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3rd Trimester
Has anyone requested a C-section?
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone out there has requested or knows someone who requested a C-section? I realize that most want the Vag birth experience but, I am just not one of those people and I'm thinking about asking my Dr about planning a C-section...
TIA 
K
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Has anyone requested a C-section?
Honestly, I'm terrified of childbirth... I NEVER thought I'd have a child so, I didn't think that I'd be facing this "fear"... Couple that sheer terror with me being a control freak and I'm thinking the delivery process would be better for both baby and I if it were via c/s...
Ditto liv97, you can't just decide you want a c/s and your doc will go "okie dokie." You are so not alone in this fear. This is my second time doing this and it still scares me a bit but that's totally normal. You do realize that the recovery for a c/s takes longer? You may simply just lie there while they open you up but I'm sure there will be plenty of things afterwards that may happen and you have zero control over. Plus, you're having a child. You will realize real quick that you have to let go of some control. I should know, I had to do the same. In the end, if the idea of a vaginal delivery scares the bejesus out of you just ask for an epi.
I didn't exactly "request" a c-section, but I explained my concerns with my doctor and she agreed that a planned c-section was probably the best course of action. I had significant tearing with DS, and I also injured my neck. I have since had a fusion on my neck, and I will not be an effective pusher for fear of reinjuring myself. My doctor agrees that due to the extent of my tearing and neck issues, it is probably safest for me to have a c-section.
Barring any complications, I would have healed faster from a c-section than I did my vaginal delivery. It took approximately 9 weeks for my stitches to dissolve; six months before it didn't hurt to sit; and one year before sex wasn't miserable. My neck took approximately three months to be free from pain. The pain from my neck is the kind of pain that I do not wish on anyone. I would take the tearing any day of the week, but I cannot go through that kind of neck pain again because it really impacted my entire life. Caring for DS was excrutiating.
I understand that you are scared. Fear is very powerful. But having a c/s won't erase those fears and let you escape them. It is far better to try to explore those fears now, and find a professional who can help you work through them. I suggest you start reading immediately Birthing From Within and working on the fear exercises there. Listen to positive birth affirmations daily. Surround yourself with love and support. Is someone close to you encouraging this fear, or not being supportive of your ability to birth?
Also you should consider hiring a doula, so that you will have professional support from someone trained to help women through pregnancy and birth. There are also support groups, and therapists who specialize in reproductive/ birth issues. Trying to bury those fears can lead to tremendous postpartum issues and insecurities. There is nothing wrong with being afraid, but its about how you choose to deal with it. Having a c/s is still having a baby, and there will still be fear associated with that if you don't try to address it now. I really wish you the best, and hope you can find the support you need.
A C-section is major surgery... it's no walk in the park! The recovery is at least 2 weeks, and you have to take meds for a while. You will also have a scar for life.
I suggest you read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. It is a very good book, and it may be very helpful to dissipate some of your fears.
It may be better for your fears - as in, you won't have to face them; it'll do nothing for helping you overcome your fears - but it isn't actually better for your baby. Your baby and your body were designed for a vaginal delivery. There are things that occur in a vaginal delivery that are actually better for the baby that do not occur in a c/s. I HIGHLY recommend taking a birthing class - one that covers all of your options (from natural vaginal delivery to pain meds to surgical delivery). Being informed can really help you overcome your fears. And I ditto the "hire a doula" sentiment. Having support from a knowledgeable and skilled woman during childbirth can really help as well.
Yes, and thank goodness. As others have said, it is a major surgery and not anything to be done without a good reason.
Jess & Adam, married 2009, precious Audrey born in 2011. BFP 1/6/13, 6-wk MMC discovered at 9 wks 2/11/13. D&C 2/18/13, second D&C 4/23/13 for retained placenta.
BFP 8/24/13!! EDD 5/1/14, delivered healthy and sweet Zoey Leanne on 5/5/14 by repeat c-section.
after planning on a med. free birth for my entire pregnancy i had a c section because DD was transverse. i was devastated and will never get to experience vaginal birth because my Dr. doesn't do VBAC, so this will be a repeat c section for me. ( i trust my Dr completely and i am not willing to try to find another Dr.--i realize this is my choice). but i am not looking forward to the pain, the recovery, not being able to hold my child right away, the meds, i could go on and on......
having a c section isn't a walk in the park...it is a whole other path that has its own risks and list of possible complications. so while i agree that the least traumatic delivery is best for mama and baby, i don't agree with requesting a c section due to anxiety if you are able to go vaginal. your body was built to do it and there are so many benefits for you and LO. please speak up and talk to your Dr. and/or a therapist to try and resolve your issues for yourself and your child.
I like to be in "control" of when things happens as well. I understand the planned c/s to help with that issue, but I never for the life of me would request one.
Maybe ask about a planned induction? That way you can still "plan" around the birth.
A few months after my daughter was born i went to the hospital to see my nephew be born- my sister in law had a vaginal birth with an epidural and she was literally on FACEBOOK the whole time chatting away and laughing with us and having a good old time, when it came time to push she said she couldn't even feel a thing and within an hour he was out, she had her makeup and hair done and was ready for visitors- THAT is the kind of birth i WISH i could have had
The anti c-section rhetoric around here is seriously obnoxious. Is is surgery? Yep. I'm sure the OP isn't ignorant to that fact. Does a c-section have risks? Sure, but so does a vaginal birth. Everything in life has risks, and everyone has the right to do with her own body what she chooses. I don't believe that it's unethical for a doctor to address emotional concerns with a patient, and perform a c-section if that's what a woman chooses to do with her body.
The OP admitted she has a fear of childbirth, and its not for any of us to force her to face her fear. There are other options available, and only her doctor and her should decide if any of those options are viable for her situation.
I had a c-section. I didn't want it, but it was necessary. To the OP, it wasn't awful, the recovery took 3 weeks for me to feel normal again, but other that, the scar is barely noticeable, the pain was manageable with meds. I was up and walking around that night. I still had the BF'ing experience with my son, we bonded the same way after birth as you would had you gone natural. My friends tear took longer to heal than my c-section. I don't pee when I sneeze, I have sex and it feels just like before. Everything has its pluses and minuses, and its truly you, your SO and doctors decision to do what is right for you.
I really don't give a sh!t if I get flamed for this post. I am so sick and tired of people around her beating up women who want or need a c-section. If you don't want one, don't have one.
I agree, and I think it's pretty cruel to share unsolicited vaginal birth or c-section horror stories with someone who is sharing that they're already terrified of having their baby.
I ended up needing a c-section, and when my OB came out and said it after I hadn't dilated past three in 12 hours, I was THRILLED. I wanted no part in a vaginal delivery, just because. My c-section was no big deal, DS was fine and was never taken away from me. Dh, Ds, and I all went to recovery together, and my recovery probably took two weeks. The only time I remember severe pain was the first time I stood up after the surgery, but I'm betting that's no pic-nic for women who've given vaginal birth either.
I would speak with your doctor about your concerns/fear. Depending on their perspective on c-sections, he or she may say yes. And even if he/she ends up refusing your request, I think it would be helpful if they knew about your concerns. Fear can affect the progress of your labor. They may have some strategies to help you get through it easier.
I agree with the above posts. You will hear horror stories of vaginal births and c-sections. While I don't think most doctors will perform a c-section unless it's needed medically, I don't judge people if they would prefer to have one.
I have fibroids, which can result in the need for a c-section. I told my doctor up-front that if he thinks they may cause complications during a vaginal birth than I would rather just schedule a c-section.
Some women with fibroids want to try a vaginal birth, even if there may be complications...not me. My biggest fear is trying vaginal birth and being in labor for hours and then have to go with a c-section.
I actually know quite a few people that have had an elected C-section, maybe it depends on where you live?
Ditto all of this. I didn't want a c-section with DD, but after having one I have to say it's not that bad. I did a lot of research on vbac too and decided a repeat c-section was the best option for us this time around too. I feel great about my decision. Do some research and whatever you decide is between you, your DH and your doctor. No one else's opinion really matters.
Just had to chime in and say I totally agree!
I am scared too this being my 1st child and I also didn't think I would have any either. I cannot see though how anybody would have elective surgery instead of letting your body do what is natural for you. I hear it is a wonderful and normal process for your body to allow your child to pass through you. Whatever you decide to do, good luck to you.
this. and most insurance companies will not pay for it if it's not necessary either.
I spoke to my doctor about having a c-section on my second visit. All of the women in my family have had long labors that all resulted in a c-section due to the fact that our pelvis are not wide enough. He said he would be stupid not to listen to heredity, so he will be doing more pelvic exams on me to see whether I can handle a vaginal birth. If he said I have any concerns, he would just perform a planned C-section.
Like the PP have said, talk to your doctor about your concerns. He needs to know!
Good Luck!
That's simply not true. Some, possibly, but not "most."
As someone who had a c-section that didn't want one and would not elect to have one, I too, am really sick of all the fear-mongering about it. Who isn't aware of it being a major abdominal surgery? Talk about stating the obvious. C-sections are becoming more and more common practice whether anyone likes it or not. More and more doctors are doing them at the patient's request. This is something to discuss with your doctor and make an educated choice about.
OP, I was afraid initially about childbirth with my son and then as the birth approached, I did a 180 and became so fascinated by it and idealized the type of birth I wanted. Taking birthing classes really helped. I so badly wanted a vaginal birth, but things didn't happen to work out that way for me. I'm still glad I gave labor a good shot (30 hours), but in the end, the section was what was best for the baby and I. I was depressed about it for a while, but realized how he was brought into the world really was irrelevant. He was healthy, I was healthy, we were in a good place. This time, I really wanted to VBAC, but the hospitals here don't allow them. It is what it is, and I'm at peace with that.
Again, just discuss it with your doctor. Have a brutal, honest discussion and ask him/her for research on the pros and cons. It's a very personal choice and one you have the right to make, with your doctor.
wow. not true at ALL.
Definitely discuss this with your OB. People love to bash c-sections on here, but for some people they are simply the best option. Not everyone is made to deliver vaginally and that's okay. Your fears are very valid and need to be discussed so you and your OB can find the best delivery scenario for you.
FWIW, I had a scheduled section with DD and was back to my normal self by the time I left the hospital. No pain meds, no problems getting up and down out of bed or the stairs, no horror stories!
Ditto this. Due to misaligned hip and pelvic bones my mom and sister weren't able to have vaginal births. I have the same issue. I talked to my doc about it early on in my pregnancy and he said given my medical history and family history he would be fine scheduling a c/s if that was the way I wanted to go. I told him that I would prefer a vaginal delivery, but if it becomes obvious that like my mom and sister my pelvic bones won't create a birth canal for the baby to move through I don't want to labor for hours on end and then have a c/s. My OB said that sounded like a good plan and he would be able to tell pretty quickly if I was going to have issues or not and we would make the decision then. So while I've opted to try a vaginal birth my doctor would have scheduled my c/s at my 12 week appt if I wanted.
You should do what feels right to you. I think there are more docs than people realize that will do an elective c/s. I do agree that it is major surgery and comes with it's own issues so I don't think a c/s will be a walk in the park. Giving birth is scary and I think it's normal to have fears about it. Only you know what is best for you. Good Luck!
Me - DX Hashimoto's Disease, Hypothyroid, Rheumatoid Arthritis
DH - DX Azoospermia - Sertoli Cell Syndrome
DS-IUI #1-4 BFN IVF #1 - BFP! It's a boy!!!
Hmm, it is a difficult choice, I think.
With my first, I tried natural, but he ended up stuck in my pelvis, so I had a c-section. The only thing that made me sad about it was I felt that I could never live in those Pride and Prejudice days! ha! I know it's silly! I felt I would have been one of those girls that died trying to give birth years ago.
But, emotionally, it didn't bother me at all that I didn't have a vaginal birth. If anything, I, too, had fears about a normal birth......because, especially in retrospect, the chances of dying during a vaginal delivery are less than during a c-section, but the chances of tearing and long-time pain can sometimes be greater during a vaginal birth than even a c-section, for some people. It is kind of strange. But your chances of having hardly any recovery time are probably higher during a vaginal birth, if you are fortunate in that way. Who knows until after the fact! I actually did heal up from my c-section pretty quickly, too. After a week, I was feeling much better. But the first few days were rough. Probably understandably, especially since I just went through a rough 24 hour labor, too.
So, statistically, a vaginal birth is safer for mom, but I, too, can understand being worried about the recovery, especially if you suspect a tight fit!
Right now, I am going for both a VBAC and a RCS! I couldn't decide between them, so I have a RCS planned in my 40th week. I am more scared of a RCS in terms of death, but I am more scared of a VBAC in terms of morbitity. (Because I have a suspected small pelvis.) So, either way, I am nervous, but I feel like I know more of what recovery will be like with a RCS.
Before I had my first son, there was a horror story about c-sections that scared me. Two friends in NJ died within weeks of each other after their c-sections for first babies....and I think they were both elective c-sections. It was such a fluke, terrible thing, but it scared me quite good! So sad. But also a friend's aunt died a couple days after delivering vaginally. And a few weeks ago, a young friend of my cousins passed away a week after delivering, from toxic shock syndrome. I didn't hear if that was a vaginal or a c-section delivery. But the point of all of these stories is...yes, it is normal to be a little afraid...women still do die from childbirth...usually a couple of days after childbirth...so...be vigilant! If you go home and feel bad, you might not just be tired....calll your doctor. I don't think a lot of us take that seriously enough and we aren't properly warned. It is rare, but it does still happen. The more aware you are, though, the better everything should be.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you are safe and your baby is safe. And the less injury the better! That can be hard to decide. With a c-section, you will have a definite scar... a scarred uterus, but with the low uterine incision, it is much safer now for future births than it used to be when they used the horizonital incision. Still, that is another factor....how many children would you like? You can have multiple c-sections or try a VBAC, but having a scar on your uterus is always at least a little worrisome, unless it is absolutely the only way to deliver. There are so many things to consider. Good luck and try to be informed yet also peaceful!
I have my heart set on not just a vaginal birth, but a natural, epi-free birth. Due to medical concerns, I was told early on that I would most likely need a c-section, so I came to terms with it. Then, my pregnancy has been amazing, and my doctor was planning to allow me to have my natural birth if I could go into labor before 39 weeks. I have been so happy studying up and preparing for my birth.
Now, of all random things, my baby flipped to breech at 34 weeks. I am trying many methods to flip her, but we will have to see how it goes. While I don't prefer a section, at least if I have one because of the position, I know there is NOTHING I could change about it.
I think we should all be happy that there is such a procedure out there to help us if we need really need it.
Honestly I felt very out of control when I ended up with a c-section but I also think that if I would have done research about c-sections and went in knowing I would have one I maybe wouldn't have felt that way. Obviously this is something you'll have to discuss with your Dr to see if an elective c-section is even possible but I think it's best to educate yourself on the pros and cons of both a vag delivery and a c-section. Their will be horror stories and good stories from both sides so I really think it depends on how prepared you are for one or the other. You will never know what your recovery will be like so I think it's just best to plan for the worst and hope for the best!
I'm hoping for a VBAC this time around but if I end up with another c-section at least I will know what to expect. Good luck!
Logan - 11/09, Lander 08/11, Baby #3 ~It's a girl!!~ EDD: 04/10/14
Nobody here is bashing c-sections outright. They are necessary in a number of situations. But some of your post is also misleading. When medically necessary, a c-section is the safest option for a woman. But when you're comparing an elective c-section (one that has zero medical necessity) with a normal vaginal delivery, well the normal vaginal delivery wins in the risk department every time. Just because they both have risks doesn't make them equal procedures. I think that is the point most folks try to make here - not that we're anti-c/s, but that unless you need a c/s for medical reasons, the vaginal delivery is usually the safest option. A lot of people are misinformed and believe c-sections are just as safe as a vaginal delivery, but that isn't necessarily true (obviously in the case of medical necessity, the c/s benefits outweigh its risks. Again, I am not anti-c/s) - so for somebody who is afraid of a vaginal delivery, it may behoove her to read up on the risks of both so that at least she makes her decision based on facts instead of fear.
True, none of us can or should force her to face her fears. I don't think any of us are doing that. We're just stating our opinions. And my opinion happens to be that if she's going to try and find a doctor willing to do an elective c-section with no medical indication for it besides her fears, she needs to research the risks involved in that procedure. I don't think that is bad advice. And your recovery story is as anecdotal as all of the horror stories we hear about both c/s and vaginal deliveries. The truth is this - you never know how you would have recovered from the other option because you don't get a do-over in childbirth. Maybe you wouldn't have torn had you not needed the c-section. Maybe your friend would have had an even longer c/s recovery than you had she had a c/s. Each woman is different and there are always going to be women who have great c/s recoveries and awful c/s recoveries and there will always be women who have great vaginal deliveries and recoveries and awful vaginal deliveries and recoveries. The way you recovered from your c/s and the way I recovered from my vaginal delivery has absolutely no bearing on how this woman may recover from either.
I talked about birth options with my OB with DS #1 and at 20 weeks decided I wanted a c-section. I am so happy with my decision and have no regrets at all. I had no problems with the 1st c-section and in fact, my 2nd c-section was even easier if that is possible. I will have my 3rd and last c-section August 15th.
If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Thank you for pointing this out - the bolded above is all the same for me, and I have had two unmedicated vaginal deliveries. I didn't tear with either, was out of the hospital within 24 hours, and back to 'myself' in a matter of days. So while you don't want everyone making blanket statements about c-sections, don't make blanket statements about vaginal deliveries.
OP, talk to your dr. I would never, personally, want a c-section. I would never encourage my friends to have one. There are numerous reasons for a c-section, but in my opinion convenience or fear is not one of them.
Talk to your doctor. I lucked out and we found a miniscule reason for me to be scheduled for a c-section. I had NO desire at all to have a vaginal birth, none whatsoever.
As for the scar...I never had a chance of being a Hawaiian Tropic model to begin with, why would I care about a scar on my bikini line?
Yes, it's surgery, but it's planned and scheduled, so the odds of things going wrong drop drastically. People have elective surgery all the time, why is this one such a big deal?