Scheduled C-section or vaginal?

sbagandov · April 2012

Up until about 2 days ago, I thought I would do a vaginal childbirth. Then I started lurking on Birth Stories board and started feeling incredibly anxious about it. I talked to DH about maybe scheduling a c-section instead, and he was game. I then started lurking on the C-section board and became equally anxious.

Can I just carry this baby until they come up with a hot new method to get a baby out!? Ha! *WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO A 33 YEAR OLD!!!*

Anyway, we will figure ours out, but what is everyone else doing? Any home births in October!? :-)

Marianna1230 · April 2012

No home birth here. Planning on vaginal childbirth unless there is an issue. That's the way my mom delivered the three of us and the way I am hoping to deliver LO.

blp0118 · April 2012

I'm terrified to have a c-section (so that's probably what I'll end up having to get) - I'm trying not to plan anything, cause I know there's not a whole lot you can plan on during childbirth. My fear list starts with a c-section and an epidural is close 2nd. --- I am wanting to try laboring in water and maybe delivering in water, it's something my hospital offers and does frequently and my OB is on board with it. Other than that, I have no plan. I just want to get my baby out without too much drama!

DanielleH910 · April 2012

I have a feeling it will be a c-section. Just because I'm so scared of having one! Oh and my mom had to have a c-section because of her hips and the birth canal not being wide enough, and we have exactly the same body shape so I get nervous thinking that I will need one as well.

Michi2325 · April 2012

Im like you, am still on the fence. So what my Dr did was book a scheduled c-section and then twoards the end of the pregnancy we will have a look at the size of baby and I will decide at that point if I want to cancel the c-section and go for the VBAC or keep the appointment. He suggested doing it this way as getting in for the c-section at the end wont give me many options as to date, time and if he will even be there. I feel much better as now I know its something I dont really have to think about for the time being, and make my decision based on my comfort level with the size of the baby.

obeach8 · April 2012

Planning a vaginal, unmedicated birth, unless medical intervention is absolutely necessary. The recovery time after a C section is just not something that I would want to go through, but that's just me.

Mrs.RockyM · April 2012

Most doctors won't schedule a c-section just because you want one. It's very expensive, and why deal with surgery unless you have to? I find it best to have a loosely made birth plan. I was convinced I'd go into labor, get my epideral,and then have a normal vaginal birth. Well my water broke, and then 12 hours later I was still barely 3cm dialated. I was told (after about 8) I could keep waiting and then end up needing a csecion anyway, or I could just get one now. It was clear to all of us that DD wasn't progressing down. This time around I'm going to go for a scheduled c-section. The vbac risks really scare me, even more so than the csection risks and considering I needed the csection because DD wasn't progressing, it's very likely to happen again. I'd much rather just go in and have a csection as opposed to having to go into labor and then end up needing a csection anyway.

I'll just say, be flexible - because it's not really up to you what happens in there. A lot of it is just beyond your control and you nave to be able to roll with the punches - much like parenthood!

Calabaza78 · April 2012

I am all for giving birth how you want, but if you are nervous about vaginal birth, a c-section is certainly not risk-free. It is major abdominal surgery, and has many risks for both you and baby.

thetwinkies&Vivi · April 2012

I will have a scheduled CSec due to having twins and some other complications. I had a vaginal birth with DD and it was great,much easier than I expected.

ownedby3 · April 2012

Is this your first? I'm not sure why anyone would elect for a c-section unless they have already have one. The recovery is not as easy and why wouldn't you try to have a vaginal delivery if you can?

I had a c-section with DD and would like to try a VBAC this time but if it's against me I'm fully ok with another section.

daronsmommy · April 2012

sbagandov:
Up until about 2 days ago, I thought I would do a vaginal childbirth. Then I started lurking on Birth Stories board and started feeling incredibly anxious about it. I talked to DH about maybe scheduling a c-section instead, and he was game. I then started lurking on the C-section board and became equally anxious.

Can I just carry this baby until they come up with a hot new method to get a baby out!? Ha! *WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO A 33 YEAR OLD!!!*

Anyway, we will figure ours out, but what is everyone else doing? Any home births in October!? :-)

This is exactly how I felt when I was PG with DS. I was super nervous about having a vaginal delivery but thought that was the way I wanted to go. The thought of getting an epidural scared the crap out of me, but I know I was too big of a baby to not have pain meds. Then 5 weeks before DS was born, my friend had a scheduled c-section, because she is small and they thought the baby was over 9 lbs. Turns out her doctor just really likes to do c-sections, baby was only 8lbs 1 oz. She had such a great experience with her c/s and fast recovery, I actually went in and asked my doctor about doing an elective c/s. My doc said no, she didn't believe in doing c/s unless it was medically necessary. My experience with my vaginal delivery was amazing. I had great nurses, didn't even feel them put in the epidural, and pushed for about an hour and a half, but it didn't seem long at all. I wouldn't change my experience at all. I did have a bad tear, but my recovery was easy and I never took any pain meds stronger than Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you have specific questions you would like to ask, feel free to ask me. I know how stressful it is to be a FTM and hear all these horror stories about both vaginal and c/s. It isn't always that way and there are great stories out there too.

danienross · April 2012

DD was a vaginal delivery and I'm glad. Although due to interventions I had a longer than normal recovery. I'm planning a home birth this time and am beyond excited. If I can avoid intervention I believe I will have a better experience and easier recovery.

suzienickles36 · April 2012

daronsmommy:
sbagandov:
Up until about 2 days ago, I thought I would do a vaginal childbirth. Then I started lurking on Birth Stories board and started feeling incredibly anxious about it. I talked to DH about maybe scheduling a c-section instead, and he was game. I then started lurking on the C-section board and became equally anxious.

Can I just carry this baby until they come up with a hot new method to get a baby out!? Ha! *WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO A 33 YEAR OLD!!!*

Anyway, we will figure ours out, but what is everyone else doing? Any home births in October!? :-)
This is exactly how I felt when I was PG with DS. I was super nervous about having a vaginal delivery but thought that was the way I wanted to go. The thought of getting an epidural scared the crap out of me, but I know I was too big of a baby to not have pain meds. Then 5 weeks before DS was born, my friend had a scheduled c-section, because she is small and they thought the baby was over 9 lbs. Turns out her doctor just really likes to do c-sections, baby was only 8lbs 1 oz. She had such a great experience with her c/s and fast recovery, I actually went in and asked my doctor about doing an elective c/s. My doc said no, she didn't believe in doing c/s unless it was medically necessary. My experience with my vaginal delivery was amazing. I had great nurses, didn't even feel them put in the epidural, and pushed for about an hour and a half, but it didn't seem long at all. I wouldn't change my experience at all. I did have a bad tear, but my recovery was easy and I never took any pain meds stronger than Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you have specific questions you would like to ask, feel free to ask me. I know how stressful it is to be a FTM and hear all these horror stories about both vaginal and c/s. It isn't always that way and there are great stories out there too.

thanks for this... I have been having super high anxiety daily thinking about how this baby is going to come out of me. People keep telling me horror stories from both spectrums. (why!?) This made me feel a little better

Vegasbb · April 2012

This may be an UO, but I think elective C-sections are awful. A vaginal birth IS better and safer for your baby. People that have elective C-Sections are selfish, IMO. I can't even imagine having major abdominal surgery to avoid a vaginal birth.

NOTE: this does not apply to those that have C-sections for medical reasons including a previous C-section, multiples, medical conditions, etc.

emiannie · April 2012

I would say if it's your first baby, just plan for a vaginal birth. If you end up with a c-section fine, but no need to plan one with no real reason aside from being scared. There is recovery no matter how you get the baby out...just keep that in mind. :-)

Cynthia1207 · April 2012

Vegasbb:

This may be an UO, but I think elective C-sections are awful. A vaginal birth IS better and safer for your baby. People that have elective C-Sections are selfish, IMO. I can't even imagine having major abdominal surgery to avoid a vaginal birth.

NOTE: this does not apply to those that have C-sections for medical reasons including a previous C-section, multiples, medical conditions, etc.

I share the same opinion as you. It is selfish and anyways over here you cannot have a c-section unless you medically need it either during labor itself or if the baby is overdue, then they will schedule one. They won't schedule a c-section if you don't need it under medical terms.

I plan on having a vaginal birth but you never know...C-Sections scare the hell out of me so hopefully I'll be able to have this baby without surgery.

[Deleted User] · April 2012

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daronsmommy · April 2012

daronsmommy:
sbagandov:
This is exactly how I felt when I was PG with DS. I was super nervous about having a vaginal delivery but thought that was the way I wanted to go. The thought of getting an epidural scared the crap out of me, but I know I was too big of a baby to not have pain meds. Then 5 weeks before DS was born, my friend had a scheduled c-section, because she is small and they thought the baby was over 9 lbs. Turns out her doctor just really likes to do c-sections, baby was only 8lbs 1 oz. She had such a great experience with her c/s and fast recovery, I actually went in and asked my doctor about doing an elective c/s. My doc said no, she didn't believe in doing c/s unless it was medically necessary. My experience with my vaginal delivery was amazing. I had great nurses, didn't even feel them put in the epidural, and pushed for about an hour and a half, but it didn't seem long at all. I wouldn't change my experience at all. I did have a bad tear, but my recovery was easy and I never took any pain meds stronger than Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you have specific questions you would like to ask, feel free to ask me. I know how stressful it is to be a FTM and hear all these horror stories about both vaginal and c/s. It isn't always that way and there are great stories out there too.

thanks for this... I have been having super high anxiety daily thinking about how this baby is going to come out of me. People keep telling me horror stories from both spectrums. (why!?) This made me feel a little better

People will continue to do that, it sucks and I'm not sure why they feel the need. Most people with a good experience don't feel the need to share, but man, if they had a bad experience, they can't wait to tell an expectant mom. Drives me crazy! What is your biggest fear? The pain, the recovery, tearing?

Cooper81 · April 2012

I had a c/s with my son, not planned, but after 13 hours of labor and a "diagnosis" of failure to progress. I will be attempting a VBAC with this baby. My long term recovery from the c/s was not bad at all and very quick. However I was violently ill from the pain meds they gave me and the anesthesia for hours after surgery (and it is surgery, which is not something I would ever choose for myself personally having gone through a few) and that kept me from being able to hold my son or really be able to focus on him. That part of my birth is still very hard for me to come to terms with. I could go on and on, but there were several factos that I believe led to my c/s, starting with my induction that wasnt' really necessary to do the day of my due date, but I wont go into the whole story.

Wally3 · April 2012

I'm planning a non medicated vaginal birth. I had an epi last time and because of my scoliasis is didn't work. I'm terrified of getting a c-section because of my spine problems, I fear the spinal/epi won't work and I will have to be totally knocked out. I have talked to my ob about it and I will be meeting with the anesthelogist when I'm about 28ish week.

Mrs.G123 · April 2012

I am terrified of a c section and hope for a bag delivery again, with meds.

Don't Hassle the Hoff · April 2012

It blows my mind that anyone would actually 'opt' into a relatively major surgery instead of having a baby vaginally, like a woman's body was meant to do. Yea, pushing a baby out of your vagina isn't a pretty thing, it's not an easy thing, and it's not painless, but it's the way a baby is 'supposed' to be born.

I am 100% fine with c-sections if they're needed, but to be only a few months pregnant and say you want to get one instead of having a vaginal birth is just absurdity. If it's the pain you're afraid of, go to the hospital early in your contractions, ask for an epi, and call it a day.

cmbrown · April 2012

Scheduled C-section. With my daughter, my water broke at 12:30am, contractions barely ever started on their own. 8pm that night I was still at 5cm, so we did c-section. I will schedule a c-section, but if I go into labor before then, I may try for a vbac. Undecided if I will try or not.

IAM3Bs · April 2012

I want a vaginal delivery. Actually I just want to be pregnant one day, and wake up the next morning with a baby... where's the stork when you need one?

I had a rough enough time with a laproscopic appendectomy, I can't imagine a big incision like a c-section.

However, I'm also scared of tearing.

The plan is vag+epidural

sjgurl784 · April 2012

amy052006:

I really don't know where people get this "They won't schedule a c-section unless you need one" nonsense. It is pretty easy to say "Her baby is big, she needs a c-section" whether it is true or not. It happens all.the.time.

I mean, if doctors weren't overusing c-sections for pointless reasons, it would sort of discredit the whole argument that too many people are having unnecessary c-sections.

This just screams unethical to me. I would be extremely concerned about any doctor who said they'd do this for me as a patient. Is he really looking out for me and my baby's well-being? Or does he have a tee time to catch on my due date? Call me earthy-crunchy, but I feel like women are built for childbirth and it should remain as natural a thing as possible. I think women should feel empowered by it, not taught to fear it.

AadensMommy2010 · April 2012

Don't Hassle the Hoff:

It blows my mind that anyone would actually 'opt' into a relatively major surgery instead of having a baby vaginally, like a woman's body was meant to do. Yea, pushing a baby out of your vagina isn't a pretty thing, it's not an easy thing, and it's not painless, but it's the way a baby is 'supposed' to be born.

I am 100% fine with c-sections if they're needed, but to be only a few months pregnant and say you want to get one instead of having a vaginal birth is just absurdity. If it's the pain you're afraid of, go to the hospital early in your contractions, ask for an epi, and call it a day.

I agree. I don't think being scared of a vaginal delivery is a good enough reason to schedule a c-section. And the fact that so many doctors are on board with it blows my mind too.

Vaginal delivery is safer and healthier for baby (coming through the birth canal helps squeeze all the amniotic fluid out of baby's lungs). C-sections should only be reserved for emergency situations, multiples and other medical reasons.

I had a vaginal delivery with DS and it was not as bad or scary as I thought it would be. And recovery was EASY. And this is coming from a woman who was in labor for 26 hours and pushed for 2. You can do it. The anticipation is much worse than the experience. Unless you have a medical reason for a c-section, try to go into delivery with an open mind.

Cooper81 · April 2012

Also to add, the "oh it's a big baby, we should/need to do a c/s is crap." The 2 OB's that were on call during my labor kept saying "we think he is over 10lbs and that is why he isn't decending and you are stalling-I got to 3 cm and then stalled for 10 hours." DS was 7 lbs 10oz when he was born. And I've heard the same story from several other moms, which might be anecdotal, but I've heard it enough times to know that a u/s cannot accurately predict weight.

Doctors do c/s because to them they have more control over the situation and many of them feel that it's a way to avoid some of the complications that can arrise during a long labor and birth.

jennadoll87 · April 2012

Don't Hassle the Hoff:

It blows my mind that anyone would actually 'opt' into a relatively major surgery instead of having a baby vaginally, like a woman's body was meant to do. Yea, pushing a baby out of your vagina isn't a pretty thing, it's not an easy thing, and it's not painless, but it's the way a baby is 'supposed' to be born.

I am 100% fine with c-sections if they're needed, but to be only a few months pregnant and say you want to get one instead of having a vaginal birth is just absurdity. If it's the pain you're afraid of, go to the hospital early in your contractions, ask for an epi, and call it a day.

This ^^ = My thoughts exactly. A CS is great for an absolute emergency where mom and/or baby are in danger...but outside that situation a vaginal birth is normal, healthy & so much easier to recover from. There are so many things that you can do to prepare for birth. If you would focus on preparing yourself rather than your fear of delivery then you may find that your attitude changes. I do promise though that if you focus on all the negative that is exactly what you will experience during birth (whatever method you choose).

navyandviolet · April 2012

Cynthia1207:
Vegasbb:

This may be an UO, but I think elective C-sections are awful. A vaginal birth IS better and safer for your baby. People that have elective C-Sections are selfish, IMO. I can't even imagine having major abdominal surgery to avoid a vaginal birth.

NOTE: this does not apply to those that have C-sections for medical reasons including a previous C-section, multiples, medical conditions, etc.

I share the same opinion as you. It is selfish and anyways over here you cannot have a c-section unless you medically need it either during labor itself or if the baby is overdue, then they will schedule one. They won't schedule a c-section if you don't need it under medical terms.

I plan on having a vaginal birth but you never know...C-Sections scare the hell out of me so hopefully I'll be able to have this baby without surgery.

Yes

CLLDLL · April 2012

As someone who was terrified of Dr.s, hospitals, needles, and really anything medical related when I got pregnant with DS, I will emphatically say that a vaginal birth is not nearly as bad/scary as you think it is. No it's not fun, but you'll get through it.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself. Not by listening to bunch of friends/realtives talk (and most likely exaggerate) their horror stories, but by reading books by authors who know what they're talking about, asking questions to your OB, and taking child birth classes. Knowledge really is power. It will make you feel more in control of the situation and more capable of making the right decsion should something not go as expected.

Good luck to you.

hamiltks10 · April 2012

Try lurking on the Natural Birth board. And maybe even give in and read some natural childbirth books or watch "The Business of Being Born". Instead of reading and hearing about the horror stories of birth, you'll be exposed to stories about the ease and beauty of an uncomplicated, natural, vaginal birth.

The greatest thing I took away from watching "The Business of Being Born" was that birth can be calm, stress free, and possibly even easier than you ever expected. It can be so much different than what you are used to seeing on TV and from the horror stories you read about online or that you hear about from others.

The second greatest thing I took away from the books and movies is that one intervention can lead to a cascade of interventions. Our bodies are designed to give birth. If you prepare and go into it knowing this and feeling confident in your body and calm with the process, you are much more likely to have a successful vaginal birth.

This is all coming from someone who, her whole life, would almost have a panic attack just at the thought of labor and delivery. Now, I'm preparing myself for a med and intervention free birth and I've even been considering a home birth.

alikat07 · April 2012

obeach8:
Planning a vaginal, unmedicated birth, unless medical intervention is absolutely necessary. The recovery time after a C section is just not something that I would want to go through, but that's just me.

All of this, a C section would be really rough for me, longer hospital stay and I wouldn't be able to pick up my DD for a few weeks who I'm sure will need some serious snuggles with all the crazy changes in her life.

Also vaginal childbirth is really not that hard or traumatizing - you just get through it. I was scared beforehand, this time I know it will happen and then I'll have my baby so it is just a bump in the road so to speak. I'm also hoping to go un-medicated this time, so it will be more challenging but I know my body can do it.

BDK807 · April 2012

I would like to have a vaginal delivery however I know this might not be possible with twins. As of right now, a vaginal delivery is what I a hoping for but I know things can change every quickly. Basically my plan is to do what the doctors feel will be safest.

nealbl · April 2012

ownedby3:

Is this your first? I'm not sure why anyone would elect for a c-section unless they have already have one. The recovery is not as easy and why wouldn't you try to have a vaginal delivery if you can?

I had a c-section with DD and would like to try a VBAC this time but if it's against me I'm fully ok with another section.

I do agree that for the first one I would at least try for a V birth however the recovery part you mentioned is not totally accurate. I was up the next day showering and walking around. I went home from the hospital as if I had a V birth b/c my recovery was a breeze. I didn't take pain pills once home and I have had no other complications from it. My BFF had a V birth and had complications for a long time. when it came to intimatie time with her DH b/c of her tearing. Now not everyone has a great C-section recovery, but not everyone has a great V birth recovery either.

AMT1107 · April 2012

Vegasbb:

This may be an UO, but I think elective C-sections are awful. A vaginal birth IS better and safer for your baby. People that have elective C-Sections are selfish, IMO. I can't even imagine having major abdominal surgery to avoid a vaginal birth.

NOTE: this does not apply to those that have C-sections for medical reasons including a previous C-section, multiples, medical conditions, etc.

Agreed 100% - my doctor won't even entertain a scheduled c-section unless it is medically necessary.

sbagandov · April 2012

WOW! I go to work for a few hours and come back to soooo much information!! I love it!

Definitely as a FTM, I feel like I don't know A LOT of things! I had no idea that most c-sections weren't planned.....OR that it was considered a major surgery. I thought it would like getting my wisdom teeth out. In and out...only I would have a baby in the end. Embarrassed haha! Forgive my ignorance, and keep the comments coming! I love all this information!! :-)

cubberss · April 2012

We're planning another homebirth.

tatercater · April 2012

Opinion from a FTM... I think if you sit and dwell on everything that goes into both v births and c/s you're going to get freaked out, especially since you don't know what to expect.

My plan is to just let my body do what it wants to do. If I can have a v-birth, great, but if I end up with a really big baby (or a baby who is stuck-like my little brother was) I will get a c/s.

projectbaby2012 · April 2012

I'm hoping for a vag delivery with meds - since I'm pushing out 2 babies. However, my dr said that there is a high likelihood that I'll need a c-section since I have 2 levels of high risk. I'm planning on taking childbirth classes and will consider a c-section worse case scenario, but am open to it if my dr tells me it's what needs to happen.

There was a story on the news a few weeks ago called "too posh to push" - about the rising number of women choosing a c-section first. The dr/reporter stated that it's not as healthy for the baby to be born via c-section, that the contractions while coming down the birth canal have a lot of health benefits (sorry I can't remember specifics). However, she did state that if it's medically necessary listen to your dr. I really don't care what other women choose, but for me I hope to bring my babies into this world the old fashioned way.

m3l0d1 · April 2012

I'm going to have a RCS (repeat c/s).

I had an emergency c/s with LO.

suzienickles36 · April 2012

daronsmommy:
daronsmommy:
sbagandov:
This is exactly how I felt when I was PG with DS. I was super nervous about having a vaginal delivery but thought that was the way I wanted to go. The thought of getting an epidural scared the crap out of me, but I know I was too big of a baby to not have pain meds. Then 5 weeks before DS was born, my friend had a scheduled c-section, because she is small and they thought the baby was over 9 lbs. Turns out her doctor just really likes to do c-sections, baby was only 8lbs 1 oz. She had such a great experience with her c/s and fast recovery, I actually went in and asked my doctor about doing an elective c/s. My doc said no, she didn't believe in doing c/s unless it was medically necessary. My experience with my vaginal delivery was amazing. I had great nurses, didn't even feel them put in the epidural, and pushed for about an hour and a half, but it didn't seem long at all. I wouldn't change my experience at all. I did have a bad tear, but my recovery was easy and I never took any pain meds stronger than Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you have specific questions you would like to ask, feel free to ask me. I know how stressful it is to be a FTM and hear all these horror stories about both vaginal and c/s. It isn't always that way and there are great stories out there too.

thanks for this... I have been having super high anxiety daily thinking about how this baby is going to come out of me. People keep telling me horror stories from both spectrums. (why!?) This made me feel a little better
People will continue to do that, it sucks and I'm not sure why they feel the need. Most people with a good experience don't feel the need to share, but man, if they had a bad experience, they can't wait to tell an expectant mom. Drives me crazy! What is your biggest fear? The pain, the recovery, tearing?

The pain part doesn't scare me too much (hopefully the epidural will work!) but when people started telling me horrible tearing stories like from one end to the other, etc. it has caused me to get super high anxiety. I am scared of the tearing and recovery for sure.

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