Planned c-section... or not

Krissie2013 · August 2012

Hey Folks,

I know it's a little early to be thinking about this stuff... but my mind is racing.

My natural inclination is to try to go through the birth naturally (even without an epidural).. however ALL the women in my family have ended up having c-sections!

All of them started out trying to have natural births... but for some reason or another have always ended up in the operation room. My one aunt who did manage to give birth vaginally... ended up with a child who has cerebral palsy (due to lack of oxygen).

Given my families history, I'm torn between a natural birth and just going for a planned c-section...

I'd love to hear what you guys are thinking

FamilyofFive2013 · August 2012

While the c/s rate is high in America, you'll be hard pressed to actually find an OB who will go along with a planned section. It is major surgery. I'm not sure that based on what you've said would be cause enough for a planned c/s.

Ella85 · August 2012

I think it's hard to find a Dr that will do a scheduled csection. Maybe closer to the time you will have more information and can make a more informed decision.

ClaireCecilia · August 2012

If it is your first child you can't really PLAN for a c-section if there is no reason for it. My OB only plans them if you are 41 weeks or if the baby is breech. I had to have one with my first due to my babies heart rate dropping while pushing and she was having a hard time coming out. I am in a place where I need to figure out if I am going to plan another one or try for a VBAC, if I go for the VBAC I need to find a doctor that will do it since not many do anymore.

medblais · August 2012

You have a lot of time ahead to do research for both options. IMO, your body is designed to give birth, even given your family history. It is important to do your research and have a doctor you trust and with whom you can communicate your fears and hopes for your birth.

Krissie2013 · August 2012

You're right.. planning a c-section may not even be an option in Canada especially. Guess I'll talk to my OB (who I haven't met yet) and see what they think.

kelsea1031 · August 2012

I agree with PPs about having a hard time finding a doctor, but I do think that it's very early and you should definitely take some time and talk it over with your doctor. I had a c/s, and while I had a great experience, it is still MAJOR surgery. Women's bodies are designed to do amazing things. Don't count yourself out just because women in your family have had c/s. And depending on the reasoning for their c/s (breech, etc.), it might not have been something that was necessarily hereditary.

Good luck!

jennylynn143 · August 2012

Natural... but I'll probably get the epidural. According to all my mommy friends, there is no reason not to.

kristinrvb21 · August 2012

ClaireCecilia:
If it is your first child you can't really PLAN for a c-section if there is no reason for it. My OB only plans them if you are 41 weeks or if the baby is breech. I had to have one with my first due to my babies heart rate dropping while pushing and she was having a hard time coming out. I am in a place where I need to figure out if I am going to plan another one or try for a VBAC, if I go for the VBAC I need to find a doctor that will do it since not many do anymore.

I am in your boat. I really really really want a VBAC, but I keep reminding myself as long as #2 is healthy I should be grateful.

sugarland726 · August 2012

You've gotten great advice so far. The only thing I'd add is just to know that their body, child, and birth are not YOUR body, child, and birth. So just because they were unable to birth vaginally does not mean you will be unable to. And I'd personally keep repeating that to myself so as to remind myself that it is possible.

cvl105 · August 2012

FamilyofFive2013:
While the c/s rate is high in America, you'll be hard pressed to actually find an OB who will go along with a planned section. It is major surgery. I'm not sure that based on what you've said would be cause enough for a planned c/s.

Yes

Lulalala · August 2012

Such great wisdom on this board!

At this point all I can think about is "hope for the best and prepare for the worst".

sherbear1322 · August 2012

ClaireCecilia:
If it is your first child you can't really PLAN for a c-section if there is no reason for it. My OB only plans them if you are 41 weeks or if the baby is breech. I had to have one with my first due to my babies heart rate dropping while pushing and she was having a hard time coming out. I am in a place where I need to figure out if I am going to plan another one or try for a VBAC, if I go for the VBAC I need to find a doctor that will do it since not many do anymore.

Same for me. His heart rate didn't drop but I stopped progressing at 9.5 cm, so after hours of no change I ended in c-section. My practice doesn't allow vbac's, so I'm torn too.

sugarland726 · August 2012

Lulalala:

Such great wisdom on this board!

At this point all I can think about is "hope for the best and prepare for the worst".

That is an excellent quote. I had a completely textbook pregnancy and then labor. Everything was moving along perfectly for a vaginal delivery. DD turned mid labor and she was not aligned properly with my birth canal any longer. So every time I pushed (for 3 hours), no progress was made. Imagine my surprise when they told me it was time for a c-section. I had done no research or preparation. It was extremely scary to go in to something I was not ready for. So like Lulalala says, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Anything can happen.

FutureMrsCAF · August 2012

ClaireCecilia:
If it is your first child you can't really PLAN for a c-section if there is no reason for it. My OB only plans them if you are 41 weeks or if the baby is breech. I had to have one with my first due to my babies heart rate dropping while pushing and she was having a hard time coming out. I am in a place where I need to figure out if I am going to plan another one or try for a VBAC, if I go for the VBAC I need to find a doctor that will do it since not many do anymore.

My sister-in-law just had a very successful VBAC two weeks ago! She is amazed at how much easier it is to recover this time around. I hope the same for you!

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