Are elective Caesarians better for a 40 year old mom?

[commuters30]

I know that most natural and caesarians come with their own risk.

Natural having the risk of tears, instruments, induction or emergency contact section. C section has a longer recovery and pain after.

But for an older mother, would you say an elective section is safer to avoid late delivery or birth complications?

[Aquamarine1029]

Unless you have a preexisting condition that could complicate delivery, absolutely not. A cs is major surgery and should be avoided unless necessary.

[1300cakes]

I would say it's a personal thing. It depends on which risks you personally want to take and the outcomes you most want to avoid, which is different for everyone.

[OrangeLindt]

To be honest I think i would do whatever my Midwife/Consultant advises, I had my youngest at 38 and it was a breeze compared to my other 2 who I had in my mid 20s.

[NickMyLipple]

I would never willingly choose to have another c-section in my life. If it is life or death, fine but my experience was utterly awful and I nearly lost my life afterwards. It took 7 months to recover and I'll never be the same again. I'll take the forceps/tear/pain/stitches every single time!

[SproutMuncher]

What @1300cakes said. As an older mother you are at increased risks of tearing etc. Of course a section is major surgery but it is also routine surgery whereas giving birth vaginally can be dangerous and cause lifelong difficulties. You don’t know in advance what kind of birth you’ll have so weigh up the risks and decide what’s more acceptable to you.

You will always find women who had an awful experience giving birth vaginally or with a caesarean. You will always find women with great experiences. It’s a bit of a lottery so take the gamble you’re most comfortable with as it is you and only you that has to live with the consequences.

[Hugtheduggee]

I've had two fabulous sections - up and about pain free very quickly. Honestly, I've had periods worse. That said, some people struggle and for everyone with an awful vaginal birth experience, there are some with wonderful experiences.

I'd assume that you are likely to require some stitches (the majority do - and the risk goes up as you age), the question is where would you prefer them?

[PetraRabbit]

I've also had two good sections that left no negative after-effects. I was 41 and 44, but fit and healthy. I agree with everything @hugthedugee said but it's possible to have an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. As with all these things, it depends who you ask!

[FernBritanica]

OP this is an interesting read:
bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-1028-3

Also have a look at the stats here:
digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-maternity-statistics/2018-19
Apparently c section is the most common method of delivery for over 40s women