Elective C Section...

boti83 · August 2014

Has anyone opted for an elective c section? Why? What was your experience like and would you do it again?
Been induced twice which was the worst experience ever and have a very low pain threshold! It's taken my ten years to decide to get pregnant again due to my experiences. Lucky I have a OB who suggested a elective this time round. I know they say recovery is painful but I'd much rather keep on top of it with meds than have the intense contraction pain. Have never had surgery so am a little nervous ...

XomgitsshanX · August 2014

My first pregnancy was 11 years ago. It was a bad labor. I had major back labor never even felt the contractions up front it was all in my back I dealt with it for 48 hours because everyone kept telling me I was constipated when they finally did admit me and did a epidural and broke my water. My baby's heart beat would drop anytime I laid on my left side w a epidural they have you flip sides and move around to make sure the epidural goes all over. Since her heartbeat was dropping and she was facing the wrong way the rushed me in to do a emergency c section. This time around the dr suggests © section because of the crazy first pregnancy. He doesn't want me to go through the stress and let down.

binklesss · August 2014

boti83 said:
Has anyone opted for an elective c section? Why? What was your experience like and would you do it again?
Been induced twice which was the worst experience ever and have a very low pain threshold! It's taken my ten years to decide to get pregnant again due to my experiences. Lucky I have a OB who suggested a elective this time round. I know they say recovery is painful but I'd much rather keep on top of it with meds than have the intense contraction pain. Have never had surgery so am a little nervous ...

I have never had a c-section out other major surgery, but from what I've heard, it sucks. If you have a lot pain tolerance, I don't know why you would willingly go through that. The pain from cutting through muscle and everything else they do with a c-section lasts much longer than contractions do.

CanukMam · August 2014

Elective over here. Family history of c-sections (every single birth) and the one aunt who's doctor was very pro-natural birth, didn't give her a c-section in time. Her LO ended up losing oxygen and now has cerebral palsy. I just felt that the safest outcome for LO was to go with a c-section. I did end up with GD and a large baby anyway..Yes the recovery sucks, but I was more concerned about LO then myself. It was by no means the "easy way out" as most people like to accuse you of when you talk about elective c-sections.

The worst part of the recovery for me was the medication. My OB gave me medication that caused severe stomach upset/constipation, it was quite painful. When I complained I got the typical "you just had a baby/major surgery, what did you expect, suck it up" response (my OB is HORRIBLE). I went to my Family doctor and she switched the meds and I was perfect after that. This time around I know which meds don't work for me, so I imagine it will be a much smoother recovery.

Hubby was in the OR with me, he has pics of the birth/operation. Not good for those with a weak stomach but is any type of birth??)

NatureLovers · August 2014

The statement that insurance won't cover an elective c-section is false. They do it all the time. Your doctor will probably use your past labors as a reason.

I'm pretty sure I will be having an elective c-section due to my fibroids and risk of placental abruption. All "elective" really means is scheduled in advance without it being an emergency situation.

There are pros and cons to each method of delivery, and the only thing that actually matters is your preference. I'm sure a lot of people will jump in to shame you over your choice, or to explain what a c-section is, like you're an idiot who doesn't know what a c-section means. Ignore them, and make the choice that's right for you.

CanukMam · August 2014

Exactly, people look for all sorts of reasons to judge. You should make a choice that is best for you and your family. You don't need to justify your reasoning to anyone else, if the reasons are good enough for you/you doctor, then they are good enough!

boti83 · August 2014

It's because I don't get pain with contractions when my water breaks. So the pain from begin induced is litreally so intense and strong I was haloustinating and punched my husband and had the midwife in a head lock, I know shame! I live in Australia so I don't need insurance for it our medical system is really good.

boti83 · August 2014

Thanks!! I guess I'm just a little nervous as iv never in my 30 years had any type of surgery and I just have to get past the nerves

NatureLovers · August 2014

I LOL'd at "haloustinating" and having your midwife in a headlock. Inductions are notoriously very painful.

UberBiz · August 2014

I had an emergency c-section with my first, and with my second, was a good candidate for vbac. I had a c-section scheduled anyway, because I was so nervous about the complications of vbac (even though I know the statistics are good on vbac success), but thought that if I went into labor early on my own, I would possibly try for the vbac. I did go early, but after getting to the hospital, I opted to go in for the c-section anyway. I regret it, but on the other hand, I don't. It was a much better experience than the emergency one I had with my daughter, and yeah it's a longer, painful recovery, but it doesn't last forever. I'll most likely have another RCS this time.

boti83 · August 2014

Yep as I said i was scared! I fully told my husband after that I was never having any more kids, hence it's been ten years to have the courage to do it again ..

LadyXaverian · August 2014

How you give birth is your choice. Do what is best for you. I will likely elect for a repeat c-section since I ended up with one with my daughter anyway. Good luck to you!

liladelphia215 · August 2014

I had a c-section with my daughter and in all honesty, it wasn't that bad. I'm sure it all depends on your situation. For me there was two things that were awful - 1. The first time you stand up (which you should do as soon as you are allowed. Don't wait! and 2. The first time you poop (Colace did not help). Besides that, the c-section wasn't awful for me.

This time, I'm leaning toward the repeat c-section. Though I could go for a VBAC if I chose.

CanukMam · August 2014

No Issues breastfeeding over here at all either.

binklesss · August 2014

I apologize if I came off as judgey or shaming. I am terrified of having a c-section and a good friend who gave birth 6 weeks after me had a tough go of it with her CS. I had a pretty easy birth with an epidural and I am lucky, I know, that things didn't go worse. It sounds like OP had some other pretty significant issues as well that led her to consider this as an option, and I can't say I wouldn't do the same in her shoes. It's totally just a personal thing that I can't wrap my head around because I haven't had the same experiences. I'm sorry, @boti83‌ and hope you have a great birth experience no matter what you choose. I can't imagine it's an easy choice to make.

NatureLovers · August 2014

calindi said:

NatureLovers said:

The statement that insurance won't cover an elective c-section is false. They do it all the time. Your doctor will probably use your past labors as a reason.

I'm pretty sure I will be having an elective c-section due to my fibroids and risk of placental abruption. All "elective" really means is scheduled in advance without it being an emergency situation.

There are pros and cons to each method of delivery, and the only thing that actually matters is your preference. I'm sure a lot of people will jump in to shame you over your choice, or to explain what a c-section is, like you're an idiot who doesn't know what a c-section means. Ignore them, and make the choice that's right for you.

Not false. I know for a fact that mine won't cover c-sections if the doctor doesn't say it is medically necessary. That's why I didn't say it WOULDN'T cover it, that the OP should check to make sure they will. SOME insurance companies don't cover elective c-sections, which is absolutely true.

And no, "elective c-section" isn't just anytime someone schedules a c-section - that's a "scheduled c-section". Often scheduled c-sections are for medical reasons. Personal preference is considered "elective" and some insurance companies won't cover it.

I'm not shaming anyone, and I don't care at all about elective c-sections. I'm all for women giving birth in the way that works best for them.

If there is a medical reason, that's one thing for insurance purposes. With the OP having two prior successful vaginal births but just didn't like the contractions isn't likely to be approved by insurance as a medical reason (not saying I wouldn't want to make the same decision - I probably would - but just wouldn't want to pay out of pocket so I would get prior approval and not assume it was covered simply because I preferred it).

And yes, the doctor can concoct a reason that is approved by insurance, but ultimately if cost is a concern, the OP
will want to check her coverage before making a decision.

------------------

You are wrong. Your bias against c-sections is obvious, but there's no need to spread misinformation like this. They are called elective (or planned c-section, but it's rarely referred to this way) when scheduled in advance, regardless of reason. If they are not scheduled, they are called emergency (or non-elective) c-sections, even if it's not truly a life threatening situation, like discovering a baby is breech during labor. This has been pulled directly from "The Essential C-section Guide", which I own.

NatureLovers · August 2014

Elective

NatureLovers · August 2014

Emergency

Eyefrog · August 2014

My understanding is a c/s is easier on the body and the recovery is a little more gentle while still major surgery if its planned instead of whoops lets get baby out right now. If the c/s is the option you would like to go with, go for it as its between you and your doctor. This way you can plan your recovery at home, have some support people available for help the first couple of weeks.

Pips09 · August 2014

I'm not one to judge how someone wants to give birth. That being said, having a c-section is certainly not a pain-free or easier option for everyone. Everyone's experience will be different, but I was in incredible pain for a week, even with all the painkillers, and pretty severe pain for another week. It was the most pain I've ever been in, and I am dreading it if I have another one.

britb618 · August 2014

My recovery wasn't bad at all. My friend had a terrible first one second one was fine my cousin was fine both times...as far as cutting through your muscle I didn't feel it before or after I was a little sore but really it wasn't terrible and I was up and doing things aka travelling and visiting people within ten days of birth - good luck I certainly am doing it again and hope for the same results!

NatureLovers · August 2014

britb618 said:
My recovery wasn't bad at all. My friend had a terrible first one second one was fine my cousin was fine both times...as far as cutting through your muscle I didn't feel it before or after I was a little sore but really it wasn't terrible and I was up and doing things aka travelling and visiting people within ten days of birth - good luck I certainly am doing it again and hope for the same results!

They don't cut through your muscle, they pull them out of the way.

britb618 · August 2014

Good to know...I don't really research this stuff bc it would freak me out. I trust that the doc knows what they are doing and figure I can't do much about it anyway so like I said my recovery was fine

britb618 · August 2014

I was just responding to the person who said that it's a surgery where they cut through your muscle so thanks for clarifying @NatureLovers‌

longcat07 · August 2014

your abdominal muscles have a natural divide down the middle that does have some connective tissues in between that will get stretched, but i'm pretty sure they don't actually cut through them.

i have not had a c-section, so i can't speak from personal experience, so i will relay what my two friends who had emergency c-sections with their first babies and elective with their second babies have told me. they both agree that recovery the first time around (after laboring for a while...one friend labored for 8 hours but only dilated to 2cm when they found the baby to be breech, and the other labored for 27hrs but had stalled at 7cm for 6 or 7 hours when they decided to do the c-section) was miserable, and that recovery the second time with no labor involved at all wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but was much easier.

nickicl · August 2014

I wound up having a c section after induction failed for me. I never made it to active labor. As well as I can recall, it was not bad. I recall more of a feeling of being out of it a bit from the meds more than pain. Not to say there asn't any pain at all, there was, but it was totally managable. I opted to leave hospital 1 day early, stop Percoset within days of delivery and stopped the Ibuprofens within 2-3 weeks (mainly because I was tired and forgot to take them and just realized, hey this isn't too bad anymore). No issues breastfeeding.

I was recently suprised to learn that a friend of mine who had a natural birth had a similar recovery path and suggestions (like avoid stairs) to me.

Obviously, everyone's experience can vary. I would describe my overall surgery and recovery experience as completely decent, exceeding my expectations even. I'm almost certain I'll do it again this time.

texasmama786 · August 2014

I have one elective c-section and one unplanned c-section after 26 hours of labor. I will opt for another elective c-section with this baby. When you labor before a c-section they will generally use the epidural instead of the spinal which gave me the shakes with my unplanned c-section. The spinal has a much better effect on pain and overall the procedure is easier if you haven't labored. I had a great experience with mine and that's why I opted for another one. Some things to consider are whether your body handles anesthesia and painkillers well. I did fine with both so I had a pretty pain-free and nausea-free experience. Another thing I liked was that I was able to breastfeed right away and I enjoyed the longer hospital stay (help from nurses) and I knew far in advance when I would deliver.

mom2case · August 2014

I wanted a c-section with my daughter but wasn't going to request one. She ended up being breech so that made the decision for us. But then I went in to labor a day before the planned c-section and was fully dilated within an hour of my first contraction. Talk about painful! They barely had time to do the c-section. Recovery was a breeze for me, but I know that's not everyone's experience. Baby #2, I wanted a VBAC because I knew I could handle labor pain. Baby was born an hour after the first contraction, and as soon as he was born, I was able to get up and take a shower. Such a different experience. I don't prefer one over the other, but I do think you should do research and weigh the pros and cons.

russnlori · August 2014

I am going to have my 6th csection and would give anything to not have to. Anything! The hardest part for me is not being able to lift my other babies afterwards. I would take any amount of pain in order to be able to hold my littles. Every csection gets harder and harder. I'm having bladder and digestion problems because of all the csections. Just weigh the pros and cons and see if it's something you really want. You are lucky you have options.

summererobinson · August 2014

They only give you so many pain meds to go home with. Even with keeping up on the meds, you’re in a good amount of pain for a few weeks. Way more than contraction pain IMO. So you need to think about that in advance. You can’t wash dishes or clothes for about a month. You can’t drive for a month. Coughing is painful. Sleeping is a bitch. Ect It will be hard to take care of little ones after one and you spend more time in the hospital. If you think its best for you do it ( im doing a repete myself) but dont do it thinking its a pain free option.

SeaStar1 · August 2014

Is there a way they can give yu a spinal and not give as much numbing juice ? Epidurals made my labor much worse and long . Thus the emergency section . The first section recovery is pretty horrific. My second was easy breezy and the spinal was way easier than the epidural . I wouldn't really wish it on anyone but if deep down you think it's the right choice , then go with it. I ended up not doing my vbac with #2 and she was 10 lbs by 40 weeks and 22 inches . I'm 4'11. For her health and mine, I was very glad I opted for a repeat . Good luck , it'll work out . :-)

lezlers · August 2014

summererobinson said:

They only give you so many pain meds to go home with. Even with keeping up on the meds, you’re in a good amount of pain for a few weeks. Way more than contraction pain IMO. So you need to think about that in advance. You can’t wash dishes or clothes for about a month. You can’t drive for a month. Coughing is painful. Sleeping is a bitch. Ect It will be hard to take care of little ones after one and you spend more time in the hospital. If you think its best for you do it ( im doing a repete myself) but dont do it thinking its a pain free option.

This wasn't my experience at all. I was driving within 2 weeks and climbing stairs as soon as I got home from the hospital. And that was after an emergency C following 15 hours of labor (resulting in a 10 lb baby.) I'm doing an elective this time around, there's no way in hell I'd sign up for a VBAC after my hellacious labor (complete with every possible intervention.) The recovery wasn't a cake-walk but it wasn't as horrible as a lot of people describe, either.

lezlers · August 2014

I wasn't trying to say she didn't experience what she said she experienced, I was just saying that my experience was different.

britb618 · August 2014

I agree that saying it takes a month to recover made it sound like everyone has that recovery and it certainly wasn't mine- I don't think either way you deliver will be a breeze but I was able to move around and stopped taking meds within a few days of birth so just don't want op to be scared away from doing something that may or may not happen.

Edvent · August 2014

I also had a pretty easy recovery (with an emergency section after many hours of labor). I don't tolerate narcotics well so I was only taking ibuprofen 12 hours after surgery, but didn't feel like I needed more. I was uncomfortable for sure, but nothing terrible. My easy recovery experience is why I'm also opting for a RCS with this one.

boti83 · August 2014

What is difficult, is that I was so affected by my last two deliveries that I haven't had another baby in 10 years coz of it. I just wish someone would make the decision for me that's how confused I am. In saying that I'm so greatful for the choice to be able to have a c section.

britb618 · August 2014

Op said she's from Australia so insurance isn't an issue @calindi‌ and @sassquatch‌ which I must admit makes me pretty jealous lol! Although mine is an RCS so it will be covered

MrsMurphMe · August 2014

Personally, I had two natural births, one with petocin and one without, and a c section. I'm now pregnant with my fourth, and I'm petrified of another c section. I wasn't in labor but my son was in distress and was taken emergency c section at. 35 weeks. I have suffered from post traumatic stress, I don't remember his birth, and it was THE WORST pain of my life. I'm Sooo afraid of having another c-section, and I would never voluntarily go for one. That being said, I know plenty of women who have preferred it, and I believe my experience was rare. Way the pros and cons, it's still surgery, your body is meant to have babies. But, if it's what you want , who is anyone else to tell you otherwise. No matter your choice I wish you a happy and healthy delivery!

boti83 · August 2014

Thank you guys!!! I'm paying to have a private doctor but will be delivering in a public hospital. Here in Australia you don't need insurance for any surgery all you need is your doc to okay it. Last two times I went comets through the public hospital system and that means you get a shared cared program where you get random variety of doctors each visit and a midwife doc you may of never met before delivers your baby on the day. This time I'm paying a flat fee to get the same doc each appt and during delivery. He said that if I'm distressed just go with a c section, he said he does them all the time and hardly gets any complains, he also said that it's like this, back in the days there was only one way to travel by ship and if you were sea sick too bad in now days there's more than one way so why not take advantage of that. He goes he can't tell me though which way to ultimately go. He has over 30 years experience with his own practise. Another thing he said that I was a little sceptical abt was that if I decide to go natrual, I don't have to be induced and wait up to 2 days for contractions to come on with a course if antibiotics to prevent infection. Every other doc iv spoken to and the public system only wait 6-12 hrs before they induce you if your water is broken coz they say it's dangerous...?????

NatureLovers · August 2014

That's great that you have such a supportive doc. I've never heard of waiting 48 hours after SROM to induce, due to the risk of infection. Usually they want you to deliver within 24 hours. Good luck with your delivery!

kcsparky · August 2014

I'm having a repeat c/s. I had a great experience with my first which was done for failure to progress. I am willing again because my experience was so great, which isn't always the case.

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