C-Section or Natural?

7 replies

Foresthealing · 19/07/2026 11:13

Hi Mums, my midwife has said to me I may be able to request a C-section because of my age, previous medical history. I’m considered high risk but at present nothing indicates needing a C-section.

This is my first baby and potentially my only one due to age and fertility issues. If given the choice would you do C-section or natural?

I feel torn and confused from everything I read on medical sites so having first hand opinions from women that have been through either would be greatly appreciated.

thank you

OP posts:

muddlingthrou · 21/07/2026 12:52

I had both my DC vaginally and I wouldn’t say it felt particularly ‘natural’ 😆 I agree with PP that this is a medical decision so I’d take advice from healthcare professionals over mumsnetters.

But assuming the c-section was purely elective, I’d say it’s a trade off between the potential of a faster recovery (vaginal) vs the pros of a pain-free birth. I had epidurals with both my labours and have no regrets! Also was lucky enough to escape any pelvic floor issues despite 2x episiotomies. Either way, wishing you a safe delivery and congratulations!

Greybeardy · 21/07/2026 11:51

sounds like you need to see a consultant obstetrician rather than just the MWs so that's probably something to ask for if they've not discussed it yet - it sounds like your past surgical history will be the key in working out which is the safest option.

Original poster

Foresthealing · 20/07/2026 12:09

Thanks ladies - I have multiple operations due to my endometriosis and reconstruction of my womb because it was deformed. I’ve had quite a few different problems in that area so I’m quite nervous about it but in my head, I want to do it naturally, but at the same time I’m absolutely terrified of it because of how many issues I’ve had down there and I’m worried that it’s just gonna cause more complications, so maybe a C-section would be best.

It may be that I won’t have a choice, but I’m still really early in my pregnancy so I guess I’ll have to speak to them a bit more about it.

I do worry about blood clots and things like that and I’ve heard that it makes it difficult for you to have more children in the future obviously my body allowed it. I’d love more but unfortunately I’ve been a long infertility journey in my fertility is very low so this is quite a miracle baby and I just wanna do what’s best really.

I’ve had a look at private hospitals but there’s non-locally in my area so I will be at the NHS hospital.

OP posts:

Notellinganyone · 19/07/2026 12:00

The best money I ever spent was on independent midwives to facilitate the birth I wanted. The reason so many c sections are performed now is fear of litigation/ unnecessary interventions. Unsurprisingly women hearing the anecdotal evidence of inductions leading to long and painful labours and birth trauma are now requesting c sections. If you want to have a real chance at a natural birth you need supportive midwives.

PenandPip · 19/07/2026 11:54

Would choose a planned c section over induction and a possible emergency c section..

I was induced, ended up with an emergency c section. Horrible experience. My next two were planned sections and so much better.

Never experienced a vaginal delivery so cant comment on that.

Ra33it76 · 19/07/2026 11:16

Anyone can request a c-section. You don't need to tick certain boxes (assuming NHS).

I've had both and would choose "natural" but I would choose c-section over induction. I think you need to work out what's most important to you, whether you would like more children, etc. And then look at the stats.

Canopop · 19/07/2026 11:16

Are the medical conditions reasons that c section would be the likely outcome anyway? Age has nothing to do with it imo

I had an emergency c section then a planned c section and they weren’t a walk in the park I’d have much rathered a natural birth I think (but obvs I can’t say that as I don’t know how much a natural birth hurts ha)

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