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Original poster

To Be Weighing Up Elective C-Section vs Epidural Birth

85 replies

anonymousxmasposter · 08/12/2024 22:05

Hi everyone,

I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant (first successful pregnancy after six losses) and trying to make an informed decision about my birth plan. I'm strongly leaning toward an elective c-section and would love to hear experiences from others who've had either c-sections or epidural births.

Why I'm Considering C-Section: I've given this a lot of thought, and here are my main reasons:

  • I've had severe childbirth phobia since childhood - it was nearly enough to stop me from trying for children altogether. This isn't just normal nerves; it's a deep-seated fear I've carried for years.
  • Several close friends who had vaginal births have told me they'd choose a c-section if they could do it again, which has really influenced my thinking.
  • I know myself well enough to know I handle prolonged, manageable pain much better than intense, acute pain. The controlled nature of a c-section appeals to me more than unpredictable labor.
  • I have a 20-year history of recurring vaginal health issues (chronic thrush and extremely sensitive skin), and I'm concerned about how vaginal delivery might impact these existing problems.
  • After experiencing six miscarriages, Having a planned c-section feels like a way to regain some control over my birth experience after so much loss and uncertainty.

There are some factors giving me pause:

  • I have a clotting disorder which increases my risk of blood clots post-surgery
  • I'm worried about reduced mobility during recovery and the potential for isolation/depression
  • The possibility of long-term nerve damage around the incision site concerns me

I know for certain that unmedicated birth is not for me. While an epidural birth seems like a middle ground, I have significant concerns about:

  • The epidural not being available when needed
  • The possibility of it not working effectively
  • Missing the window for getting one

I'd really appreciate hearing from others who've been in similar situations or had to make this choice. If you've had either a c-section or epidural birth, what was your experience like? What do you wish you'd known beforehand?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and insights. 💕

OP posts:
Sunhatweather · 08/12/2024 22:27

I had elective c-secs for similar reasons and don’t regret a thing. Go for it!

Honeycrisp · 08/12/2024 22:26

The NHS can't be trusted to provide you with a timely epidural.

maybein2022 · 08/12/2024 22:25

Given everything you’ve posted here OP, I would 100000% opt for an elective c section. I have had 3 c sections, all emergency, and whilst the recovery, I won’t lie, isn’t easy, a planned one is generally safer than an emergency one as a result of a long and difficult labour. It’s a big operation but I have no lasting issues from mind. Also do bear in mind what happens if you go into labour before your elective c arching date. This happened with my second and third, luckily I had consultants who were on board with me not wanting to ‘try’ for a VBAC and indeed strongly discouraged it! Good luck.

CrispAppleStrudels · 08/12/2024 22:19

I've had two vaginal births - both times I wanted an epidural and neither time I was able to have one. The first time was because the unit was extremely busy and there was no aesthetist available until i was too far dilated. The second time because my active labour was 1hr. I did both with just gas and air. If epidural is the only way you would consider a vaginal labour, then i think you do need to consider ELCS. However it is major surgery, so it might be worth asking for a birth options discussion with the consultant midwife as I'm sure she'd be able to discuss each of your points with you. I had mine around 28w.

FrodisCapering · 08/12/2024 22:18

This reply has been withdrawn

Post withdrawn at author's request

doodleschnoodle · 08/12/2024 22:18

And my emergency wasn't awful (I mean it was highly traumatic as we thought DD1 was going to die, but the actual surgery) but it was night and day compared to my elective in terms of pain and recovery. The elective was such a breeze that I kept kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop and it never did.

doodleschnoodle · 08/12/2024 22:16

If you value control very highly, I'd personally recommend an elective. That's why I went with one for DD2 after DD1 nearly died when I was in labour trying for a vaginal birth (with epidural in the end) and I had an emergency section in the end.

I had a very calm and gentle elective with DD2, back driving at 10 days PP, very little pain, well rested for her arrival, no lasting issues two years on.

I would happily have another elective (except I don't want more kids, but the surgery itself was absolutely fine!)

Littlemisscapable · 08/12/2024 22:14

C section all the way.

vibratosprigato · 08/12/2024 22:12

Ok I know you were very specific in asking for either c-section mothers or those that had an epidural, and I had neither, but I do have an opinion!

Given your phobia I would opt for a section. You will book your date and given you don't enter spontaneous labour before, you will have that certainly and control.

Epidurals are not always immediately available. They can take up to half an hour to administer and another half an hour to work. You have to wait for an anaesthetist to become available and if your labour progresses quickly you will miss the window for one. I laboured very quickly with my first and didn't have time for gas and air let alone an epidural!

Epidurals also increase your risk of requiring an instrumental delivery, and emergency section. From what I hear from friends, the difference between a planned section and emergency section is night and day!

Congratulations on your pregnancy x

SaagAloopa · 08/12/2024 22:06

If you are fearful of childbirth then go c section.

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