To want a section

[derryjojo]

I'm roughly 6+5 (according to my early scan). My DC1 is 6 months old and this pregnancy has come as a happy surprise. Anyway my first labour wasn't as traumatic as some people's I know, but both me and my baby were in distress and I ended up with a third degree tear followed by an episiotomy. A few days after birth I was passing very large clots and soaking quickly through pads. I had to have a speculum examination (with very fresh stitches) to show that I had an infection in my cervix. This pain was worse than anything I've ever experienced in my life!

Anyhoo I recovered physically from that. But I developed PND and anxiety. I've now been referred to a perinatal psychiatrist next week. I've read that I can ask for a section. I know every labour is different but if you were in my position would you ask for a section or try and have a vaginal birth again?

I drew the short straw both times. First birth was a long labour with EMCS and other complications which delayed recovery.

There was no reason why that birth would prevent a successful VBAC and it was important to me to finish the job I'd started, so I went for the VBAC... ending up with emergency forceps and a 3rd degree tear.

The tear was considerably more painful than the CS and aggravated my SPD. I was stronger and felt better able to care for DS, but didn't leave the house in the first month other than for medical appointments due to the strong laxatives and pelvic/ soft tissue pain.

3 months after the CS, I felt fairly normal. 3 months after the tear, I was still limping around from pain due to the weakened pelvic area.

I'd rather have a CS over a 3rd degree tear.

I had a third degree tear with my first baby and had an elective section for my second. It was fantastic. Absolutely the best thing I could have done. Of course you have pain afterwards but it was no worse than recovering from a bad tear. I stopped taking painkillers after the first week because I didn't need them. Two years on I can barely even see the scar.

Of course the consultant tried to talk me out of it but I was very clear that the overwhelming fear of another vaginal birth would affect my mental health for the entire pregnancy, and I'd suffered from PND and anxiety after the birth of DC1.

The key, for me, was that no one could predict how another vaginal birth would go. And I chose to take the known risks of a CS over the unknown risks of a vaginal birth (would I tear again? Would I suffer from faecal incontinence? etc)

A section is not longer recovery! My elcs was a doddle compared to what you went through by the sound of it!

First was emergency section after long long long labor - next 3 were elective sections and the experience was so much better - section for sure.

Similar first birth, elective section for medical reasons second time, elcs total piece of piss/walk in the park etc. I pretty much had to have it but the consultant I saw a lot told me that my episiotomy which had to be redone first time would all have reripped etc. Was driving 3 weeks after cs with insurance's and ob-gyn's say so. It really was so much better for me and also cheaper for NHS as first time round I needed so much consultant time plus an op under general after the birth to repair the horror!

I've had two sections, both maternal request due to fear of birth, and had no problems getting them. They were brilliant with quick recoveries and no trauma to reflect back on and no problems down below. Best decision I could have made!

I had 3 children one after the other. Ten months between my first two.

First birth was horrible. Long then had a vacuum delivery and ended up with 10 stitches.

Second labour was brilliant, no tears, no nothing. Had her ten on the Friday night and went home next morning.

I had an emcs 3 weeks ago (I'm 41, First child) after s very long induction process that failed.
It was fine. Very calm in theatre, dh got to hold her and cut the cord, we were in recovery 30 minutes after she was born and straight on skin to skin.
I was standing up 6 hours after the op and up and looking after my baby shortly after. I have no pain now and the scar is incredibly neat.
I'd probably ask for another next time.

I asked for one recently and was fobbed off and told no. From reading other replies on here my mistake was not asking soon enough, so do it as early as possible.

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. I know that my hospital didn't consider the birth to be traumatic but maybe it was looking back in it. My mind is made up that I am going to ask for a c section next week.