Vaginal delivery or c-section?

scornwell717 · October 2015

My doctor told me that I can opt for a c-section even if I don't need one. I know there are pros and cons to each method, such as longer recovery time for c-section...but no pushing, screaming, pooping, etc. like vaginal delivery.

For the moms who have delivered both vaginally and c-section, what were your experiences? Which did you have a better time with?

JCGMPGOGG · October 2015

Glad you asked this, I was curious as well!

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

While this is certainly a personal decision, I haven't ever read anything positive about the increases rate of c-sections in the U.S.... Obviously are times when it is medically necessary and saves lives).

I have a heart condition and was thinking that maybe c section would be an easier option so I asked my OB - who said c sections are major surgery and I would be much less likely to have heart complications (at least in my specific situation) from vaginal birth. I guess vaginal birth is much less traumatic on the body. I think there are also benefits for baby in terms of bolstering immunity from going the long way.

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/health/24birth.html?referer=&_r=0

scornwell717 · October 2015

@ChrissyD1203 thanks for sharing that article, very informative!

MeghaJake · October 2015

Wow I didn't think doctors did elective c sections anymore. The human body is normally equipped to give birth vaginally unless you have a condition that would make it problematic. C-sections are surgery and are more difficult to recover from in many cases. https://www.babycenter.com/0_c-section-by-choice_1498696.bc

scornwell717 · October 2015

@MeghaJake ahh jeez thanks for sharing! I didn't realize how many negatives there actually were to c-sections. Now I hope this partial placenta previa goes away so I don't have to have one, especially since I plan on having more than one kid!

lwebley · October 2015

I had a vaginal birth and I thought it was great. I know everyone has their different birth stories, but I didn't feel a single contraction until I was 4cm, I only felt contractions for an hour before getting the epidural, pushing was a breeze, I didn't poop or scream, and although I had hemroids and a swollen vagina after. I was up and doing whatever I wanted just hours after (unlike a section). Also I wouldn't want to miss out on all the skin to skin right after. Now I just hope my next goes the same

scornwell717 · October 2015

lwebley said:
I had a vaginal birth and I thought it was great. I know everyone has their different birth stories, but I didn't feel a single contraction until I was 4cm, I only felt contractions for an hour before getting the epidural, pushing was a breeze, I didn't poop or scream, and although I had hemroids and a swollen vagina after. I was up and doing whatever I wanted just hours after (unlike a section). Also I wouldn't want to miss out on all the skin to skin right after. Now I just hope my next goes the same

I've heard both great stories and horror stories about vaginal birth. Yours sounds like something I'd hope to go through! Minus the hemorrhoids haha :P
How do you know when to go to the hospital if you're not having contractions? Ahh it just all sounds so confusing and scary! I live an hour away from where I'm delivering so I'm freaked out about going into labor and having such a far drive.

Twindling · October 2015

Vaginal birth is much more beneficial to the baby.

https://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyblog/2012/02/benefits-of-a-vaginal-birth/

They ingest good bacteria that promotes a healthy gut and builds immunity to lots of yucky stuff. Babies who are born vaginally are also much less likely to experience allergies in the future.

With that being said, that is why I'm opting to attempt a VBAC as I had a c section with my twins. I could give two $h!ts less if I poop while pushing. (Pun intended)
This is also coming from someone who had an amazing c section experience. 0 contractions, immediate skin to skin, walking within 3.5 hours after birth, felt good enough to run 4 weeks PP, etc.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@Twindling very interesting about the good bacteria! Definitely didn't know that. And your pun made me giggle :P

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

@scornwell717 I hope this didn't scare you!!! If you need to get a c-section for a medical reason, I'm sure you will be 100% fine, your baby will be fine, etc. so please don't worry if that is the case. Even despite my heart condition, if they tell me I need to get one, I will have no qualms about it.

QueenCarlissa · October 2015

I feel it's just what the female body was made to do and like most have said a c section is major surgery and imagine having to care for a baby when your in pain and can barely care for yourself. But some do have good c section experiences. But I mean it is a personal choice by all means do what you want but I'd rather poop & not care because it's considered normal in the state your in rather than be cut open and wince in pain just to hold my baby when he's fussy.

mamakculb · October 2015

Unless you really needed to do a c section for medical reasons I would choose vaginal delivery. Your body is designed to go through birth and it really is amazing how quickly you bounce back afterwards. I loved the skin to skin time after delivery and I felt great within a few hours. I couldn't imagine having to adjust to having a newborn after going through major abdominal surgery. The recovery for most women is longer and tougher with a c-section. Why would there be such a push for VBACs if it was the preferred method? It is definitely not something I would elect to do without a medical reason. Best wishes to you in whatever decision you make, and good luck Mama!

lwebley · October 2015

@scornwell717 for me I was bored one night, 37weeks exactly, and thought I'd play with the timer on my phone. I noticed my tummy felt really hard so I started timing it and just feeling/ pressing on it with my hand. That was around 9pm. I thought it was nothing so I went to bed but couldn't really sleep since I was thinking about it. I figured they would just send me home when I got to the hospital but instead they told me I was 2cm, fully effaced, and contractions were 2 mins apart lasting about a min. They told me I could go home and wait for something to happen, or walk for 2hrs. I chose to walk. 45 mins later I could really feel them and they were really uncomfortable. They checked me again and I was 4 1/2cm so they admitted me.

jeanbug12 · October 2015

I had a c section with my first and vaginal delivery with my second. The vaginal delivery was much less painful, it hurts during delivery but I felt so much better afterwards and was able to go home 24 hours after delivery. With my c section, I had pain for 2 weeks, needed help to get out of bed and pick up my newborn and I was in the hospital for 4 days.

I am hoping for another vaginal delivery, I hope I never experience the pain of c section again!

MamaHolland · October 2015

You should take a birth class & do some research. Do you have any close female relatives you can talk to? I clearly remember the healing/recovery for two aunts of mine, both of their first births were vaginal & the second were csections for emergency reasons. I've known since then that I'd never want a csection unless absolutely necessary. The recovery was so drastically different. A csection is being cut open & you have a newborn to take care of. It's actually pretty much common sense about the pain of recovery & the risk of infection. Plus the complications with subsequent pregnancies. There's a possibility of it to not heal properly & you could require another surgery later. This just happened to my sister in law, 3 years after her last csection she had to have another surgery which required 6-8 weeks recovery.

willashbaby · October 2015

It's def. a case by case basis. I have two friends who have had both. My one friend had a vaginal birth, then c-section (breech), then v-bac. She was in miserable pain after her c-section and greatly preferred vaginal birth. My other friend had a horrifically challenging vaginal birth that left her with a level 4 tear and permanent issues downstairs. Baby also needed vacuum removal and a stay in the hospital to recover. She opted for a c-section for her second and was much happier.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@MamaHolland I've talked to a few female relatives about it. My mom had my brother and I both vaginally and she forgets what it felt like (which I take as a good thing), she just said with me she had to have an episiotomy and the recovery was SUPER itchy!
A lot of friends and family who have had babies in the past few years have mostly been c-sections which is so crazy to me! They all say "oh, it wasn't bad at all!" but all of the possible complications I'm hearing about now scare me

plus I definitely look forward to that immediate skin to skin contact afterwards!

Vaginal births always sound like taking a big poop- painful while pushing, but feels sooo much better afterwards B-)

Ju111310 · October 2015

While your doc may do elective c-sections, you need to verify that with your insurance company and delivering hospital if you choose that route. Most insurance companies will not pay for an elective csection nor will they pay for an elective induction before 39 weeks without medical reason. The hospital that I deliver at (and worked NICU at for years) will not allow either of the above...now I know the Drs fib sometimes on medical records and document a "medical reason" so that insurance will pay but i'd check into it first. Don't want to get slammed with a $30k bill for no good reason.

Each person's recovery is so different. I had a fantastic vaginal delivery, I felt tremendously better immediately after giving birth than I had in weeks. Yes, labor was very painful until I got my epidural. But after nursing/skin to skin, I was walking around, had a shower and breakfast. No tears or episiotomy. Never needed any sort of pain medication after delivery.

PedsIsHardcore · October 2015

I am high risk and my doctors are all planning on a vaginal delivery. My last delivery was a vaginal delivery and it was picture perfect for me as a diabetic. I was induced and things went smoothly. I had tearing, no pooping, and my DD didn't have to go to the NICU for blood sugar monitoring.
With this pregnancy I may end up with a c-section. It's major abdominal surgery. It's longer healing time and its also a higher risk for infection. I did have low amniotic fluid with my DD so of it happens again we will deliver early with a greater risk for a c-section. I'm glad my doctors and I agree on a vaginal delivery, but if I need a c-section its medically necessary and I am fine with that.

scornwell717 · October 2015

Yeah, I've pretty much made up my mind now that I don't want a c-section unless it's medically necessary.
I also need to get my tonsils out after I'm done nursing so I'm definitely not gonna want to have two surgeries in the matter of months!

Mom MD (in-training) · October 2015

This is one reason why our healthcare costs are out of control! A physician should never recommend an unnecessary procedure. I've seen countless c-sections as a medical student and pediatric resident and trust me if you were behind the scenes you would never want one if it wasn't necessary. Besides the fact that it is major surgery, c-sections negatively impact breastfeeding and the ability for the baby to be colonized by the mother's normal flora. Also, babies who are delivered by c-sections are more likely to require admission to the NICU (mostly for respiratory distress because the stress response to labor is blunted). In fact, most hospitals request NICU to be present at all c-section deliveries to assess the baby and perform resuscitation if necessary. I would strongly recommend that you educate yourself on the matter before choosing the most convenient method of delivery. Here is a link to evidence based info that is presented in laments terms.

danasphillips · October 2015

I'm all for people giving birth however they want, but I majorly side-eye anyone going for a c-section because they are worried about pooping. I'm shocked that your doctor would even recommend an elective c-section when there are no health concerns with your pregnancy.

mg137 · October 2015

I feel redundant posting after all the great info from PPs but absofreakinglutely vaginally birth is preferred for a normal healthy pregnancy. Benefits for baby. Benefits for mom. No recovering from major surgery while trying to care for a newborn (I have so much respect for c section moms who do that. I can't imagine). Far less risk. Quicker and easier to start getting back into pre pregnancy shape (If that's a priority for you). And unfortunately, from everything I've heard, c section moms still experience many of the vaginal birth post partum vagina yuckies.

C sections are a wonderful thing that have saved many lives, including mine and my mom's. If you end up needing one, thank goodness they're available and a relatively safe and routine practice. But if surgery isn't medically indicated I just can't fathom choosing it. I was determined to have my twins vaginally and I'm so grateful that everything worked out such that I was able to.

For most moms, vaginal birth isn't that awful as long as you don't psych yourself out. I kept thinking that it was just something unplesant that was happening and soon it would be over and Id have my babies. It's hard and it hurts but if you have good coping mechanisms, most of it is just something you figure out how to deal with. And it sounds like you'd prob be comfortable with an epi or other pain meds for the parts that are more intense. Also if I'm remembering correctly, you're comparatively young. I don't know if this holds much water medically but I really think that younger women have an easier time with babies. My little sister's friend had all three of hers in less than 3 hours. She basically sneezes and out comes a big, healthy baby.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@WineBaby122 did I say I was going to elect for a c-section strictly because I'm worried about pooping? I merely mentioned that as a negative part of the pushing process.
Also, I stated before that I have partial placenta previa that may or may not have moved so I may need a c-section for that reason.
This is the second time you've made a comment that's sounded pretty rude so maybe try not to do that anymore...

danasphillips · October 2015

scornwell717 said:
@WineBaby122 did I say I was going to elect for a c-section strictly because I'm worried about pooping? I merely mentioned that as a negative part of the pushing process.
Also, I stated before that I have partial placenta previa that may or may not have moved so I may need a c-section for that reason.
This is the second time you've made a comment that's sounded pretty rude so maybe try not to do that anymore...

Then why wouldn't you mention placenta previa in your original post? Your first sentence was "my doctor told me that I can opt for a csection even if I don't need one," meaning an elective csection.

inameenabeena · October 2015

I had a C section with my first after 36 hours of labor+pushing that just didn't work. (My son had the umbilical cord around his neck 4 times, this is why he wouldn't come out.) My recovery wasn't bad at all.

I'm planning a C this time. Not even trying to go for VBAC since I will probably have GD again, and have placenta previa this time around. If I didn't have complications, I would prefer vaginal birth, but am glad other options are available!

Hipshaker · October 2015

I had a c-section after failed induction. I dry heaved and had cold sweats during. Im missing two hours somewhere between my procedure and meeting my baby. I had look at the time stamps on photographs to figure it out. Lots of drugs

I had a 6 day stay in hospital. And and a 8+ wk recovery at home. It was rough attending my checkups and babies. I couldn't lift the baby+seat without pain. Nursing was more difficult in a sitting position. I'm surprised no one mentioned to me through all my prenatal care that having a c-section/repeat c-sections puts a limit/increased risks on the number of kids you may have in the future

that what I'm most dissapointed about.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@Hipshaker that sounds terrible, I'm sorry you had such a hard time! Hopefully this time around you'll have a better experience.

MeghaJake · October 2015

Hipshaker said:
I had a c-section after failed induction. I dry heaved and had cold sweats during. Im missing two hours somewhere between my procedure and meeting my baby. I had look at the time stamps on photographs to figure it out. Lots of drugs I had a 6 day stay in hospital. And and a 8+ wk recovery at home. It was rough attending my checkups and babies. I couldn't lift the baby+seat without pain. Nursing was more difficult in a sitting position. I'm surprised no one mentioned to me through all my prenatal care that having a c-section/repeat c-sections puts a limit/increased risks on the number of kids you may have in the future that what I'm most dissapointed about.

Yes my mother in law wanted to have more than 3 children but was told by her doctors that she had to stop after 3 c sections. That was the late 80s though so I wasn't sure if that was still a thing that happens.

Hipshaker · October 2015

Thanks,@scronwell717 I had my vbac consult with my ob. We talked about uterine rupture and scar seperation, which btw I didn't even know could happen! He had two separations a this year even though that's super rare. My risk for repeat c-section are low 1in 7. Same as any other mom. @MeghaJake It's still a thing, your risks get higher and higher each time. Each person and each birth is different but they prefer you quit after three. This time around I hope we all have healthy babies and quick recoverys.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@MeghaJake and @Hipshaker yeah come to think of it my cousin had a c section with all three of her kids and I'm pretty sure she talked about wanting one more but then her husband got a vasectomy so now that I put two and two together that makes a lot of sense, haha.
And @MeghaJake I just noticed your previous post about your sisters friend sneezing and having a baby (lol) and I've also heard that being young and previously healthy helps a lot with birth. I also heard being flexible helps too? Either way, I guess everyone's experience is different. I'm a little anxious about all this if you couldn't tell haha

ChrissyD1203 · October 2015

@scornwell717 I'm anxious too! I just ordered a book on the Bradley method. I also ordered a book on basics for infant care haha.

scornwell717 · October 2015

@ChrissyD1203 that's actually not a bad idea, I might do that too!

mg137 · October 2015

Id recommend reading the stories in the first half of Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. The stories make labor and birth sound so natural and manageable. Since you don't sound like you necessarily want a natural birth, I wouldn't recommend the second half because the way interventions are covered could make a woman planning on utilizing them a little paranoid about them. The stories might just help relieve some of your anxiety though.

scornwell717 · October 2015

mg137 said:
Id recommend reading the stories in the first half of Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth. The stories make labor and birth sound so natural and manageable. Since you don't sound like you necessarily want a natural birth, I wouldn't recommend the second half because the way interventions are covered could make a woman planning on utilizing them a little paranoid about them. The stories might just help relieve some of your anxiety though.

Thanks for the suggestion

mesamyt · October 2015

This is a decision only you can make for yourself. I have had 5 deliveries and each were very different. One vaginal with epidural, one induction with epidural, one vaginal failed epidural, one emergency c-section after failed ECV and fetal distress, and one planned c-section. Personally my two planned ones, section and induction, were my easiest to recover from. I believe that going in fully knowing when having my baby, armed with the knowledge of what was going to happen helped me to keep calm and have an easier delivery and recovery. There are pros and cons to each and a healing time with each type of delivery. Having a section does limit you to having 5 children. You can have more if desired, with the right doctor and if you heal well. Vaginal is not the end all either. As with possible tearing you could also have uterine prolapse. All I can suggest is do your research and once informed do what you feel is right for you and your situation.

caityleigh92 · October 2015

I had an emergency c-section with my 1st and did a repeat for my 2nd, and will do another repeat for my 3rd. I am unable to push a baby out safely due to my hips and the possibility of injuring the baby. My advice is to give vaginal birth a try. A c-section should be your last resort, unless recommended by your doctor. The recovery is rough, and gets harder after each birth since each time they cut deeper since there is scar tissue.

jezygal · October 2015

Having a c section is one of my biggest fears, this time I'm planning a natural birth.

leap_frog · October 2015

I've had 3 different births. 1 emergency c-section, 1 planned c-section, 1 vba2c.

By far the planned c-section was the best birth "experience" for me hands down.

Hrc724 · October 2015

I am a FTM and i don't have any plans for c section or vaginal - whatever is safest for the baby and me. But my friend just had a scheduled c section a month ago and the day she was dc'd from the hospital she went out and bought a new car and two days later took her 2 year old to the park. Emergency c sections after hours of pushing are awful, I've heard but my friends who have had planned c sections haven't really had any issues or longer recovery times. I would just talk to your doctor about what is safest for you and the baby.

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