C-Section, eh? Whatcha think?

KateySue · September 2010

I have no idea why, but I had the sudden urgue to start this post with...

"So listen up here's a story about a little blue guy who lives in a blue house..."

I'm going crazy. Anyway, with Nolan arriving any minute (going on three weeks of saying that and he's still baking, woohoo!) we have been thinking a lot about a C-Section. Because my cervix is still closed, I am not sure what would be done if the call were made to deliver little man. I'm soft, but closed so that's good but last hospital stay, we were told that the door doesn't always have to be open for baby to be delivered...which seemed to imply a C-Section, a far cry from my original dream of having a water birth at home.

Obviously, we will deliver in hospital no matter what and if contractions persist, they will take Nolan. How they will take him, I'm not sure. Would they induce me? Put that gel gunk on my cervix to get things moving? Who knows. My contractions are back in full force so we will probably be seeing doctor tomorrow and it is very likely that we will be sent back to L&D so I'm just trying to prepare myself for the potential of a C-Section. But my real question is this... if they give me the option to try delivering vaginally, should I? Don't get me wrong - for my safety and Nolan's, I would want to try vaginally but with a month of contractions, all these meds and bed rest, my body is beyond done. I'm a limp noodle and just walking through the house can be exhausting. I cannot even wrap my mind around pushing this kid out....but I don't want to take the convenient way out either. And then of course, I think about the complications...Nolan has a grade one brain bleed and I've read that the pushing can make it worse, taking it up to a grade two or more. CSections are just as risky.

The mind boggles. Whatcha think? If you had my history and were in my situation, what would you do? TIA!

AllSmiles1210 · September 2010

I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).

minimonstersmum · September 2010

this is our first baby so i don't think i'm the best person to give advice but it kind of sounds like a c-section is what would be best for both of you... I'm sure your ob will let you know what they feel is best and that's what really matters but while the recovery of a c-section isn't so great for you, it causes less complications esp. if baby nolan has a grade 1 brain bleed which can be worsened by the stress of descending the birth canal and pushing... besides that, i've heard labor is very hard if you're not fit or are weak, obviously no fault of your own but since your body has been sabotaging itself, i'd say c-section all the way... gl with whatever happens and i hope this helps...

KateySue · September 2010

fmgrice:
I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).

Yeah, that's why I'm stumped. I mean, who wants to look me in the eyes and tell me that my baby is coming early? But I do wish that my doctor would at least give me a bit of direction so that I can prepare mentally for however Nolan will be arriving. My doctor is SUPER conservative and is always the last one to the party when it comes to prescribing drugs, taking extra steps, whatever. No biggy - I'm used to it, but in this situation, it would be nice to have a heads-up. I'm assuming that it hasn't been discused because it is probably not something that can be totally planned for. He probably has an idea of how it will happen, but why burden me with the thought of a C-Section if I end up dilating and can try vaginally? I'm trying to think of things from his side of this deal. I've always figured that we would just have to make the decision in the moment, if given the opportunity, so I'm trying to prepare now instead of make the decision in a moment of panic or fear.

chickaboo1974 · September 2010

you trust your Dr.s? If you do then you listen to what they are telling you and go with their advice.

I have been thinking of a c-section- if my boys don't turn I will be getting a section. Even if A turns head down if B is not also head down I will be getting a section since my Dr.s do NOT do breech extractions on B babies- so while I would love to try to push my two out- I am more concerned about their health and safety.

KateySue · September 2010

chickaboo1974:
you trust your Dr.s? If you do then you listen to what they are telling you and go with their advice.

I have been thinking of a c-section- if my boys don't turn I will be getting a section. Even if A turns head down if B is not also head down I will be getting a section since my Dr.s do NOT do breech extractions on B babies- so while I would love to try to push my two out- I am more concerned about their health and safety.

I couldn't agree more that doing what doctor recommends is the way to go. Maybe I posted poorly...I haven't been told either way by doctor so if we are given the option, I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do. If doctor says either way is safe, then the ball is in my court and I'm trying to prepare for that decision before it smacks me in the face. Hopefully doctor will make the call for me.

slwprincess · September 2010

I think that when the time comes, you and your Dr will know what to do based on the situation. I certainly don't encourage elective c/s but I also don't think they are all bad- I went in to birth with an open mind and flexibility. My story is a little different b/c I was full term at the time (37.5 weeks). There were 2 concerns that day- first of all, his heartrate had been scary low that morning at my exam, then I spent the whole day in triage being monitored and having U/S's done to see if his lungs were developed enough and what was going on. Everything looked fine all day, including his heartrate. But I was also supposed to be pushing a button everytime I felt him move and by the end of the day, I just hadn't felt him enough. I was actually getting ready to go home when my OB came in and laid it out there- "reduced fetal movement is a primary indicator of stillbirth". It was like that last word echoed in the room. I looked at DH and we both just knew. We said it together "get him out." She asked if I wanted to try the induction knowing that with his distress and my "oddly shaped pelvis"- chances of a c/s were good. It was a no brainer- he needed to get out fast and I didn't want to waste my time/energy knowing where it was going anyway. We called our parents and they prepped me for surgery. Sure enough, his distress was real- he had swallowed meconium and damaged a lung. It collapsed within minutes of birth and he ended up in the NICU. My ideal birth situation? HA! No way. But there is always a silver lining. Because I went straight for the c/s, I think my recovery was easier than if I had labored and then had a c/s. Also, the fact that he was in the NICU meant that I HAD to get up and walk if I wanted to see him/BF. Again, this sped up my recovery and by the time that we both went home at 5 days, I was in great shape and well rested. Just trust your Dr and yourself and you'll know what is right.

Cheekers2010 · September 2010

I think if you are given the opportunity to try a vag birth, then go for it! Seems like your doc wouldn't suggest it as an option if it's a bad idea-especially since he's so conservative. Also, if Nolan delivers soon, he will be smaller than a full-term baby and therefore easier to push out (hopefully less stress for your poor tired body). As you said, c-sections have their downsides as well and can be just as hard on our bodies since it is major abdominal surgery. I guess I'm saying trust your instincts and your doctors! I'm sure you'll make the best decision and I hope they give you some guidance soon!

lulu3061 · September 2010

KateySue:
fmgrice:
I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).
Yeah, that's why I'm stumped. I mean, who wants to look me in the eyes and tell me that my baby is coming early? But I do wish that my doctor would at least give me a bit of direction so that I can prepare mentally for however Nolan will be arriving. My doctor is SUPER conservative and is always the last one to the party when it comes to prescribing drugs, taking extra steps, whatever. No biggy - I'm used to it, but in this situation, it would be nice to have a heads-up. I'm assuming that it hasn't been discused because it is probably not something that can be totally planned for. He probably has an idea of how it will happen, but why burden me with the thought of a C-Section if I end up dilating and can try vaginally? I'm trying to think of things from his side of this deal. I've always figured that we would just have to make the decision in the moment, if given the opportunity, so I'm trying to prepare now instead of make the decision in a moment of panic or fear.

A couple of things. One, the doctor doesn't know any better than you or I when that baby is coming, he'll come when he comes. Two, a doctor isn't concerned about 'burdening' you with information regarding your health, it's his job to tell you if there is something that he knows about it and it isn't a burden it's called being an informed patient.

If I were you I would stop over analyzing things and just let it be, all of the worrying only adds stress to you and subsequently your little guy.

starb4long · September 2010

lulu3061:
KateySue:
fmgrice:
I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).
Yeah, that's why I'm stumped. I mean, who wants to look me in the eyes and tell me that my baby is coming early? But I do wish that my doctor would at least give me a bit of direction so that I can prepare mentally for however Nolan will be arriving. My doctor is SUPER conservative and is always the last one to the party when it comes to prescribing drugs, taking extra steps, whatever. No biggy - I'm used to it, but in this situation, it would be nice to have a heads-up. I'm assuming that it hasn't been discused because it is probably not something that can be totally planned for. He probably has an idea of how it will happen, but why burden me with the thought of a C-Section if I end up dilating and can try vaginally? I'm trying to think of things from his side of this deal. I've always figured that we would just have to make the decision in the moment, if given the opportunity, so I'm trying to prepare now instead of make the decision in a moment of panic or fear.
A couple of things. One, the doctor doesn't know any better than you or I when that baby is coming, he'll come when he comes. Two, a doctor isn't concerned about 'burdening' you with information regarding your health, it's his job to tell you if there is something that he knows about it and it isn't a burden it's called being an informed patient.
If I were you I would stop over analyzing things and just let it be, all of the worrying only adds stress to you and subsequently your little guy.

"If I were you i would stop over analyzing things and just let it be..." (my bold isn't working). Honestly, I don't know you, and I understand your point...but saying this is much easier than doing it. She's been on bed rest for quite some time--all you have time to do is sit around and think about things like this--let alone the fact that she's been struggling with these issues for weeks. Having constant contractions makes it next to impossible to think of anything else, you can't blame her for weighing options whether or not she will end up having a choice in the matter.

lulu3061 · September 2010

starb4long:
lulu3061:
KateySue:
fmgrice:
I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).
Yeah, that's why I'm stumped. I mean, who wants to look me in the eyes and tell me that my baby is coming early? But I do wish that my doctor would at least give me a bit of direction so that I can prepare mentally for however Nolan will be arriving. My doctor is SUPER conservative and is always the last one to the party when it comes to prescribing drugs, taking extra steps, whatever. No biggy - I'm used to it, but in this situation, it would be nice to have a heads-up. I'm assuming that it hasn't been discused because it is probably not something that can be totally planned for. He probably has an idea of how it will happen, but why burden me with the thought of a C-Section if I end up dilating and can try vaginally? I'm trying to think of things from his side of this deal. I've always figured that we would just have to make the decision in the moment, if given the opportunity, so I'm trying to prepare now instead of make the decision in a moment of panic or fear.
A couple of things. One, the doctor doesn't know any better than you or I when that baby is coming, he'll come when he comes. Two, a doctor isn't concerned about 'burdening' you with information regarding your health, it's his job to tell you if there is something that he knows about it and it isn't a burden it's called being an informed patient.
If I were you I would stop over analyzing things and just let it be, all of the worrying only adds stress to you and subsequently your little guy.
"If I were you i would stop over analyzing things and just let it be..." (my bold isn't working). Honestly, I don't know you, and I understand your point...but saying this is much easier than doing it. She's been on bed rest for quite some time--all you have time to do is sit around and think about things like this--let alone the fact that she's been struggling with these issues for weeks. Having constant contractions makes it next to impossible to think of anything else, you can't blame her for weighing options whether or not she will end up having a choice in the matter.

You're missing the point...

Asking your doctor these questions (being an informed patient) is your right and a doctor should be discussing these things with you, not leaving you in a situation where you're just wondering what's going to happen which means more worry and more stress both of which are bad for mother and baby in these situations.

starb4long · September 2010

lulu3061:
starb4long:
lulu3061:
KateySue:
fmgrice:
I would do what the doctor recommends based on what's best for the baby and I'm surprised they haven't told you yet (at least it doesn't sound like it from what you said).
Yeah, that's why I'm stumped. I mean, who wants to look me in the eyes and tell me that my baby is coming early? But I do wish that my doctor would at least give me a bit of direction so that I can prepare mentally for however Nolan will be arriving. My doctor is SUPER conservative and is always the last one to the party when it comes to prescribing drugs, taking extra steps, whatever. No biggy - I'm used to it, but in this situation, it would be nice to have a heads-up. I'm assuming that it hasn't been discused because it is probably not something that can be totally planned for. He probably has an idea of how it will happen, but why burden me with the thought of a C-Section if I end up dilating and can try vaginally? I'm trying to think of things from his side of this deal. I've always figured that we would just have to make the decision in the moment, if given the opportunity, so I'm trying to prepare now instead of make the decision in a moment of panic or fear.
A couple of things. One, the doctor doesn't know any better than you or I when that baby is coming, he'll come when he comes. Two, a doctor isn't concerned about 'burdening' you with information regarding your health, it's his job to tell you if there is something that he knows about it and it isn't a burden it's called being an informed patient.
If I were you I would stop over analyzing things and just let it be, all of the worrying only adds stress to you and subsequently your little guy.
"If I were you i would stop over analyzing things and just let it be..." (my bold isn't working). Honestly, I don't know you, and I understand your point...but saying this is much easier than doing it. She's been on bed rest for quite some time--all you have time to do is sit around and think about things like this--let alone the fact that she's been struggling with these issues for weeks. Having constant contractions makes it next to impossible to think of anything else, you can't blame her for weighing options whether or not she will end up having a choice in the matter.
You're missing the point...
Asking your doctor these questions (being an informed patient) is your right and a doctor should be discussing these things with you, not leaving you in a situation where you're just wondering what's going to happen which means more worry and more stress both of which are bad for mother and baby in these situations.

I didn't miss any point at all, thanks.

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