To c-section or not to c-section

MrsCourtney555 · August 2016

Any STM (or more) still on the fence about having a repeat C-section or not? My anxiety is starting to ramp up tremendously about what to do. Little backstory...I was 10 days overdue with DS, got induced on a Monday and ended up with an early morning C-section on Wednesday after my cervix started to swell. DS was 9 lbs 12 oz and the doctor said he wasn't coming out no matter what. The OBGYN office I see is a multi provider facility so I really haven't had very much consistency throughout my pregnancy as far as them telling me what option they think is best. Although one doctor gave me a 25% chance of vbac success. At my 37 week appointment the doctor estimated DD to be between 7.5 and 8lbs so most likely I just have big babies

Any ladies having the same problems as I am? What different factors are going into your decision making process?

NashBelle · August 2016

My first was born via emergency c section after laboring for 3 days... not too different of an experience from what you had. When I first found out I was pregnant again I was determined to have a VBAC, but after I thought about it for awhile, I really couldn't think of a reason why. I guess I maybe felt like I was missing something if I didn't have a vaginal delivery. But then when I remember how scared (terrified, really) I was for those 3 days I labored and also how hard that was for my husband to see me go through that, I decided I didn't want to put myself back in that situation again. For the safety of myself and my child I will be having a scheduled c section and I am 100% confident and feeling so much more relaxed now that I have committed to that plan. You should absolutely decide what is right for you, but I thought I would share how I came to the decision about what is right for me and my baby. Good luck, hun!

MrsCourtney555 · August 2016

@NashBelle I also feel like I'm missing something if I don't try for a vbac. Thank you for sharing your decision making process!

CRich15 · August 2016

I think you have to do what you think will be best for you and your baby. Talk to you doctor and get their opinion on whether or not you're a good candidate for VBAC. I had my C-section counseling yesterday for #3 and she was required to tell me the pros and cons of C-section vs. VBAC and honestly even with a 60% chance of a successful VBAC I just didn't want to put my body through labor to have a 40% chance of needing a C-section. Recovering from a C-section after laboring is 10x worse than recovering from a scheduled C-section where you are rested and ready to go. At the end of the day, I think that bringing our babies into the world safely is the most important thing and it doesn't make you any less of a mother to not push them out the good ole fashion way.

pattygrazioso · August 2016

I am trying for a vbac for 2 reasons. 1. My daughter will be 22 months and I can't imagine the recovery chasing after her and caring for a new born 2. I feel like I'm missing a part of the whole pregnancy birthing process. I also had an emergent section after 16 hrs of labor. I see a multi provider practice. They have been mostly supportive, giving me a 60 to 80% chance of having success.

Sporty1216 · August 2016

I had an unplanned c-section with my son under very similar circumstances to yours--induced on Monday evening, labored all day on Tuesday, baby started to have decels, c-section in the wee hours on Wednesday.

I decided early on to do a repeat c-section mostly because I was nervous about putting my body through a ton of labor again only to end up with another c-section. Throughout the pregnancy, though, I have questioned myself since, ideally, I'd prefer a vaginal delivery. However, baby girl has made it apparent that a c-section is the right choice since she has very stubbornly remained breech throughout the pregnancy.

I hope you find peace with whichever decision you make! It's hard to have the choice--in some ways, it's a lot easier to not have options...

asht · August 2016

I decided on a repeat csection this time around as well. My first child I went in to labor Monday middle of the night and finally gave up and had a csection Wednesday late afternoon. She had fluid building up on her head from trying so hard to come out. She was born at exactly 41 weeks and 6 pounds 14 oz. I also was unable to breast feed her. This time I looked at what was most important to me. I decided I would rather try and focus more on attempting to nurse this one verses the potential labor issues again. Seems to be a good choice as by 35 weeks this little one is already pushing 7 pounds.

i am freaking out as I don't know what to expect and my doc just keeps saying it will be a breeze so I keep telling myself that.

618mom22boys · August 2016

I'm also having a repeat c/s. This will actually be my third. With my 1St I was induced because of low fluid and IUGR. It only lasted a few hours before baby was in distress so an emergency c/s it was.

With my 2ND I was all for trying for a VBAC. That was until the decided he needed to come at 36 weeks. He also had IUGR and low fluid. I would have tried for a vbac had I been dilated at all. But I wasn't and didn't want to risk having another emergency c/s. So the next day I had a c/s.

I can tell you that I loved the 2ND c/s experience. It wasn't rushed. I can remember everything that was said and done. It was just so much calmer.

This time around I'm going to ask my ob about having gentle c/s as long as everything goes good.

crispy11 · August 2016

I had similar stats to OP with #1. She was 11 days late and 9lbs 11oz. She was born via urgent c section for placental abruption. I really wanted to vbac with #2 mostly because I didn't want to deal with the risk of multiple c-sections. I was lucky enough to have the vbac and for me the recovery was much easier. Definitely going for vbac #2 this time. It's a personal decision but I was lucky enough to have a great vbac experience. (Oh and @pattygrazioso my first was also 22 months when my second was born!)

KimmySchmidt · August 2016

@MrsCourtney555 I'm in a similar situation to you in that I have a substantial medical reason to get a csection, but the choice is mine to attempt a vaginal delivery.

My first birth was vaginal, but it was traumatic and I was actually told at the time that I may not be able to deliver vaginally again.

Im having a lot of anxiety about the decision as well. For me, I just want to heal as quickly and easily as possible. I have my 36 week apointment this week, and it will be time to decide. I'm leaning towards csection because the potential downside is not as bad as a repeat performance of last time.

Soon2bemissG · August 2016

I will be a C/S. I had a choice earlier on, my doctor highly suggested C/S but left it up to me ultimately. However, the cord is around baby's neck so we aren't risking things.

Cricket Bug · August 2016

I will be trying for a VBAC. I have a lot of heavy feels wrapped around the delivery of DD, as I never got to experience labour, or anything close to a full pregnancy. It might be misguided, but for me the preparation and the attempt for an unmedicated/low intervention birth this time are in a way therapeutic. Even if we end up needing a repeat section, at least I will know I got the experience and the opportunity to try.

Edited for clarity.

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