DC3 is due in 8 weeks and I am really, really not looking forward to labour for a third time. I know the NICE guidelines now allow you to request a c-section and I am considering doing this but I would welcome advice.
My first labour was induced at 38 weeks due to sudden pre-eclampsia. I was in pre-labour with prostin pains for 48 hours, then I had my waters manually broken in one of the most horrendous 5 mins of my life. Active labour last 14 hours but I was already exhausted from the prostin. Baby was positioned oddly and I could not push her out, hours of pushing were followed by forceps, episiotomy, huge tear, massive bleed, blood transfusions and months and months of pain down there and a weak pelvic floor.
My second labour was much better but still long. I was not induced but pre-labour kept me awake for 14 hours before active labour started. Actice labour took 9 or ten hours and I often felt very nauseated which was incredibly stressful as I have a phobia of throwing up. I did not need instruments and pushed quickly but DC2 was 10lbs 2oz and I tore along my original tear lines. My pelvic floor was not worse but it was still not great. I was exhausted and run down for months after (but that may have been down to sleep deprivation as much as the birth).
The idea of another long labour and tearing again and further damaging my already weak pelvic floor is horrifying. I am expected to have another big baby and there is not much I can do about that. Both DCs had 99% heads so if this is the same I am sure I will tear again. So I am thinking c-section. I know it is major surgery and I don't relish the stay in hospital and post-surgery pain. But is the post surgery pain worse than post tear pain? And at least my pelvic floor might be spared further trauma.
In my situation what would others do?
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Childbirth
Help me decide between an elective c-section and another "natural birth"
15 replies
Artichook · 17/03/2013 19:23
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