Is it your choice to have a c-section?

zyas · December 2011

I'm just trying to learn as much as I can right now about getting a c-section. My sister had both - a vaginal delivery with her first and a c-section with her 2nd. She told me that if she did it again she'd definitely go with a c-section, hands down. She had such a terrible time with her first - major tearing and then an episiotomy. My mom also had that with her pregnancies. I really want to avoid that so I'm thinking of just going right for the c-section.

Anyone else there feel the same way?

mcvgal · December 2011

I really wanted to go natural but had an emergency c-section due to severe pre-e. when it came down to it I just wanted our LO to be healthy so when the dr said delivery would be via c-section I didn't question it at all. even though Manuel is only 2 weeks old I know I'd like to try for VBAC next time, but again will delivery any way as long as baby is healthy

kcvasquez · December 2011

Something else to consider is that a c-section is major surgery. Maternal death for a c-section is 13 in 100,000. Those odds seem low until you're one of them, I'm just saying it's nothing to take lightly as in "I don't want a hard vaginal birth, I would much rather have a c-section." When they are necessary, c-sections are wonderful because they can save a baby and a mother. But just as with vaginal births, c-section births can go terribly wrong. Would I opt for one especially if I hadn't tried a vaginal birth? No. The choice is yours but do your research first, there are plenty of women out there who have had both a c-section and a vaginal birth and I am willing to bet most of them would choose a vaginal birth.

JaysonandKristin · December 2011

Yes, they were both my choice.

I was 42w3d pregnant with DS1 when I decided that I did not want to induce. So, my doc scheduled me for a c/s.

My second pregnancy was much of the same. I had polyhydramnios and a 10lb baby, I was worried about uterine rupture with a VBAC and also cord prolapse once my water broke. I also have diastasis recti and a hernia, and I didn't want to strain against the hernia.

I didn't wait it out, I scheduled the c/s at 39w exactly. He was jaundiced, but 10lbs at 39w.

chicsub · December 2011

Definitely talk to your doctor and research both a little more, don't just go on two stories. The other thing to consider is that if you go for a c/s the first time it will be an uphill battle if you decide you want to try for a vaginal birth the next time. Not impossible by any means, but ask any woman on the VBAC board, it's usually not just a matter of you saying "I think I'd like to try a vaginal birth this time instead" unless you're with a very supportive provider. Ultimately I feel it should be up to you and not the doc and they should respect your decision either way, even if that means a primary elective c/s.

jb2rn · December 2011

NO NO NO. I wanted a natural birth but LO got tachycardic and I got a fever so he needed to get out. The recovery has been difficult (BF is hard when you have a insicison) my body looks and feels gross, and I feel robbed of a "real" birth experience. I would never elect for major surgery over a vaginal birth.

holly321 · December 2011

It was not my choice, and I would only do it again if i HAD to. I had a horrible surgery, they cut me open I wasn't numb. So I had to get knocked out, and missed the first few hours of my child's life. I had a horrible recovery. I was in so much pain. My stomach looks terrible. I keep getting infected ingrown hairs where my staples were.

And each subsequencial pregnancy would carry a higher risk.

Daisy22 · December 2011

I wouldn't chose to do an electice c/s with my first but I tried labor and it didn't work with ds1 so I got a c/s. For me, I think I always knew I'd end up with one and it didn't bother me at all. I really didn't have a set plan of how having the baby would go so that probably helps some. I've never had a regret or feel robbed of never having a vaginal birth. I had a rcs with Ds2 and will again with this one. My c/s recoveries have been extremely easy, BF was easy with both, etc. I haven't had any problems with either of my c/s.

hisibor · December 2011

Mine was not by choice...emergency due to baby heart rate dropping. Second time around, going with a c-section again because it's best for baby & me.

SoldiersGreenBean · December 2011

You can find anecdotal evidence to support any argument you wish to make. Do your research, talk to your doctor, and find out if they'll do a c-section without medical necessity.

hopkins5 · December 2011

My OB will not do elective c-sections without medical necessity

disbride061103 · December 2011

zyas:
I'm just trying to learn as much as I can right now about getting a c-section. My sister had both - a vaginal delivery with her first and a c-section with her 2nd. She told me that if she did it again she'd definitely go with a c-section, hands down. She had such a terrible time with her first - major tearing and then an episiotomy. My mom also had that with her pregnancies. I really want to avoid that so I'm thinking of just going right for the c-section.
Anyone else there feel the same way?

I think that basing your decision to have a major surgery based on how your sister and mother gave birth is not the best decision. You need to research both vaginal and c-section deliveries and know the risks and benefits associated with each one.

For example, did you know that c/s babies are far more likely to have respiratory issues and need NICU time because of them? They are also more likely to have respiratory issues (like asthma) throughout their lives.

You need to research the effect c-sections have on each of your subsequent pregnancies. It's really not as simple as just thinking a c/s is "easier".

And of course you will need to talk to your doctor, hospital and insurance provider. A c/s for non-medical reasons may not be covered by your insurance or your doctor may not do them.

Raffes484 · December 2011

I've had no major complaints about my c-sections. Each recovery though, has been slightly more difficult as I've had another child/other children to take care of while trying to heal.

Unless there was a medical reason I would not go directlt to a c-section without trying for a vaginal birth first.

Ardmhs83 · December 2011

I HATED my c-section and I would NEVER, EVER elect to do one. I still feel robbed of the natural birthing experience. I am really hoping for a VBAC next time around. Keep in mind a c-section is a major surgery...some people forget that. It isn't an easy recovery. If you are able to deliver vaginally...do so.

samm1983 · December 2011

Don't go by what one or two people have told you. Everyone has a different experience. There are many women here who had great c-section experiences and many others that had very difficult experiences/recoveries. It's going to be the same way with vaginal births too. I would not choose to have a c-section because you are afraid of the vaginal birth experience. A c-section is major abdominal surgery and not something to be taken lightly.

MDmama519 · December 2011

Most doctors (and insurance companies) don't do/cover elective c-sections.

magdalina.h · December 2011

I had an emergency c/s at 28w4d with my first and I don't have a choice. If I did get to choose, I would try a vaginal delivery. How your mom and sister delivered bares (bears?) no impact on how your body will handle delivery.

AllieCat16 · December 2011

I did not chose to have a c section, DS was breech. I did have a scheduled one and my experience was as probably as good as they get. Very routine, no complications, recovery has been fine. I am still limited to what I can't do 4 weeks pp, but overall I am doing well. I wanted a natural, vaginal birth experience but I have come to terms with not being able to have had that. Regardless of how good my experience with a c/s has been, I still would never have chosen this route if I didn't have to.

katmacwv · December 2011

My OB (who isn't what I would call a cut happy doc) told me from my initial appt with him that if I had a baby larger than 7 1/2 lbs, I probably couldn't deliver vaginally because some part of my pelvis was narrow. 11 days before my due date, the tech estimated that DD was 8 lbs, 9 oz. As soon as she made that estimate, I chose to schedule a c-section. DD didn't want to wait for the scheduled date and came later that afternoon weighing 8 lbs, 12 oz., so I was happy I made the decision to do the c-section rather than laboring for hours (possibly days) when I thought I would end up with a c-section anyway.

ChiTown Bridget · December 2011

Justsummie:
I'm not sure your doctor (or rather the insurance company) will let you have an elective c-section if there isn't a medical reason....I'm not 100% sure but this may be something to consider.

This. The ob's in my practice will not do elective c-sections.

lnyost · December 2011

I had a great experience and doing a RCS. Do what YOU want. Don't let people scare you, it is major surgery, but common.

gmc222 · December 2011

I consider my c/s my choice, but also recommended by my OB. I have a small pelvis and a big baby that wasn't even close to engaging at 39 weeks, and so my doctor gave me the option of surgery. I am personally terrified of a vaginal birth and to me I was much more comfortable with a c/s. My surgery went perfectly and I would absolutely do it again. With that said, its not for everyone, and you will get some side-eyes for choosing an elective c/s. Good luck with whatever you choose!

girllennon · December 2011

Wasn't really my choice, but it as due to LO's position and fluid levels. I would have loved to try birthing him without going that route. He was very high up and wasn't in a position to get labor started no matter how much I tried to get his position to change.

msjcordova · December 2011

We had an emergency CS because DD was having heart decelerations after each contraction.

Sheazier · December 2011

My suggestion is that you really have to be as open as possible to any kind of birth because sometimes what you really want to happen just can't. This is true for women who want to have a vaginal birth and are told they need a C-section, but the same is also true for women who want a C-section but are told that their insurance company won't cover it. People here tend to dismiss the latter situation as not being a problem, but for those of us who are genuinely terrified of a vaginal delivery (for whatever reason), it is an issue and it is no less valid than the concerns of the former. Your birth choices and experiences are very personal and no one has the right to belittle you for your birth anxieties, concerns, or preferences.

After doing the research, I really wanted an elective c-section. My doctor was all for it - "your body, your choice" is what he told me. I was grateful that he respected my wishes. The insurance company, however, would not cover it. I was disappointed, but tried to make the best of it. I began preparing for a vaginal birth. I took birth classes with my husband. I hired a doula for support. None of these things have really helped me overcome my very real anxiety issues regarding childbirth.

I found out yesterday that the baby is very large (already nearly 8 pounds at 36 weeks). I may end up with a C-section after all. But if I don't, that's ok, too. I have found it best to keep an open mind.

MAprincess · December 2011

SoldiersGreenBean:
You can find anecdotal evidence to support any argument you wish to make. Do your research, talk to your doctor, and find out if they'll do a c-section without medical necessity.

Yikes. A lot of scientific research has been done. People saying that they had a good/bad experience- yes, that is anecdotal. But the 13 in 100,000 is scientific fact. I believe it is three times higher than your risk of death from a vaginal birth. That is significant for some people. Vaginal births are almost always safer than major surgery. But this is up to a doctor to decide.

I'd never base this decision off of relatives experiences. My mother had three uneventful vaginal births and as you can see, my first birth ended in c/s. This is rare in my family. Every woman is different. I'd just wouldn't unnecessarily put the increased risk on myself or the baby if it wasn't a true medical emergency. I didn't VBAC because I felt robbed of a natural birth. I VBACed because I don't feel the need to ever have unnecessary surgery. Any surgery has lasting effects throughout your life.

joreil02 · December 2011

I was supposed to be induced on Friday and they gave me Cervadil on Thursday night to soften the cervix. I started having contractions during the night and the baby's heart rate was dropping with each contraction. The doctor said there was no way the baby would handle contractions if I was induced with pitocin the next day so I had a c section that night.

lob · December 2011

Ardmhs83:
I HATED my c-section and I would NEVER, EVER elect to do one. I still feel robbed of the natural birthing experience. I am really hoping for a VBAC next time around. Keep in mind a c-section is a major surgery...some people forget that. It isn't an easy recovery. If you are able to deliver vaginally...do so.

This exactly.

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