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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you have a C-Section or natural birth if you were me?

56 replies

roseunicorn45 · 20/12/2019 15:27

I’m 22+3 and my whole pregnancy I have been told I’ll need a C-Section. I have had two major abdominal surgeries to remove my large bowel, to give me a stoma and then I have been re-opened by the long scar from my ribs to my pelvis to rejoin me small intestine - rectum to go to the toilet the ‘usual way’ again.

In this time I also had my appendix removed by keyhole. I have inflammatory bowel disease.

I have a hell of a lot of scar tissue (to the point the anomaly scan was even difficult because it was just blackness on the screen) and I’m struggling with cramps a lot already from the tissue stretching.

I saw a doctor today as part of the obsetretics team and she said I could have a natural birth if I wanted to and it’s up for me.

The risk with the C-Section is obviously the fact I’ve already had multiple surgeries, but the risk with natural birth is that I might lose the function of my anal muscles (because I already suffer with incontinence and using the toilet 6-10 times a day with chronic diarrhoea). I’m not sure I could manage losing function even more.

What would you do if you were me? I don’t know how to go with this!

OP posts:
churchandstate · 20/12/2019 15:29

I honestly don’t know, OP. I’m not a medical professional. Have they really not advised you one way or the other?

Original poster
roseunicorn45 · 20/12/2019 15:30

Meant to say it’s up to me* which way I go.

OP posts:
Original poster
roseunicorn45 · 20/12/2019 15:31

@churchandstate no, I’ll be having a meeting nearer the time when I’m closer to giving birth but I’ve been left today feeling quite confused as I’ve been told there’s risks both sides. This is my first baby so I’m not really sure what’s the best thing to do... I don’t know how bad C-Sections are, or whether that would be better than a natural! I wish I’d asked more questions.

OP posts:
HolyMilkBoobiesBatman · 20/12/2019 15:32

C section without a doubt.
There are risks with both but in your case I think the risks associated with the C section are smaller than those with a vaginal birth.
And, although sometimes things that can’t be predicted happen, risks are much better managed with an elective C section.

Unless you are planning to have kids of children I think a C section is the best option and I’d imagine you would still be able to have another section in future if needed.

Littlebelina · 20/12/2019 15:33

C section would be my choice. I never had a natural birth (one emcs and two elsc) and although I do wonder what might have been for the first I've never regretted them. The first two my recovery was fine, third I got a minor infection so needed two courses of antibiotics but was fine otherwise. Given what you've said about risk of losing function I would go for a section.

HolyMilkBoobiesBatman · 20/12/2019 15:33

*loads of kids that should say

LochJessMonster · 20/12/2019 15:34

I have no medical experience and have never given birth so this is purely based on what I think I will do/rick v benefit

I think C-section because the risk of loss of anal function would impact your life quite severely I imagine.

I also think you have more control with a c-section.

Natural birth, pretty much anything can happen, and there is a lot of strain on your abdomen/anus etc

YahooGmail · 20/12/2019 15:35

It sounds like quite a unique situation, so it's difficult to know. I'm sorry you've gone through so much surgery! I think with my limited knowledge c-section sounds better though

churchandstate · 20/12/2019 15:35

Go back and ask! This is potentially one of the biggest decisions you will make. I wouldn’t make it myself without a clear statement from the consultant that the risks are roughly equal.

Haworthia · 20/12/2019 15:36

I’ve done both and I’d have ten c sections over one natural birth.

With your history, I’d have a c section without a second thought.

BeanTownNancy · 20/12/2019 15:37

Honestly, c-section. Better to have a nice, planned procedure and already be in the operating theatre if anything were to happen.

(Not a doctor. Just my opinion as someone who had bowel surgery and then 12 hours of labour ending with my second emergency c-section 11 months later. I wanted to try labour but honestly wish I'd just had a nice calm c-section.)

PooWillyBumBum · 20/12/2019 15:38

If I were you I’d be asking the likelihood of the risks you mentioned. Can you find out what the stats are, or push the consultant for a recommendation?

FaFoutis · 20/12/2019 15:39

C-section. No question.
Did they tell you what the risks with C-section are? I have adhesions from previous surgeries, my c-sections took a bit longer and on the third one the scar tissue led to my bladder being cut. It was repaired straight away and I was completely fine. My c-sections were very positive and calm experiences, even when it went wrong I felt safe.

Original poster
roseunicorn45 · 20/12/2019 15:42

I’m not sure of the risks with the section but I think it’s about being careful around the bowel area. I don’t have another appointment with anyone until the end of January, it’s just I really wanted to be more in the know before I make a decision! I should’ve asked more.

OP posts:
Banana770 · 20/12/2019 15:42

I’d have a CS with those kinds of considerations. Yes it is major surgery, but it’s a safe procedure and it sounds as though the potential alternative risk to you would be awful!

Monkeynuts18 · 20/12/2019 15:42

Not a doctor or midwife - but if it were me, a c-section.

I haven’t had a section but I bitterly regret my vaginal birth and I have none of your additional health issues.

Beldon · 20/12/2019 15:44

C-sec take a lot more recovery after. Varies with each person but I took bit longer due to having a chronic illness and womb infection, so about 10 weeks until I started feeling ‘normal’. It wasn’t pleasant in that time but coped and still able to look after baby from day one, just had to factor in help. Despite the long and often painful recovery I would 100% choose that again. I had consultant telling me I’d manage vaginal delivery (as with previous births) but I knew I probably wouldn’t. In your situation where it could cause damage I would more likely opt for c-sec. ask your consultant for an appointment with a surgeon to discuss the procedure and answer any questions you have.

boomboom1234 · 20/12/2019 15:46

C section 100%. Wouldn't even consider natural birth given the potential complications. I've had two c sections and both were fine.

ChillyB · 20/12/2019 15:47

I’d opt for a c-section in your position OP as it stands. As your pregnancy progresses and baby gets bigger it may start to feel the best option for you based on your medical conditions in any case.
They really can put a strain on your body just by being in there iykwim in terms of pressure down below.
You’ve been through so much to retain the bowel function you have I personally wouldn’t seek to jeopardise that by opting for a natural birth.

I’ve only got one baby and I had him by c-section which was considered the very worst option for me medically by my consultant BUT it went absolutely fine and I healed fine (that was the main reason for trying to avoid one in my case).

Mumtoaperfectbabyboy · 20/12/2019 15:48

I have an inflammatory bowel disease - been lucky enough not to have surgery for it though. However I had an induction, 5 day labour and crash section. If I was in your position and having had a section I would go for a C-section. Far better to have a planned section than go for a natural and end up having an emergency section.

BabbleBee · 20/12/2019 15:49

If I were to have a planned c/section in your scenario, I would request for my general surgeon to be present in case of any issues when they operate that would be outside the remit of an Obs & Gynae surgeon.

AnnoyedByAlfieBear · 20/12/2019 15:49

I have a severely damaged sphincter along with nerve damage and chronic diarrhoea.

I have had 2 sections and I would again in a heart beat because I couldn't cope with less bowel control than I already have, if what little muscles I have left were damaged.

Woofbloodywoof · 20/12/2019 15:49

OP I had c sections because of medical history (bladder/kidney issues with repeated surgeries.) Honestly so grateful I did as I was warned repeatedly by consultant that I was running a high risk of c section anyway plus likelihood of further surgery to repair damage natural delivery could very well cause previous issue.
Best decision ever made. Elective c section recovery much easier than emergency because you know what is happening and are not going through major surgery after hours of labouring. Good luck!

iano · 20/12/2019 15:50

I really think you should take wait to speak to your medical team. Ask to speak to your consultant. MN is not the right place for this question. Everyone has different experiences and worries.
I had a section first time which caused issues with my bowel and extra scar tissue (not as much as you describe). I had a vbac with my second following discussions with a consultant. You need to make this decision by yourself based on how risky either option is for you and your baby. Your consultant should be able to give you more stats on safety and scar tissue rupture.

mattymoo55 · 20/12/2019 15:50

I have IBD; my IBD team were insistent from the start that I had to have c-section but I have had previous fistulas. Have you asked your IBD team what they would recommend? Because if you are at increase risk of fistulas, they are not fun!