrs in unmedicated labor I was stuck at 8 cm for 4 hours and DS' neck was in a dangerous position.  Surgery is nothing when you have the health of your baby to consider.  I was in SO much pain the next day.  Stitches were nothing.  The REALLY deep cut is what hurt.  Someone mentioned that they take out your guts so they can get to your uterus.  Its true.  When DH was allowed in the OR he saw my insides on top of my upper stomach.  I was on pain medication for a while and I was really umcomfortable for a long time.  DH changed DS first diaper because I couldn't get up, I couldn't get out of bed because of the pain so someone would have to bring the baby to me for feedings, I couldn't bathe DS without help, when they removed the catheter I had to get out of bed to go to the bathroom and almost wet myself trying to get there, DS had jaundice so had to be put under the light so in tears I dragged myself out to see him, the walk to the car was so long and painful, and I could go on and on about the physical difficulty of the recovery.  You are probably trying to compare having your vagina torn to having your stomach cut open but I don't think you can.  From what I understand the pain pretty much disappears after the baby is out and you are sore for a few days but remember this is how your body was designed.  You can always get an epidural too.  I truly hope for a vbac because of the recovery period with a c-section and will have a 2.5 yr old DS this time but I will do whatever it takes to get this baby our safely. 
  • Just thought I would tell you exactly what happens in a c-section, as I have watched many being an RN. Basically, they cut you, cut through the muscles, cut through the uterus, take our your sweet babe, take our your uterus ( a major abdominal organ) put it on your belly and massage it. If he dosen't clamp down like it's supposed to, (which I have seen multiple times) you may hemorrhage, loose a lot of blood, need transfusions, etc Keep in mind that you are awake for the entire thing (very risky if you have to have general anesthesia- for you and for the baby) and you they strap your arms down so you can't move and you can smell them caterizing tissue..mmm...  And then there is the 6-8 week recovery time. It's not a joy ride and definitely not the easy way out, butf medically if you have to have one, then these are things that you bear.

    There are docs that will do them--run away from them.

  • imageParks2Be:

    While it is "major surgery" as so many women have went on about, MY recovery was a breeze. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Again, this was my recovery. 

     

    same here.  i wanted to deliver vaginally and ended up with a cs.  recovery was easssy for me

  • Wow.  Way to piss off the L&D nurse before she goes in to work!

    My hospital does NOT allow elective primary sections (AKA, what you want).  It's not good for Mom or baby.  We require NICU to be present for all c-sections---that right there should tell you about the risks to your baby if you choose to do this.  And there really is a risk you could die.  Earlier this year we had a patient code on the OR table--it was her second section, and it almost killed her.  If she had a vaginal delivery, she wouldn't have spent months in ICU--away from her baby.

    And to the person with back problems--umm, you don't have to push laying flat on your back.  A section will be much worse for your back than pushing.

     

    BFP #1: m/c at 8 weeks; BFP #2: DD born 6/9/09; BFP #3 m/c at 5 weeks; BFP #4 m/c at 8 weeks, D&E; BFP #5 DS born 8/12/12
  • Many drs will not do elective c-sections.  I recommend doing some more research on birth, both vaginal and c-section.  It's not necessarily as bad as you think. Labor and delivery with DD was fine, especially after the epidural.


    image
    DD -- 5YO
    DS -- 3YO

  • After reading these posts, I'm feeling like I'd refuse a c-section even if I was told my life depended on it.  Telling the op how life-threatening and horrendous c-sections are does not seem like the best way to alleviate her fears about giving birth, however she ends up doing it.
  • imageJenn30:

    I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

    I don't know Jenn - Maybe the concept of ELECTING to have a major abdominal surgery that puts herself AND HER BABY at risk, she might have - I don't know - THOUGHT ABOUT IT, and then decided that procreation is possibly NOT HER THING.

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  • imagePlannedChaos:
    imageJenn30:

    I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

    I don't know Jenn - Maybe the concept of ELECTING to have a major abdominal surgery that puts herself AND HER BABY at risk, she might have - I don't know - THOUGHT ABOUT IT, and then decided that procreation is possibly NOT HER THING.

    Honestly, c-sections are unfortunately so routine these days (what is it, like 1 in 3 births at hospitals? I'm not sure of the latest stats) that I imagine most people have no clue that there are risks to the baby. It's great that you know this, but I would guess you're in the minority.

    I also think that how horrific vaginal births are is really pumped up in society, in movies, etc.  Friends of mine who've gone through labor tell me they never want to have another child (even though most change their minds) and describe in graphic detail how awful the experience was.  I can see how the idea of being unconscious or numbed and feeling nothing during the birth is appealing to some people.  I think what they forget are a, the risks, and b, what happens afterward (both immediate recovery and subsequent births).

  • I am not even going to read the other responses, but who in their right mind would rather have a major surgery because they think it is easier?  Healing from a c-section takes far longer then a vaginal birth.
  • The notion of a human being emerging through your vagina is scary.  But your body is designed for it.

     

    There is nothing in pregnancy or parenting that is easy.  This is the first of many things that you will have to realize.

    promised myself I'd retire when I turned gold, and yet here I am
  • imageJenn30:
    imagePlannedChaos:
    imageJenn30:

    I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

    I don't know Jenn - Maybe the concept of ELECTING to have a major abdominal surgery that puts herself AND HER BABY at risk, she might have - I don't know - THOUGHT ABOUT IT, and then decided that procreation is possibly NOT HER THING.

    Honestly, c-sections are unfortunately so routine these days (what is it, like 1 in 3 births at hospitals? I'm not sure of the latest stats) that I imagine most people have no clue that there are risks to the baby. It's great that you know this, but I would guess you're in the minority.

    I also think that how horrific vaginal births are is really pumped up in society, in movies, etc.  Friends of mine who've gone through labor tell me they never want to have another child (even though most change their minds) and describe in graphic detail how awful the experience was.  I can see how the idea of being unconscious or numbed and feeling nothing during the birth is appealing to some people.  I think what they forget are a, the risks, and b, what happens afterward (both immediate recovery and subsequent births).

    I think you're right here Jenn, most women don't know the risks associated with the majority of procedures/medications done during a delivery. The World Health Organization says a c-section rate of 5-15% is the max, but I think 1 in 3 is a bit more than 15%. My math skills suck, so I could be wrong. But whatever the case, being afraid of the pain is normal, and there are other ways to avoid it or deal with it than going with a C-section.

  • imagehiljill:
    I am not even going to read the other responses, but who in their right mind would rather have a major surgery because they think it is easier?? Healing from a c-section takes far longer then a vaginal birth.

    Interesting that you have had both. ?

  • imageThe_Jen626:
    My Dr only let me schedule my c section because I am getting a tummy tuck and a boob job at the same time as the birth, and I don't want a stretched out vag.  Also I am working around my filming schedule.  So your Dr may allow it.

     

    This is a joke, right?  I mean, it has to be.  Oh, good, I read it again... it is a joke.  Whew!

    promised myself I'd retire when I turned gold, and yet here I am
  • imagetoospooky:
    imageJenn30:
    imagePlannedChaos:
    imageJenn30:

    I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

    I don't know Jenn - Maybe the concept of ELECTING to have a major abdominal surgery that puts herself AND HER BABY at risk, she might have - I don't know - THOUGHT ABOUT IT, and then decided that procreation is possibly NOT HER THING.

    Honestly, c-sections are unfortunately so routine these days (what is it, like 1 in 3 births at hospitals? I'm not sure of the latest stats) that I imagine most people have no clue that there are risks to the baby. It's great that you know this, but I would guess you're in the minority.

    I also think that how horrific vaginal births are is really pumped up in society, in movies, etc.  Friends of mine who've gone through labor tell me they never want to have another child (even though most change their minds) and describe in graphic detail how awful the experience was.  I can see how the idea of being unconscious or numbed and feeling nothing during the birth is appealing to some people.  I think what they forget are a, the risks, and b, what happens afterward (both immediate recovery and subsequent births).

    I think you're right here Jenn, most women don't know the risks associated with the majority of procedures/medications done during a delivery. The World Health Organization says a c-section rate of 5-15% is the max, but I think 1 in 3 is a bit more than 15%. My math skills suck, so I could be wrong. But whatever the case, being afraid of the pain is normal, and there are other ways to avoid it or deal with it than going with a C-section.

     

    Sorry if I had the stats wrong--I thought I read that 1 in 3 somewhere but could be way off.  Thanks for correcting me.

  • imageJenn30:
    imagetoospooky:
    imageJenn30:
    imagePlannedChaos:
    imageJenn30:

    I agree with Bride2b2004 that I don't get all the flames here.  It sounds like the op is simply not familiar with the risks and recovery that a c-section entails versus vaginal birth.  Lots of women are terrified of vaginal births and c-sections may seem like an appealing alternative (even if they're not).

    OP, I'd suggest talking with your doctor about this and gathering more information, that may help lessen any fears you have around vaginal births (I'm assuming you're scared of them and that's why you're suggesting this).  You might also want to look into getting a doula, who can be a great support in the birthing process.  GL!

    I don't know Jenn - Maybe the concept of ELECTING to have a major abdominal surgery that puts herself AND HER BABY at risk, she might have - I don't know - THOUGHT ABOUT IT, and then decided that procreation is possibly NOT HER THING.

    Honestly, c-sections are unfortunately so routine these days (what is it, like 1 in 3 births at hospitals? I'm not sure of the latest stats) that I imagine most people have no clue that there are risks to the baby. It's great that you know this, but I would guess you're in the minority.

    I also think that how horrific vaginal births are is really pumped up in society, in movies, etc.  Friends of mine who've gone through labor tell me they never want to have another child (even though most change their minds) and describe in graphic detail how awful the experience was.  I can see how the idea of being unconscious or numbed and feeling nothing during the birth is appealing to some people.  I think what they forget are a, the risks, and b, what happens afterward (both immediate recovery and subsequent births).

    I think you're right here Jenn, most women don't know the risks associated with the majority of procedures/medications done during a delivery. The World Health Organization says a c-section rate of 5-15% is the max, but I think 1 in 3 is a bit more than 15%. My math skills suck, so I could be wrong. But whatever the case, being afraid of the pain is normal, and there are other ways to avoid it or deal with it than going with a C-section.

     

    Sorry if I had the stats wrong--I thought I read that 1 in 3 somewhere but could be way off.  Thanks for correcting me.

    No you were right: The rate of c-sections in the USA is 1 out of 3.

    My point was the WHO recommends a max rate of 15% for any country. So I don't know what exact percentage that would make the USA, but I'm pretty sure our average is above 15%

  • imageMrsKateV:

    cut through the muscles, cut through the uterus, take our your sweet babe, take our your uterus ( a major abdominal organ) put it on your belly and massage it. If he dosen't clamp down like it's supposed to, (which I have seen multiple times) you may hemorrhage, loose a lot of blood, need transfusions, etc Keep in mind that you are awake for the entire thing (very risky if you have to have general anesthesia- for you and for the baby) and you they strap your arms down

    and that doesn't even cover the risks... at that time and for following pregnancies.  The risks to the baby can include respiratory distress due to their lungs not having the fluid squeezed out of them during a vaginal birth.  Or the risk of injury to the baby.. it might be rare but I have seen a babies ear being nearly cut off or a face being cut during a section.  Then there's the mom with risk of accreta or previa being increased.  Blood loss and  Infections are other huge risks. A friend of mine had an emergency section ended up with such a major infection that she has so much scar tissue built up now that she can't even get pregnant again.  Or someone else I know that had a section and then ended up in the hospital for weeks with extra surgeries to remove infected tissue and was sent home on a wound vac... I wonder what these women would have to say to you about an elective c-section.  Also I do not know where you are delivering but my hospital doesn't have a NICU just a special care nursery so if a baby requires further care then what we can provide for them they are transferred... So now here is mom after a major abdominal surgery who can not leave our hospital and their new baby across the city...  So what if something goes horribly wrong which I would never wish on anyone but have seen... Mom is at one hospital recovering from her section and her baby is in such bad shape that it is at another hospital dying and mom can't be there with that baby.... then what?  I will not flame you or call you names I am just putting forth some facts that are not always discussed around the happy nature of OB.

  • Having had both a vaginal and a C-Section delivery I can in good conscience tell you that C-Sections are not the puppy dogs and rainbows that you might think. 

     

    After I had my ds I took 1 T3 for pain.  For my c-section my abdominal wall was surgically cut open, my insides were moved around and uterus was taken out of my body.  Then my baby was removed, my uterus was scraped and then put back in place and after I was sewn back up.  After that I was on heavy narcotics for days and then percocet for pain for another 2 weeks.

     

    Yeah, a vaginal birth would have been WAY worse! 

  • i think you want a c section because you are afraid to go through labor...make all of the excuses you want. you know, because of the back problems...Confused
  • imageanniemh20:

    imagealy401:
    I was wondering the same thing- if you can just request one. I have back issues and just the thought of me trying to push in labor is a scary thought (because of the back). I have my first appt on Mon so I am going to ask her then.

     You seriously think that a C-Section would be easier than a regular birth?  Perhaps for the birth part, but think of the recovery.  If you have back problems, you have consider what it would mean for your abs to be cut - you cant use those as well, and therefore have to rely on your back..

    This is ridiculous and selfish
     

    Really? Because you have no fing idea what kind of back problems I have so before you say someone is selfish why dont you find out what the entire situation is. I said I was GOING TO TALK TO MY DR...yeah, the one who knows my situation and let her decide what the best option is. Calling someone ridiculous and selfish when you dont even know what you're talking about is ignorant.

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  • I would love to go through a vaginal birth, because my incision is thin from my last c-section, I have to get another one, and I am really disappointed.  Not to mention all the pain and the nurse having to come in every two hours to change your bleeding pad and take your blood, that is just when you start to fall asleep.  You can not walk very far / fast the first few days and driving is not allowed for at least two weeks.  Now lets talk about trying to lift your little one out of a crib etc., when your insides are trying to heal and hurt.  That is really fun.

    Seriously I would rethink this if I were you.

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  • I only read a few of your responses, it was a simple question and I got ridiculed for this.  I'm sorry.  ...But to put a simple response:  I did not know there were great risks.  I thought since it was a common procedure there wasn't much to it.  You always hear doctors saying they must do it for mothers who have had them before, so I thought it couldn't be so bad.  I will do some reading on it.

    Sorry. Embarrassed

  • imagesmismar:

    imagealy401:
    I was wondering the same thing- if you can just request one. I have back issues and just the thought of me trying to push in labor is a scary thought (because of the back). I have my first appt on Mon so I am going to ask her then.

     

    I have news for you: If you slice through the abdominal wall (you know, the CORE muscles), your back muscles will be forced to take over to keep you standing vertical.  Think that doesn't hurt your back more?  Think again, sweetheart. 

    Great, another one. Really, they cut your core muscles? OMG ...are you kidding,sweetheart? Wow. I had no idea. And do they actually use a scapel too??? Wow. I learn something new everyday.

     I know what the complications are and like I said to someone else that is why I said I was going to my doctor to talk this though, sweetheart.

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  • imageadhenash:
    i think you want a c section because you are afraid to go through labor...make all of the excuses you want. you know, because of the back problems...Confused

    Really? Ok. thanks for your opinion.

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  • As I skimmed more through these responses I think I have some more explaining to do.  I have a bad habit of not giving all the info.

    Ok, so I didn't realize the pain was that bad, and those last couple sentences sounded really bad.  I did not mean for it to sound so cold and niave.  I did not realize the risks.  I apologize for that.  As I said above, I thought it was a common procedure...thought, ok, if this is so common then I will schedule this birth, have the baby, and deal without the labor.  I admit, I was and still am scared to give birth.  I'm only human. 

    I also want to point out that there is more to my health problems than my blood pressure.  I have an autonomic disorder (Dysautonomia) that causes my body to react different than a normal persons.  My body doesn't regulate temperature very well, I have GI issues, and my blood pressure is always out of wack...just to name a few.  A signature symptom of this disorder is passing out.  Earlier I mentioned my sister's case because if she had to go through this, then I would think I would be a candidate.  Willingly, or not.  I do not have a doctor's appointment until tomorrow.  I will not request a c-section...but I will discuss this with them.

    Again, I'm sorry I caused an uproar.  I'm sorry to say, but I didn't really realize what all a c-section entailed.  
  • You make me ashamed that you are from Ohio...
  • imagealy401:
    I was wondering the same thing- if you can just request one. I have back issues and just the thought of me trying to push in labor is a scary thought (because of the back). I have my first appt on Mon so I am going to ask her then.

    sorry you got flamed for this statement. I'm glad you are planning to talk to your doc - there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with gathering all the research and being a well-informed patient. Even though I'm not aware of your situation, I wanted to tell you that I have severe back problems as well (4 car accidents, two roll-overs in three months - tilted pelvis etc) and had a fairly non-eventful pregnancy and l&d - went natural and would do it again in a heartbeat so I just wanted to let you know that if you are looking that way it can be done! :) best of luck to you. I was worried about all the back pain as well and luckily most if not all subsided until after birth.

  • imagebarb1686:

    As I skimmed more through these responses I think I have some more explaining to do.  I have a bad habit of not giving all the info.

    Ok, so I didn't realize the pain was that bad, and those last couple sentences sounded really bad.  I did not mean for it to sound so cold and niave.  I did not realize the risks.  I apologize for that.  As I said above, I thought it was a common procedure...thought, ok, if this is so common then I will schedule this birth, have the baby, and deal without the labor.  I admit, I was and still am scared to give birth.  I'm only human. 

    I also want to point out that there is more to my health problems than my blood pressure.  I have an autonomic disorder (Dysautonomia) that causes my body to react different than a normal persons.  My body doesn't regulate temperature very well, I have GI issues, and my blood pressure is always out of wack...just to name a few.  A signature symptom of this disorder is passing out.  Earlier I mentioned my sister's case because if she had to go through this, then I would think I would be a candidate.  Willingly, or not.  I do not have a doctor's appointment until tomorrow.  I will not request a c-section...but I will discuss this with them.

    Again, I'm sorry I caused an uproar.  I'm sorry to say, but I didn't really realize what all a c-section entailed.  

     

    Please don't feel bad.  All these flames are ridiculous.  I posted a reply on page 2 with some thoughts.  

    There is no reason why you would know anything about the risks of c-sections until you are actually pregnant.  Don't be too hard on yourself and please don't let all these nasty comments get to you. 

  • imagecooksr:

    imagealy401:
    I was wondering the same thing- if you can just request one. I have back issues and just the thought of me trying to push in labor is a scary thought (because of the back). I have my first appt on Mon so I am going to ask her then.

    sorry you got flamed for this statement. I'm glad you are planning to talk to your doc - there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with gathering all the research and being a well-informed patient. Even though I'm not aware of your situation, I wanted to tell you that I have severe back problems as well (4 car accidents, two roll-overs in three months - tilted pelvis etc) and had a fairly non-eventful pregnancy and l&d - went natural and would do it again in a heartbeat so I just wanted to let you know that if you are looking that way it can be done! :) best of luck to you. I was worried about all the back pain as well and luckily most if not all subsided until after birth.

    Thank you so much for saying this! I would much rather go natural but I just need to talk to the drs first and see what they have to say. Thanks again.

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  • I don't want to get caught up in the flame war - but as an OB/Gyn I have to pipe up on one thing that patients are always mistaken about, and has been stated several times in this thread: we do NOT CUT THE ABDOMINAL MUSCLES. ?The rectus muscles are pushed to the sides, and we can access the uterus and the baby through the gap. ?In rare emergencies, the rectus muscles might be cut slightly if there is not enough room to the deliver the baby, but this is extremely rare. ?I was surprised that a nurse commented earlier that we cut the "core muscles", because this is untrue. ?We do cut a connective tissue layer lying over the muscles, so you will still be sore when you contract your abs i.e. sitting up in bed. ??

    That said, C/S's are major abdominal surgery, and the majority of OB/Gyn's will not perform completely elective C/S's. ?There are some indications (diseases of the heart, retina, brain which preclude pushing) for C/S without a trial of labor. ? ?

  • My sister delivered normally for her first two and had a planned c-section with the third. She said out of all three, the c-section was the best and that if she had another baby and the doctor agreed, she'd have another rather than another vaginal birth. She felt much better afterward and felt like she could enjoy the time with the baby more than with the other two. She said it was painful, but not as bad as she expected.
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