probably totally flameworthy...

preppynewlywed · May 2009

Can I ask why some people get so upset about scheduled c-sections?

I don't really think it is a big deal, and I had kind of always assumed I would do that if/when I get pregnant.

I know a lot of people are anti-c-sections in general, so does this kind of feed off of that?

Then again I haven't exactly done a ton of research on the topic. Labor just scares the bejeezus out of me.

Just curious.

Tim'sWifey · May 2009

For me personally, I don't want to elect to have my belly cut open. ?It's a major surgery that I just don't want to go through. ?Obviously if it's an emergency, I'm not going to risk my life or the life of my baby, and I'll get one.

two-pink-shoes · May 2009

Ditto Tim'sWifey. Also, I think the scheduled ones are frowned upon b/c it's like the woman saying "I'm so busy and this is the only time I can fit having my baby into my schedule".

swimrbride · May 2009

I don't care what other people do that is their body. But I cannot imagine ever wanting to schedule a c-section when it wasn't necessary, it is major surgery and requires a lot of rest and recovery afterwards that if I could avoid I would.

Anna&Matt · May 2009

There are a lot of risks with a scheduled c/s for both you and the baby - obviously there are times when this is the only option but make sure you really do your research before choosing to schedule one.?

habitualstar · May 2009

::shrugs::

I just feel like I've got these child bearing hips for a reason, you know? I don't think there's anything wrong with c-sections in general but I'd be disappointed if I couldn't do it "the natural" way.

ruthymusney · May 2009

I would never do it, but I don't care if someone else chooses to...it's their body not mine and I'm not here to judge, so if someone feels more comfortable having a c/s then they can go right ahead!

The only thing that worries me about it is that I've heard of it causing some problems for some babies. A lady I know just had a c/s (not sure if it was by choice or because she had to) she was 41 weeks and the baby came out with breathing problems. The Dr's are saying it's becasue of the c/s but we don't know that for sure. Who knows, I haven't researched it either Huh?

cbbc · May 2009

I'm sorry but my doctor would have cut my head off if I would have just asked her to schedule a c-section because I wanted one. Since when have c-sections become elective surgery? I had never heard of this until the bump.

mandalin114 · May 2009

swimrbride:
I don't care what other people do that is their body. But I cannot imagine ever wanting to schedule a c-section when it wasn't necessary, it is major surgery and requires a lot of rest and recovery afterwards that if I could avoid I would.

Exactly this.

greenclown · May 2009

swimrbride:
I don't care what other people do that is their body. But I cannot imagine ever wanting to schedule a c-section when it wasn't necessary, it is major surgery and requires a lot of rest and recovery afterwards that if I could avoid I would.

Ditto

MCGMK · May 2009

Unless the pregnancy poses a health risk to the baby or mother, or you're insanely overdue, I think that nature should take it's course.

I have a preemie so for me, I'm all for leaving that baby in as long as possible. I had DS at 25 weeks, my pregnancy was cut so short. He had so many problems, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. After he was born it really bothered me when people would complain that they wanted their baby to hurry up and be born. Even some full-term babies have complications sometimes. I just don't want people to have to go through anything like I did.

But for this pregnancy I have to have a scheduled c-section. Because of my complications I had a permanent cerclage put in. So literally nothing can come out that way!

luckyangel · May 2009

You can't have sex for way longer than after a normal birth...so yeah...I don't want to wait that long after having the baby to get it on again.

preppynewlywed · May 2009

two-pink-shoes:
Ditto Tim'sWifey. Also, I think the scheduled ones are frowned upon b/c it's like the woman saying "I'm so busy and this is the only time I can fit having my baby into my schedule".

Ah got it. I guess I was thinking more that you could then get the doctor you want...you know? Does that make sense? Like some doctors only are at the hospital certain days...but I totally see what you are saying.

Clearly I've done zero research. I was just thinking about it while watching this tv show.

My mom had two c-sections. Myself and my youngest brother. The three in between [included the other twin brother] were all vaginal births. I was scheduled...the rest weren't.

buckin · May 2009

To each his own, but my personal opinion is for such a hard operation and the issues/recovery, scheduling a c-section is a bit nouveau riche. "oh I'm so busy i have to fit it in to my mani/pedi schedule and I can have drinks on this day etc." It's like a cultural phenom.

I always get the impression of the Gilmore Girl Episode when Rory's stepmom had the babyshower "green is the new pink" and she scheduled the c-section. LOL

If it is scheduled due to known complications or a few weeks out because of over due etc. I do not frown upon it. This ofcourse is only my opinion.

californiastars · May 2009

Personally I want to give birth naturally. If there was an emergency then I think a C-Section is ok. Also if it was my second pregnancy and I had had a c-section previously, then I understand having a scheduled one.

gizmo909 · May 2009

I think it depends on what you mean by scheduled c-section. Most people have scheduled c-sections because of a medical issue (breech baby, high BP, etc.) because having the woman go into labor or attempt to deliver vaginally would be too high risk. Even though they are due to a medical reason, these are not considered emergency c-sections and are scheduled. It's not like they just decided they didn't want to try to deliver vaginally. I think it gets a bad rap because a lot of people think it means they're taking the easy way out.

easjer05 · May 2009

First, let me say that people have every right to make their own educated decisions about their labor/birth. I expect that right, and so I try to accord that same respect when people would choose different paths from me.

That said - I am appalled that so many doctors allow them (and I'm not talking about scheduled repeat sections, because there are a ton of issues there).

They are far less safe for both mother and baby (higher risk of death, of infection, of complications from surgery, from anesthesia, higher risk to future fertility).

It's a major, invasive surgery.

It's more expensive.

It's generally a longer recovery period.

Because it's scheduled, the baby may not be as ready for outside life.

I don't know. Fear of labor (generally) shouldn't be a sufficient reason to have major abdominal surgery. It's presented like a safer option, but it isn't (in most cases). It's easier for the doc and for scheduling, but there are a lot of benefits to labor. The fact that it has become so normal, frankly frightens me.

That's just my general opinion on the topic. As I said, all women need to be allowed to make the best decisions for themselves and I do not judge women who elect to have a c-section if they make a thoroughly educated decision and fully understand the risks they are taking.

easjer05 · May 2009

And the point about elective versus scheduled for medical reasons is a good one. I am referring to completely elective sections above, not a scheduled c-section for a legitimate medical issue (though I tend to think many docs are too quick to schedule c-sections for medical issues when it's not really necessarily needed - but then, I'm not a doctor and I'm not there, so whatever).

Danse · May 2009

swimrbride:
I don't care what other people do that is their body. But I cannot imagine ever wanting to schedule a c-section when it wasn't necessary, it is major surgery and requires a lot of rest and recovery afterwards that if I could avoid I would.

Ditto for me too. I really don't care what anyone else does, but would prefer to deliver vaginally if I can. However, since I'm have twins, there is a good chance I'll end up with a section. It's not really up to me, more up to the babies to decide.

preppynewlywed · May 2009

thanks for the responses.

I was just genuinely curious. I think it is because I was a scheduled birth...solely b/c my mom wanted a certain doctor to deliver me. So, I was scheduled during her 40th week on the day he did deliveries.

Clearly I know zilch on the topic. Just watching a tv show that is talking about c-sections.

Kriszta · May 2009

In my opinion, there is a reason why the surgery is either elective or emergency. That is, you either choose to do it (despite the risks) or you have to in order to save your life and that of your baby.

With that said, if given the choice, I would never elect to deliver via c/s. It has been done naturally since the beginning, and it's much easier to recover from. But I won't be too upset if it has to be done for a medical reason.

triquetra123 · May 2009

Just about every woman in my family has had a C-Section when giving birth because the baby wouldn't come out any other way. I really hope that I'm different, but I'm realistic and know that if I'm not progressing, I'll probably have the surgery. However, I'm built like my dad's side of the family so here's to hoping.

Lambie. · May 2009

triquetra123:

Just about every woman in my family has had a C-Section when giving birth because the baby wouldn't come out any other way. I really hope that I'm different, but I'm realistic and know that if I'm not progressing, I'll probably have the surgery. However, I'm built like my dad's side of the family so here's to hoping.

Ditto this. I have always assumed I would just have to have a c-section so just sign me up. My first job out of nursing school was as an L&D nurse and I quickly realized this was not the way to go. I will sure give labor a good try before having a baby cut out of me, not that there aren't good reasons for it to be done. More than the mother though, I judge the docs who sign people up for these.

angie212 · May 2009

Letting your body go into labor naturally can also help establish breast-feeding. It has something to do with the horomones that are released during labor triggering your milk to come in. Of course, having a c-section doesn't automatically mean you will have problems BF, but it can be a factor.

That said, I had to have a section with DD (she kind of got stuck in the birth canal) and want to try a VBAC with this baby. However, if my doctor recommends a c-section as the pregnancy progresses, I will definitely consider a scheduled one.

TwoSkis · May 2009

preppynewlywed:

Can I ask why some people get so upset about scheduled c-sections?

It bothers me too when people get flamed by others when they talk about wanting a c-section. Granted, it may not be my cup of tea, but the decisions made by a woman in cooperation with a licensed medical professional are none of my business.

TwoSkis · May 2009

Lambie.:
triquetra123:

Just about every woman in my family has had a C-Section when giving birth because the baby wouldn't come out any other way. I really hope that I'm different, but I'm realistic and know that if I'm not progressing, I'll probably have the surgery. However, I'm built like my dad's side of the family so here's to hoping.

Ditto this. I have always assumed I would just have to have a c-section so just sign me up. My first job out of nursing school was as an L&D nurse and I quickly realized this was not the way to go. I will sure give labor a good try before having a baby cut out of me, not that there aren't good reasons for it to be done. More than the mother though, I judge the docs who sign people up for these.

I assumed this too- both my mom and my grandma had c-sections because the baby couldn't fit, and I am smaller than both of them. But I just decided to go with the flow, and I really did trust my doctors to do what was best when it was needed. And so after 36 hours of labor with 3 hours of pushing, I delived my baby myself.

ginifred · May 2009

A bit of a vent on the topic...

I agree that it is ultimately the mother's decision as to whether or not she wants to give birth naturally/vaginally/or scheduled. However, I judge those who schedule a c-section because they are tired of being pregnant or it is convenient for them.

A friend from college (who is a NICU nurse) is due June 4. She and her doctor scheduled her c-section on May 25. Last week she had it moved up to May 15 because she is tired of beging pregnant, and the idea of going into labor freaks her out. True story.

Granted, I don't know if there are any other underlying issues, she didn't go into detail of that. But just taking her word, its because it is what is convenient for her. I don't see how a doctor would agree to that.

ckolak:-) · May 2009

Pretty much ditto Tim'sWifey. However, if I knew I would have to have a c/s anyway, I would schedule it because there's no point in going through any labor pain if you don't need to. That said, I plan to do everything in my power to avoid one if I can when baby 2 is on the way.

nik937 · May 2009

My doctor talked about this at my last appointment, he will not do a c/s unless for medical reasons. He said that scheduling one just b/c the mother wants to is very dangerous, that the due date could always be a little off and you have no way of knowing if the baby is truly ready to come out. Your child could end up having breathing problems or worse b/c you didn't let nature run its course. That said I have no problems with having one if there is a medical reason. And as far as other women, its their choice and I don't judge it.

charlie1995 · May 2009

With my previous GI surgery and the positioning of my hips, I may not be able to have a vaginal birth. I want to try but if it is determined in advance that I would not be able to or cause other problems, I would schedule a c-section. But I would only do it if my already existing conditions make it dangerous or unlikely for me to have a successful vaginal birth. If having a vaginal birth would mean redoing the stomach surgery, hands down, I would have a c-section. But neither surgery is something I would elect to have if I did not have to.

Unfortunately for me, every person who had my stomach valve correction surgery has had a c-section that I have talked to.

Non-medical reasons, no way would I elect to have surgery.

Want a personalized experience?

probably totally flameworthy...

Re: probably totally flameworthy...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards