Anyone having an elective C-section..

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

... as opposed to just letting labor happen? If so, why?

I am a FTM and just entering my 3T. I will be asking my OB next visit for information on elective cesareans. I am really interested in any information or experience you guys may have on the topic.

Thanks ladies, IA!

Teresa1896 · March 2014

You're not going to get a lot of support for an elective csection. Your doc probably won't do it anyway.

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

Just getting information, ladies, relax. Ive read about the topic, found it interesting and it definitely peeked my curiosity, but haven't spoken to anyone who has done it electively... Im assuming there is a reason for that. So, I'd like to talk to people with experience.

It is just a conversation, chill with the early morning attitudes! lol! I think its an interesting discussion, it doesn't have to get cray-cray!

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

MrsMuq said:

Why would you elect to have major abdominal surgery?

I cant answer that, I have never done it, or decided to do it! lol! However, there are some interesting articles (just google elective cesarean) from woman that have, and you might find their reasons worth a glance (regardless of being in agreement with them or not, perhaps the articles could answer your question better than I can). Sometimes, topics (such as elective c-sections) are just interesting intellectually- to discuss, esp if it is something you find to be quite different from what is usual.

CuteBride8808 · March 2014

I'm having a repeat c section with this pregnancy because they thought the risk of possible uterine rupture was too great. I had the choice of vbac but I don't want to take a chance

Unknown · March 2014

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NewMrsMacC · March 2014

CuteBride8808 said:

I'm having a repeat c section with this pregnancy because they thought the risk of possible uterine rupture was too great. I had the choice of vbac but I don't want to take a chance

It is said so often that once you have a c-section, vbac is no longer an option, but I have heard of woman like yourself who have been given the choice. I think, if I were faced with being able to choose I would most likely be afraid of the risk, as you stated, and just elect for a second cesarean as well. So I definitely see where you are coming from with your decision. Why take the risk if its not necessary makes the most rational sense.

Unknown · March 2014

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WashingtonQueen · March 2014

I can't imagine why anyone would want to do that just for the hell if it. SMH

hlm184 · March 2014

NewMrsMacC said:

CuteBride8808 said:

I'm having a repeat c section with this pregnancy because they thought the risk of possible uterine rupture was too great. I had the choice of vbac but I don't want to take a chance

It is said so often that once you have a c-section, vbac is no longer an option, but I have heard of woman like yourself who have been given the choice. I think, if I were faced with being able to choose I would most likely be afraid of the risk, as you stated, and just elect for a second cesarean as well. So I definitely see where you are coming from with your decision. Why take the risk if its not necessary makes the most rational sense.

Some people are eligible for VBACs. Others are not.

Tassie06 · March 2014

I had an emergency C-section with my first at 40w5d. I woke up in the morning bleeding. A lot! The placenta was detaching. They induced me to get things started but after 3 hours my sons heart rate was dropping. He was in distress and an emergency c-section had to be performed. Since then I've been told by some nurses and doctors that I could do a vaginal delivery while others have said I have to have another section. Based on my previous experience i have decided to do another section. This time around the 38th week. I recovered well the first time, sure it was hell when trying to do something like get out of bed. Anything where I had to use any stomach muscles. But I was up and walking the next day and out at the store 5 days after surgery. I've been told the more sections you have, the faster the recovery. I guess I see if that's true in May. On a side note: my gf had a section, after 30 hours of labour, and vbac with her second. She told me the recovery time was about the same for both.

iqwedding3 · March 2014

Is this for real, or a troll?

merc5411 · March 2014

When I got pregnant I asked my OB about an elective c section. One of my closest friends died during childbirth just before I got pregnant. I was terrified and wanted to know if he would allow it. He said it was my choice. By my 3rd trimester I had changed my mind and planned on a vaginal birth. Unfortunately, I ended up with a c section anyways (after 27 hours of labor and not dilating past 3cm). I wouldn't recommend having a c section without a valid reason, but it's your choice if your OB will allow it. Just know recovery is harder than you'd think.

Rrrrrachel · March 2014

She finds this interesting to discuss, but don't bring any of that unpleasant disagreement in, kay? In related news I'm having my appendix out next month, just for fun.

mcgeeva · March 2014

I am having another c-section but only due to issues I have had this time and last pregnancy. IF I had a choice with my first I would of most definitely prefered a vaginal birth but it was not an option due to needing an emergency c-section. I don't think most would ever choose being cut. Why would you want a harder recovery??

mcgeeva · March 2014

I think a ton of people that just want a c-section just because are uneducated. My cousin had a c-section with her third. It didn't heal properly and she had to be scraped out right there on the OB's table because a horrible infection took over. So there are tons of things that can go wrong with surgery. Rather have had a small cut to my hoha instead

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

merc5411 said:

When I got pregnant I asked my OB about an elective c section. One of my closest friends died during childbirth just before I got pregnant. I was terrified and wanted to know if he would allow it. He said it was my choice. By my 3rd trimester I had changed my mind and planned on a vaginal birth. Unfortunately, I ended up with a c section anyways (after 27 hours of labor and not dilating past 3cm). I wouldn't recommend having a c section without a valid reason, but it's your choice if your OB will allow it. Just know recovery is harder than you'd think.

Yes, I can imagine it is much harder to recover from a c-cection. Someone also stated above that the mortality rate for mothers is higher as well during c-sections, elective or otherwise. It seems like a very abrasive choice, and I am certainly curious as to why one would "elect" to do it. There was another response above that gave the reasons (non medical) that seem to be stated by most in articles about the topic. Such as, easier to schedule and prepare for, fear of labor pain etc ect.. There seem to be much easier solutions to both these problems than electing to have a major surgery, but maybe I am missing something... lol.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, information, and opinion. I can certainly appreciate your ability to have a exchange of information without mudding up the topic with a unnecessarily antagonistic response. I think this is good information, and to be clear, Im not offended at anyone's aggressive reaction (though I think it's silly, not to be able to discuss, respond and approach the topic intellectually- like you and a few others have).

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

mcgeeva said:

I think a ton of people that just want a c-section just because are uneducated. My cousin had a c-section with her third. It didn't heal properly and she had to be scraped out right there on the OB's table because a horrible infection took over. So there are tons of things that can go wrong with surgery. Rather have had a small cut to my hoha instead

I think you are absolutely, 1000% correct. And I have to wonder, did the woman that chose to have that surgery do so, knowing the risks, dangers, recovery difficulty and other things associated with electing to give birth this way? Did they ask question, do research, have discussions, speak to people with experience? I think education its definitely the key to making choices of any kind, and this elective surgery for birth just seems really extreme and high-risk (for infection and so many other things). Im looking forward to discussing it with my OB on my next visit and getting to hear his thoughts and experiences with it, I am sure he will have a lot to share with me! He has 8 children himself (yes, can you believe it, 8! lol!) and has been delivering babies for over 30 years! Thanks for your response, information and opinion!

YTLCNURSE · March 2014

I agree with PPs. A lot of doctors will not perform elective c-sections. A lot of women see this as an easy way out, but it really isn't. The recovery times are a lot longer than a vaginal delivery and the risk of infection (because it is a major surgery) is also something to consider. Unless it is due to medical reasons, I wouldn't even waste my time if I were you asking the doctor about elective c-sections.

jess9802 · March 2014

One of the things I've always found interesting is that a good percentage of female OB-GYNs choose or would choose elective C-sections for themselves. These are, after all, the physicians who treat women not just during pregnancy, but their entire lives, and see plenty of patients dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence, which are correlated with vaginal delivery.

The thought of a C-section totally and completely freaked me out. I did not want one. I did not have one. But it really bothers me that women who do express feelings like fear of labor pain and an episotomy are shamed for having those feelings or expressing an interest in a C-section. Women can have all sorts of reasons for wanting a C-section, and if we believe in bodily autonomy and the right of women to make informed decisions with their health care, then an elective C-section should be an option that women should be able to discuss without getting scolded.

mtrhomegirl · March 2014

I am having a scheduled c-section but is only because i had one with my daughter. After having a c-section i would never choose to have one just to not go through labor...it is the worst pain you will ever go through....it took a long time to heal and get back up and going compared to what i have heard is the healing process for a vaginal birth.

kimmee1997 · March 2014

I've had both. And if I were to have a 3rd I would happily opt for a RCS. My first delivery was vaginal. I had an episiotomy and recovery was hard on me. Sex will never be the same as prior to ds1. It took a good 7-8 weeks to even attempt sex and a good 6months to a year before it felt slightly normal. Labor was ok once I got the epidural. The only thing I would say about labor is it is annoying to have to be hooked up to the monitor all during labor and it was a long and exhausting labor. I had an emergency cs with ds2. I went in to be induced and was started on cervadil. I really wasn't expecting much with the cervadil but it actually started contractions. Ds2 wasn't tolerating labor even when contractions continued after cervadil was taken out and we decided it was best to have a csection. I was very nervous about the cs, but really didn't have too much time to think about it as it happened so fast. I had a spinal block, which was the best ever! I talked all throughout my surgery! Ha! And although the first day was rough in recovery (Initially I was up and walking faster with my vaginal delivery), overall my recovery has been easier. I pushed myself to get up and walking as soon as possible to cut down on complications of staying in bed. My incision healed without complications. I was up and around and feeling about 90% normal by my 2nd or 3rd week. Sex has not been an issue. I would recommend waiting till given ok by your dr, but we had sex by 3rd week postpartum. My only issue was that I really had to wait a fee weeks before I picked up my 3 year old son. I was probably 3-4 weeks before I picked him up and probably should have waited a little longer but there were times I had to pick him up.

The few things I would caution you about before getting a cs--think about how many kids you want. Because that will be an issue. If more than 3 then you might want to go for a vaginal birth. Also cs are a little harder on the babies in that they don't get rid of the fluid from their lungs like they would be more likely to do with a vaginal birth. The fluid often gets squeezed out of them during a vaginal birth as they are going through the birth canal. Cs babies lungs tend to sound junkier and most of the times you have to use a delee suction (a long thin catheter that goes down their mouth and down their throat to suction a lot of the fluid out of them). And there is a reason why most csections (at hospitals I've been to or worked for) have a pediatrician required to attend all cs deliveries. Overall cs are riskier for baby and mother. But I will also admit that I was happy to have my emergency csection. Recovery has been great! And I will happily opt for a RCS for my 3rd if I were to have one.

By the way, I also have been diagnosed with a prolapse since having ds1. And let me tell you my bladder has never been the same. More information than what you probably want to know but I leak every time I sneeze or cough. I have to prepare myself in advance before I cough or sneeze. I think back to when I used to laugh at a friend who had to do this after she had kids. Well it came back to bite me cause I have very little control over my bladder!

Anyways, like others have said you might have a hard time finding someone who will do an elective cs or perhaps an insurance that will pay for it. But I've worked with a cs happy dr before and he could find every reason under the sun for practically everyone to have a cs. So it's doable. Whether it's a failure to progress or baby's heart rate goes down a time or two during labor, if a dr wants to do a cs he or she can find a medical reason for it.

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

jess9802 said:

One of the things I've always found interesting is that a good percentage of female OB-GYNs choose or would choose elective C-sections for themselves. These are, after all, the physicians who treat women not just during pregnancy, but their entire lives, and see plenty of patients dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence, which are correlated with vaginal delivery.

The thought of a C-section totally and completely freaked me out. I did not want one. I did not have one. But it really bothers me that women who do express feelings like fear of labor pain and an episotomy are shamed for having those feelings or expressing an interest in a C-section. Women can have all sorts of reasons for wanting a C-section, and if we believe in bodily autonomy and the right of women to make informed decisions with their health care, then an elective C-section should be an option that women should be able to discuss without getting scolded.

I appreciate your opinion here, it is exactly what I was wanting to do; Have a discussion about the topic, exchange stories, experiences and information and educate one another by sharing our questions and answers. I was surprised at the shaming and scolding that was going on in the first few responses- because of my simply bringing up a topic about a choice some woman make and I being interested as to why they do (make that choice).

I didn't say I wanted to have an elective c-section, would have one, or that I had-had one, I simply introduced the topic as something that some woman have done, and I was curious as to why they made that choice. What were the benefits of their choice? What were the hardships?

This is my first pregnancy, and I am a sponge for everyone's experiences and information. Hostility and shaming is just so unnecessary, when the thread wasn't even about an opinion I had on the matter, it was simply asking "Hey, what do you know about this topic, share it with me!"

Thanks again for your post, and your information!

NewMrsMacC · March 2014

kimmee1997 said:

I've had both. And if I were to have a 3rd I would happily opt for a RCS. My first delivery was vaginal. I had an episiotomy and recovery was hard on me. Sex will never be the same as prior to ds1. It took a good 7-8 weeks to even attempt sex and a good 6months to a year before it felt slightly normal. Labor was ok once I got the epidural. The only thing I would say about labor is it is annoying to have to be hooked up to the monitor all during labor and it was a long and exhausting labor. I had an emergency cs with ds2. I went in to be induced and was started on cervadil. I really wasn't expecting much with the cervadil but it actually started contractions. Ds2 wasn't tolerating labor even when contractions continued after cervadil was taken out and we decided it was best to have a csection. I was very nervous about the cs, but really didn't have too much time to think about it as it happened so fast. I had a spinal block, which was the best ever! I talked all throughout my surgery! Ha! And although the first day was rough in recovery (Initially I was up and walking faster with my vaginal delivery), overall my recovery has been easier. I pushed myself to get up and walking as soon as possible to cut down on complications of staying in bed. My incision healed without complications. I was up and around and feeling about 90% normal by my 2nd or 3rd week. Sex has not been an issue. I would recommend waiting till given ok by your dr, but we had sex by 3rd week postpartum. My only issue was that I really had to wait a fee weeks before I picked up my 3 year old son. I was probably 3-4 weeks before I picked him up and probably should have waited a little longer but there were times I had to pick him up. The few things I would caution you about before getting a cs--think about how many kids you want. Because that will be an issue. If more than 3 then you might want to go for a vaginal birth. Also cs are a little harder on the babies in that they don't get rid of the fluid from their lungs like they would be more likely to do with a vaginal birth. The fluid often gets squeezed out of them during a vaginal birth as they are going through the birth canal. Cs babies lungs tend to sound junkier and most of the times you have to use a delee suction (a long thin catheter that goes down their mouth and down their throat to suction a lot of the fluid out of them). And there is a reason why most csections (at hospitals I've been to or worked for) have a pediatrician required to attend all cs deliveries. Overall cs are riskier for baby and mother. But I will also admit that I was happy to have my emergency csection. Recovery has been great! And I will happily opt for a RCS for my 3rd if I were to have one. By the way, I also have been diagnosed with a prolapse since having ds1. And let me tell you my bladder has never been the same. More information than what you probably want to know but I leak every time I sneeze or cough. I have to prepare myself in advance before I cough or sneeze. I think back to when I used to laugh at a friend who had to do this after she had kids. Well it came back to bite me cause I have very little control over my bladder! Anyways, like others have said you might have a hard time finding someone who will do an elective cs or perhaps an insurance that will pay for it. But I've worked with a cs happy dr before and he could find every reason under the sun for practically everyone to have a cs. So it's doable. Whether it's a failure to progress or baby's heart rate goes down a time or two during labor, if a dr wants to do a cs he or she can find a medical reason for it.

This ^ is the best post in the thread. Thank you so much for sharing your story! We have read a lot about people's opinion here as to why NOT to have a c-section, your story gives us the flip side of the coin! Now we have a discussion! Thanks again for sharing!

sschwege · March 2014

Just lurking here, but wanted to say that if given a choice a vaginal delivery is safest for mother and baby.

I had both my babies vaginally so I can't weigh in on a c-section but wanted to share my experience with my second. I had what they labeled a 'precipitous birth' with DS, basically meaning he was born very fast. His head was perfectly shaped and his face was one giant bruise, he came into this world so fast. Anyway, he was taken from me almost immediately because he had breathing problems. He had to spend the first 36 hours of his life in the Special Care Nursery and up until an hour of me being discharged we didn't know if he would come home with us. The doctors said that DS's breathing problems were characteristic of babies born by c-section, because of his speedy entrance into the world he did not have the benefit of being squeezed through the birth canal as most vaginal deliveries do.

I had to pump every 2 hours because I couldn't hold my son much less nurse him, all of his first pictures are with an IV in his arm and monitors, 12 hours after he was born I could finally hold him, though alarms would go off sometimes because I was moving the wires he was still attached to, when we brought DS home DD pointed to his little hand where the IV had been and said "boo, boo'. At least when we were going through all that I knew I had done nothing to cause my son to struggle in his first days of life, imagine how I would have felt had I had an elective c-section?

jasrun80 · March 2014

everyone I know whose "chosen" to get a c section had stories that the babies head was too big so they weren't even going to try. I don't know if I believe in this but that's what I've heard from a few people. the rest just went with it after prior cs. to me, I'd be horrified to get one & will do anything possible to avoid it. I had an episiotomy that ruined me (for 2 weeks),,, much better than slicing my stomach to avoid an unseen scar!

Rrrrrachel · March 2014

For crying out loud op, no one was shaming or scolding you. Get a grip.

fsumom · March 2014

I cannot fathom why a FTM would elect to have a c-section that isn't medically necessary. With DD, I believe mine was unnecessary and am trying to avoid a repeat c-section.

babym6705 · March 2014

I had an "elective/scheduled" c/s with my daughter. She measured big on an ultrasound and I was terrified of a vaginal birth and my dr. gave me the option of a c/s. My dr. said based on my small frame and my daughter being bigger, I would likely end up in a c/s anyways. I know small girls can birth big babies. However, I loved my c/s and have no regrets. I am having a RCS with baby no. 2. I have a different dr. with this baby. She said I could choose between VBAC and RCS. I am choosing a RCS. I loved my first c/s experience and I have no desire for a VBAC. I don't think that makes me a bad mom or person at all. Pushing a baby out your vag doesn't mean you are a better parent, just like having a c/s doesn't make you a bad one. If you are interested in a c/s, talk to your dr.

KariB509 · March 2014

I definitely wouldn't choose to have a c-section.

pigtails1031777 · March 2014

Ya I don't understand this. Ya labor is scary but it sure the hell beats a tube in your urethra and being sliced open like a piece of meat.
Naw I'll pass. I've done both and this 3rd time is a vbac

FemShep · March 2014

I've had 2 c-sections because of a medical condition that makes labor very dangerous. If there are medical reasons for a c-section, it can be a good option. However, many of the reasons for an elective c-section don't make sense to me.

First of all, there is no guarantee that baby will come on the scheduled date. With DD1, my water broke and she was delivered 6 days before the scheduled c-section (which was at 39 weeks three days). Scheduling a delivery doesn't necessarily mean baby cooperates.

Also, there are cosmetic implications to a c-section. I have a "shelf" above my c-section scar for years after birth.

And finally, a c-section is more dangerous for mom and baby. With DD2, she had significant fluid in her lungs. It's terrifying to listen to your baby struggle to breathe. I also had an infection in my incision that was painful and disgusting. And I had an easy experience!

seells · March 2014

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned that in a lot of cases mom and baby can be seperated for hours after a csection.

I had a csection and I didn't see my daughter for close to 2 hours. Some hospitals let you keep baby in the OR with you but some do not.

That is literally my main reason for wanting to vbac. I want to be able to hold my baby the second it's born. Not 2 hours later after it's napped and bathed and everybody and there mom had seen my baby before me. (Not to mention by the time I did see her I was so tired and doped up from the spinal that I could barely nurse her for 20 mins before I fell asleep.)

LilacStar11 · March 2014

I feel that I was scared into having a c-section and I regret it big time. I was 10 days past due date and I was in the hospital waiting to be induced. The doctor came in with the pitocin and a form for me to sign. The form basically said that I acknowledge that my baby is 9+ lbs and has an 80% chance of having shoulder issues stemming anywhere from dislocation to paralyzed shoulder. I freaked the eff out. DD wound up being 8.8 lbs. A totally birth-able baby but I went with a c-section because there was no way I was going to risk my newborn being paralyzed.

The section was awful. The experience is awful, she was born and I didnt see her for 4 hours. I got a kiss and they took her away. Not to mention that DH had to go with her so I was alone in an operating room, awake, being operated on. It was terrible.

I had to have a RC/S with my son because apparently I was at a high risk for rupture. It was even worse the second time around. I was vomiting through the whole surgery. Baby was stuck under my ribs so the doctor was literally up on the table using her knees to move him down. The next day I felt like I got hit by a bus. They scheduled it a week in advance and he was jaundice from early delivery and not being squeezed through birth canal. I also took much longer to recover. I didnt even walk for 3 days. It was terrible.

I obviously dont have a choice for VBAC for #3. Not looking forward to surgery again at all. Just hope and pray that baby and I get through it unscathed.

Rrrrrachel · March 2014

It is a valid reason. For a lot of women it's not thirty minutes, it really is hours, and two hours can be on the shorter end of the spectrum. Skin to skin with mom (yes mom) has lots of benefits for both mother and baby, so yes, it's a draw back when that isn't possible for whatever reason.

tjkdlhb · March 2014

A coworker had lost her first baby in childbirth. She was allowed an elective C-section. IMO that was a valid reason because the stress/memory of the situation could have caused things to go bad.

For me, I am personally terrified to have a c-section. I hope and pray that I can deliver this LO without one. My recovery from DD's v-birth was easy. Several people I know who had c-sections had a long and painful recovery and difficulty with nursing.

fsumom · March 2014

NewMrsMacC said:

CuteBride8808 said:

I'm having a repeat c section with this pregnancy because they thought the risk of possible uterine rupture was too great. I had the choice of vbac but I don't want to take a chance

It is said so often that once you have a c-section, vbac is no longer an option, but I have heard of woman like yourself who have been given the choice. I think, if I were faced with being able to choose I would most likely be afraid of the risk, as you stated, and just elect for a second cesarean as well. So I definitely see where you are coming from with your decision. Why take the risk if its not necessary makes the most rational sense.

And there's also a risk of having a c-section. I am comfortable attempting a VBAC knowing the risks of each.

ncbelle · March 2014

Given that the medical evidence STRONGLY suggests vaginal birth is safer for mother and baby - no. Would never consider such a thing. I'm grateful c-sections exists for life threatening situations but otherwise not a choice I'd make!

There's excellent information here - evidenced based information: https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166

And also worth noting that the ACOG came out two weeks ago saying our c-section rate was far too high and must be reduced.

jasrun80 · March 2014

some celebs get them as soon as unsightly stretch marks appear to be showing & so their bodies go right back I guess too! the pressure out on them sadly makes them feel the need to do so but I'm not surprised at all.
side note in case you do :
I did just learn that micro organisms in the vagina give the baby it's first bacteria to fight & ultimately is the best form of this first probiotic so if I were going to have a c I'd ask my dr to place a gauze in my vagina then wipe the babies face with it once removed from the uterus to give it this healthy bacteria opportunity. sounds unusual but studies showed it helps the baby in many ways.
just an additional thought!

PrimRoseMama · March 2014

For the sake of discussion: fear of episiotomy (cutting during vaginal delivery) is a legit fear. However, if you are afraid of an incision like that why in the world would you be alright with voluntary C-section? I don't understand that?

Meery82 · March 2014

PrimRoseMama said:

For the sake of discussion: fear of episiotomy (cutting during vaginal delivery) is a legit fear. However, if you are afraid of an incision like that why in the world would you be alright with voluntary C-section? I don't understand that?

This. There's a LOT more cutting involved in a c-section than an episiotomy!

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