I really really REALLY don't want a c-section

[SaffronSands]

More of an AIB unrealistic as opposed to AIB unreasonable.

I'm pregnant with my first. Pregnancy hasn't gone the way I wanted it to (of course we all want it to go smoothly, so far it has been far less than smooth and very, very scary).

I am desperate to have a natural birth. Absolutely do not want a section (unless of course I have to for the safety of the baby). I hear that things such as epidural and the type of hospital you birth in can make a difference. I can't give birth in midwife led unit sadly but still have time to choose a different hospital.

Both times I've had a local I've been quite sick afterwards. The idea of surgery of course is not one I enjoy, as I have quite a fear of it and had a bad experience with a complicated appendectomy when I was younger.

So whilst I know that a section may be necessary for safety reasons, is there anything I can do to to reduce my chances of needing one?

Never done this before or felt so out of control in my life.

Having done it both ways, if your scared the section is far easier and controlled. You do not know which way a natural birth can do and huge list of things that can go wrong. Small list with c section. For you and baby.

Not just some op, many many many women have loved their c section including me.

I’ve had two planned c sections - one for breech and one because baby never made own appearance after full term and my hospital’s policy is not to induce VBAC candidates.

One of my close friends was sick in both her labours as the pain made her vomit. No epidural! So there’s that.

Just to offset the bad stories about vaginal births on this thread, I had two textbook unmedicated births, one of them a homebirth. So yes OP, they can be a wonderful, empowering experience. I was back to my regular activities the next day (well, as much as I could with a newborn). That being said, I had minor spotting early in my second pregnancy and my midwife straight up told me she is not considering a homebirth until I had several tests to make sure I was low risk. So that’s why it’s important to choose a provider whom you can trust and who will support you, but also experienced enough to not put you through unnecessary risks.
Keep an open mind so you are prepared for anything, but surround yourself with supportive and positive people.
May I recommend “Spiritual Midwifery” by Ina-May Gaskin. It’s a very uplifting read.