elective c-section

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Hey ladies. Ive been lurking for about a week now to get a feel for the community before i post. Dont worry. I wont ask why i dont feel movement, if my ultrasound tech was right at determining the sex of my baby or anything else completely stupid

Anyhow, when i had my son 6 years ago, it was an awful delivery. 30 hours of labor. But eventually forceps were used and he arrived. Ive been contemplating an elective c-section. Not because im a wuss, but because i feel like im going to have the same experience as i did last time. They were about to give me a c-secrion but then ended up trying the forceps.

Any opinions on this, from someone who has gone through a bad labor...or even an elective c-section?

tdmloverrn · November 2014

I've never been through it myself, so I can't give you my point of view as a delivering Mom, but I was a postpartum nurse for 4 years, and c/s recovery is almost always harder and more painful than even the most complicated vaginal deliveries. I would never recommend an elective c/s. Recovery can be pretty tough.

Best of luck in whatever you decide!

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Thanks for the reply @tdm. The only reason i even contemplated the c/s, is because my OB mentioned i should think about it. Now hes got me questioning if i can have a normal vaginal delivery lol

[Deleted User] · November 2014

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mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

I didnt ask about an elective ultrasoud. I asked about an elective c-section. I didnt realize capitalizing my I's was such a big deal lol sorry...didnt think we had to use such proper grammar on a community board.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

See. Everyone makes mistakes

tdmloverrn · November 2014

No worries. I have just had a lot of pt's who have had elective c/s and have very painful recoveries. So personally, I wouldn't choose to have one if I had the option to labor first and try vaginally, but don't get me wrong, I understand at times they are medically necessary.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

I didnt realize that not capitalizing my I's, were making things that much harder to understand. If it makes that much of a difference to everyone, I will capitalize my I's lol If I asked an idiotic question and you were all breathing down my neck, I'd get that. But my question was hardly idiotic. Play nice ladies. It is not that serious. Lol

Stucas · November 2014

I had a horribly traumatizing labor (I have no idea how I had the balls to have a second). I am not even considering a c-section unless there is a major emergency during my labor. There is no reason to think this labor will be like the last, they are all different.

jc_twomamas · November 2014

OP, two things I urge you to do. Lurk around a little bit more and be sure to do your research. I am a FTM so I have no idea what labor is like. That being said, I do know that no two labors/deliveries are the same. I am a total "yes" person. Whatever you feel is right for you, your baby and your body..no one can have a true opinion on what is best for YOU. That being said, my second part on doing your research is KEY. Inform yourself on c-sections and be sure you understand fully what that type of delivery will be like for you and your new LO. Best of luck, but again lurk around a bit more...this type of question might be better answered by your own research as you won't find many people on here having/asking about an elective c-section.

Edit for clarity.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

I did google. I saw lots of different opinions on it. I figured I would ask to see if anyone has been through a situation like mine, and get their opinion. I am no stranger to Google. Sometimes being able to discuss the question with an actual person on a board, is easier than trusting what Dr.Google has to say.

Im well aware that no two pregancies are the same. I know that not every labor is the same. Again, just wanted people's inputs who may have been in a situation like mine.

redneckmomma25 · November 2014

I don't even think you should have the option to chose a c/s. You could have a completely different delivery this time around. I can't imagine not trying. If you have major complications and it is medically necessary for a c/s decide at the time. But now? When you have the possibility to have an uncomplicated labor? Nope.

jc_twomamas · November 2014

Personally, I would NEVER "do research" for such a major life event by Google-ing. I can only speak for myself but do some real research...not on Google.

theinvadermothership · November 2014

I really would never have a CS unless it was medically necessary. I mean, the whole major surgery thing over doing what your body naturally does just doesn't float my boat. It also kinda sounds like your doc is one of those guys that tties to push or scare people into non medically needed procedure. And that rubs me the wrong way. Pregnancy and labor are different kid to kid. And from what I've heard, labor can be easier to second time moms. I would really just wait it out and see what happens. You can always change your mind later on.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Ive talked to my Dr. He was the one who was leaning toward me having an elective c/s. I then went to Google to see if I could find an instance of someone else going through a situation like mine. And lastly, I figured I would see what other ladies may have to say, if of course they have been through it. I would in no way use Google as my determining factor as to what I end up doing for myself and my unborn baby.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

qwanda2013 said:
I would side eye a doctor that suggests a c-section just because your first labor was long/difficult.

He actually delivered my son. I figured he may know best because he saw first hand what my labor was like.

jc_twomamas · November 2014

Well it sounds like you're on the right track then. Continue to do so, but again, this probably isn't the place where you will find ladies who are talking about elective c-sections. Stick around though, there are many other conversations/topics that are helpful during pregnancy.

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redneckmomma25 · November 2014

mooreamanda6213 said:
Ive talked to my Dr. He was the one who was leaning toward me having an elective c/s. I then went to Google to see if I could find an instance of someone else going through a situation like mine. And lastly, I figured I would see what other ladies may have to say, if of course they have been through it. I would in no way use Google as my determining factor as to what I end up doing for myself and my unborn baby.

I'd get a different doctor. And a doula.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Ill definitely stick around. You ladies haven't scared me away yet. Lol

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

GrailSeeker14 said:

mooreamanda6213 said:
Ive talked to my Dr. He was the one who was leaning toward me having an elective c/s. I then went to Google to see if I could find an instance of someone else going through a situation like mine. And lastly, I figured I would see what other ladies may have to say, if of course they have been through it. I would in no way use Google as my determining factor as to what I end up doing for myself and my unborn baby.
Well... You got what you came here for, then, didn't you?

Lol sure did.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

I never thought of a doula. I will look into that. Thanks for the suggestion.

khan08 · November 2014

Please don't opt to do a c-section if nothing is wrong with you or baby! This will be my second child and after 12+ hour of labor and 4 hours of pushing I was given a c-section to deliver my DS. Now that I have had a c-section prior to this pregnancy, I have more chances of having complications with trying to deliver vaginally(also called VBAC) with my second child. I am being told that I have signs of placenta previa(placenta growing over cervix) and might have to deliver with a C-section yet again

It's really upsetting to think about because everytime they do a c-section on an individual, it first limits the amount of children they recommend you to have. You increase your chances for complications in future pregnancies as well! C-sections are 6-9 month recovery instead of 2 weeks. Please mommys to be, try vaginally first before you opt to do a c-section!

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

saltbox40 said:

RHoPA1109 said:

saltbox40 said:

Please don't elect a c/s. It is major abdominal surgery.

Your best bet for a better delivery is to get a doula and research proper positioning and pain management during labor. Also, I would let your baby come when ready, without induction.

Good luck to you.

That was tame. I was waiting for you to appear on this thread...haha.

I wanted her to hear me. I feel strongly that women who have no experience with C/S have little understanding of what the recovery and delivery experience really is like. Sure, some women claim it wasn't that bad for them, but the reality is it is not something any sane person would choose to experience.

I believe women are built for babies. If given enough time and freedom of movement, most babies will be born vaginally. Unless there is reason for concern, let's leave the surgery for emergencies.

I have zero experience with c/s. That is why I didn't want to be oblivious to the fact that they can be more harm than good. It was not my first choice. I wouldn't feel like I had that amazing experience of giving birth to my child, if I had a c/s. Thats just my opinion. My Dr. brought up the fact of how bad my last delivery was and then suggested a c/s. Otherwise I would have never contemplated it.

tdmloverrn · November 2014

saltbox40 said:

saltbox40 said:

Please don't elect a c/s. It is major abdominal surgery. Your best bet for a better delivery is to get a doula and research proper positioning and pain management during labor. Also, I would let your baby come when ready, without induction. Good luck to you.

That was tame. I was waiting for you to appear on this thread...haha.
I wanted her to hear me. I feel strongly that women who have no experience with C/S have little understanding of what the recovery and delivery experience really is like. Sure, some women claim it wasn't that bad for them, but the reality is it is not something any sane person would choose to experience. I believe women are built for babies. If given enough time and freedom of movement, most babies will be born vaginally. Unless there is reason for concern, let's leave the surgery for emergencies.

Very well said and I could not agree more. A lot of times c/s are made to sound so routine, when in all actuality a c/s is a major abdominal surgery. So not only have you had major surgery, you also have a new baby to take care of. Trying to breastfeed with a 6+ lb baby on your abdomen is not comfortable.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Anyway, thanks for the opinions ladies. I got some good suggestions. Much appreciated.

GWhizzers · November 2014

I was induced at 39+2. After 2 days of no progress, I did elect to have a c-section. I had a really good experience, extremely easy recovery. <-short version.

We knew DD would need a fairly involved surgery within a day or 2 of birth. Since it was near the holidays, we wanted to make sure that all of the drs needed would be available at the same time within a day or 2 of her birth. After 2 days of induction (and consistent contractions every 3-4 minutes), I was dilated "almost" 1/2 a cm. How depressing lol. So I elected to have the c-section. However, if it were not for our somewhat unique situation, we wouldn't have done the induction and the CS. I did just want to say that, if you do end up having a CS because of difficulties during labor, it isn't always the terror that many anticipate

I am hoping to have a VBAC this time since we want a few more kids.

JJBoden · November 2014

I am not you going to be popular in saying this...but I asked my female OB that I had when I was pregnant with my first what type of birth she would prefer to have. She said truthfully a CS. I don't know her reasons for saying that but found it interesting. I am having my 3rd and final CS. I had my first CS because my son had IUGR. It's scary as heck being in the OR and knowing you're getting cut open. I had a huge panic attack with my first and had to be out under. The second went great. The recovery with both was not bad. I walked in 8 hours with one and about 4 with the other. Mine were not elective, but recovery wasn't bad. The thought of 30 hours of labor and forceps sounds horrible. I personally don't fault you for looking at all options. Again, I know my opinion isn't a popular one around here, I'm ok with that.

jackieanddan1989 · November 2014

I think there is a misconception among many women that c-sections=more control and therefore safer but this is not really true. As others have pointed out, increased risk of hemorrhage and infection are major reasons to avoid an elective csection.

My sister was miserable for months after her csection with an infection and prolonged pain. Hers was medically necessary though. If it's necessary to save your or the baby's life, of course. But elective?

Give yourself and your body a chance to labor again. Your body knows what it's doing the majority of the time. Consider another doctor or midwife. I don't doubt that your labor was difficult but I gotta admit I'm side eyeing your doctor over here. He sounds kinda old fashioned. And if he delivered your first, is it possible that decisions he made led to a more difficult labor for you? Something to consider.

miahbelle · November 2014

Other than the 30 hrs and forceps, did you have other complications that would worry your doctor? Bleeding, tearing, medical issues? Because if it was just the 30 hrs then I would seriously side eye the crap out of that doctor!
I had a 74 hr labor, two hrs of pushing, my son went into distress and they had to cut an episiotomy, I also had a second degree tear and no one has suggested an elective c/s! I don't think you or you doctor should be considering it seriously, as a c/s is major surgery!

taahira · November 2014

With my first I waited till I was 42W before being induced, I labored for 36 hours, and had 3 degree tear, and an epi. It's was a very long painful labor and recovery. My second pregnancy, I went into labor at 40w 2d, a quick 7 hour labor, natural no medication water birth. My point being every labor is different it will not be the same.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

@miahbelle.... Whoa. You definitely had it rough. At the 30 hour mark, the babys heart rate was showing distress and my bp started to go through the roof...on top of the anxiety I developed because of the worry. That is when he decided we would try the forceps or go straight for a c/s. Thankfully that worked. Im assuming those reasons are why he suggested c/s.

Rowsdower85 · November 2014

My SIL had a very traumatic labor and delivery. Forceps, vacuum, and nearly bled out afterwards. It was terrifying for her and my brother. She absolutely swears she'll do an elective c-section if she decides to have another child. She's so sad and discouraged by how things went that day. But on the other hand, nearly every woman I know who has had a c-section swears they'd rather try a vaginal delivery next time because their recovery was so hard.

In your situation, I would definitely seek a Doula. Especially if you actually want to try another vaginal delivery. You're going into it scared and nervous, and that won't help your labor progress at all, in turn, stalling things which will eventually lead to other interventions.

Good luck with what you decide. Luckily, you still have plenty of time to figure out your birth plan.

miahbelle · November 2014

mooreamanda6213 said:
@miahbelle.... Whoa. You definitely had it rough. At the 30 hour mark, the babys heart rate was showing distress and my bp started to go through the roof...on top of the anxiety I developed because of the worry. That is when he decided we would try the forceps or go straight for a c/s. Thankfully that worked. Im assuming those reasons are why he suggested c/s.

Ah ok. I think I would still give labor a try unless maybe you are already having blood pressure issues? I think I would maybe question him further on the issue, ask for exact, clear reasons why the c/s would be a better option in his opinion. Maybe directly ask him about how women have different labors and what would make him think your second labor would be just the same? Because women can have very very different labors and subsequent ones tend to be faster/easier.

bowman958 · November 2014

Short of any physical damage to your body during your last labor, like a broken tailbone, rectal damage, etc, I would consider at least attempting to labor on your own instead of choosing a c-section. You delivered vaginally once, so you can again. And hopefully your labor will be much different this time.

mooreamanda6213 · November 2014

Thanks everyone. After reading all of the replies, I think I should ask more questions to my Dr. I was being a little naive to the whole thing....which I should have never been. My mind set was pretty much, what my Dr. suggests is right. Now I've seen lots of different opinions and its pushed me to get more answers. Thanks again everyone.

erikaluna01 · November 2014

The thing I've learned about some doctors particularly ones who work for my insurance (Kaiser) is that they're all about saving their titles and avoiding legal drama. That being said, they'll offer c sections like candy on Halloween. They want to save lives and save themselves from potential risky situations. I had a c section with DD. The recovery was beyond a nightmare. I'm going to do everything in my power to have a vaginal delivery this time. Only time will tell but there is absolutely no way I would elect a c section. Your choice though.

HZ2012 · November 2014

I had a horrible labor with my first as well, that ended up in an emergency c/s. I will say, it's a major surgery and the recovery was no walk in the park. I say discuss it further with your OB and decide what's best for you.

Mushibamboo · November 2014

qwanda2013 said:
I would side eye a doctor that suggests a c-section just because your first labor was long/difficult.

At my OBGYN/hospital they have signs everywhere that they do not perform elective cesareans and all the reasons why ... I have to stare at it every time I am peeing in a cup. It is a very large hospital, so I was starting to think that docs were shying away from birth scheduling/convenience over health. I guess it's not so. This thread and the news that my best friend will be induced before 39 weeks because the doctor says "the baby is too big" is super disappointing

.

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jackieanddan1989 · November 2014

Cliff haven I believe was her name

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