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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:

GooeyLooey · 20/12/2019 15:51

C-section without a doubt. I had a CS and was up and about in a couple of days, healed fine and no problems after (I have stage 4 endo and a lot of scar tissue). My BF and SIL have bladder and bowel incontinence from their vaginal births.

ConstanceL · 20/12/2019 15:54

C-section for sure. You may try for a natural birth and have to have an emergency c-section anyway, if your scar tissue is affected by the birthing process. I had an emergency c-section and it was no-where as bad as I thought it would be. I was feeling pretty much back to normal after a week, and friends that have had both planned and emergency c-sections say that the planned ones were a breeze in comparison.

Researcher97 · 20/12/2019 15:55

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

CatInTheDaytime · 20/12/2019 15:56

C-section OP. The damage from a natural birth to various lower body functions can be quite bad even without previous health issues. With a CS there are risks too but the whole situation is more controlled.

Also with the issues you've described, you really do not want to attempt vaginal and have it go wrong and be rushed to an emergency CS.

Also IME midwives tent to try to encourage you towards vaginal even when it's not in your best interests so be aware of that.

FaFoutis · 20/12/2019 16:00

Researcher you will just piss people off by slapping your message everywhere. That's not good research.

Eeeeek2 · 20/12/2019 16:02

Can you get a referral to your bowel team to discuss the risk from bowel side to give you more info?

flouncyfanny · 20/12/2019 16:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

magicalpeach · 20/12/2019 16:06

if I was in your position I would have a C-section 100%. Good luck with whatever you decide.

GnomeDePlume · 20/12/2019 16:08

I have had both an emergency and planned c sections. The recovery from the planned c sections was far better than from the emergency. Everything felt under control and unrushed.

The c section scar is normally low down at the bikini line and horizontal.

Would it be worth talking with your care team to find out what a c section would mean for you given your medical history?

TakeAChanseyOnMe · 20/12/2019 16:14

While both have their own risk, sounds like a planned CS would be much safer than a trial of labour + emergency CS.

Due to adhesions it’s likely to take longer to perform the CS and have a higher risk of blood loss. Is there a risk your adhesions could be so bad that if you had a big haemorrhage, they’d have to do a hysterectomy to control it? I’d want to discuss big risks like that with the obstetric team.

Have you seen your GI or surgical team recently? Did they have any thoughts? Pouches are challenging enough without any perineal damage.

Are you on any long term immunosuppression that could affect your ability to heal and make you at increased risk of infection? Or are you off everything if you have UC and a total colectomy?

Mummyoflittledragon · 20/12/2019 16:33

I’ve had major abdominal surgery - from above the belly button to the pubic bone. The a second surgery to add mesh as the whole scar failed. I get what you’re saying and your dilemma. Personally I would go for a c-section. I haven’t had one myself. But it seems minimally intrusive.

With regard to your old scar, pain and stretching right now, I think you should get some work done on it if you can afford it. Your stomach is going to stretch loads more and I think you’re in for a rough ride.

I have had great results from two people. Firstly, a Bowen therapist, who has completed the scar work Bowen course and secondly someone, who does myofascial release work and has knowledge of working on scars. This has to be someone, who has completed a course costing thousands, not as part of a physio therapy degree. It doesn’t matter that your scar is old, the lady, who treats me is getting great results with old scars - the same goes for the myofascial release. NB the Bowen Therapist will only treat the actual scar if you have no mesh underneath.

Yupimahelecopter · 20/12/2019 16:37

I've had two natural births, I had a 3rd degree tear with the first and was cut, second I was cut but needed stitches with both, if I had a sickness or on occasions I have accidents, and I had no problems before with my bladder or bowel.. Its probably a better ideal to go for the section because it will most likely make your bowel problems worse. Saying that if I had another baby, they say I should have a csection.. But not convinced I would actually go for.

efeslight · 20/12/2019 16:40

How has the healing been after your previous surgery? I have had 2 c-sections and have amixture of sore, tender areas, itchy skin, painful lumps under the scar and numbness all over my stomach, from my waist down, so i would take healing into consideration. But i have no damage at all to my genital area.

Jeezoh · 20/12/2019 17:03

I’d go for the c section but agree about asking for more information about the risks of both if you’re still unsure.

Haworthia · 20/12/2019 18:50

I think people who have mentioned birth injuries and continence are bang on the money. I had a third degree tear and, although I recovered as well as can be expected, I do have to be mindful of bowel urgency.

Someone also mentioned upthread that c sections take much longer to recover from - well, that’s not always true. I took painkillers (I had nothing stronger than ibuprofen) for a week and then stopped. Recovering from a third degree tear took far longer.

PicaK · 20/12/2019 19:03

Csection. But that's my view. Talk to your consultant. Have they any thoughts on what's most safe for baby?

Haworthia · 20/12/2019 19:06

Sorry to post again but I remembered something important

When I was fighting for a c section with my second child, in the face of people saying “you won’t tear badly again!” (I was pretty certain, knowing my own body and it’s limitations, that I would) I said I would prefer to take on the known risks and complications of surgery, vs. the totally unknown and unpredictable complications of a vaginal birth.

Youthgonemild · 20/12/2019 19:12

I’ve tried for a natural birth and ended up with an emergency c section AND I’ve gone on to have a planned c section.

In a heartbeat I’d say take the planned C section. Recovery time, impact on body, and the impact on my energy were so different with a planned c section.

If you try for a natural birth and there are any issues they’ll go for the unplanned emergency anyway, so why risk it?

misspiggy19 · 20/12/2019 19:14

C section without a doubt

Willow4987 · 20/12/2019 19:18

I’d have a c section in your situation as you just don’t know what’s going to happen in an vaginal birth. If it gets complicated and forceps end up being involved they can do some serious damage to your pelvic floor (inc anal muscles)

Personally I’d rather take the managed risks of an elective over an unknown vaginal and potential emergency c section (which carries higher risks than an elective)

Thunderclearstheair · 20/12/2019 19:26

Oh god this is easy - go with the c- section.

I’ve had both. Whilst some women bounce back immediately I struggled after a vaginal birth with tearing and really bad vaginal bruising.

When I had a c-section (I’ve had two) I was sore and shuffled about

However in your case I wouldn’t put your body through a vaginal one.

You feel exactly the same after c section and a vaginal birth when you see your baby.

MaggieMcSplash · 20/12/2019 19:41

I have had both a c section and a natural birth. I had a 3c tear and have on-going incontinence issues from it. If I'd have know the risks I'd have opted for a c section. I think this sounds like the safest option for you and baby.

MrsToothyBitch · 20/12/2019 19:48

In your situation I'd take the section. You say yourself that in your situation you aren't sure you could manage with loss of function. I know it must be a horrible, hard and scary decision and your priority is giving birth, but remember your worries and that your body must serve you for many years to come.

Tryalittletenderness · 20/12/2019 20:07

Original poster

roseunicorn45 · 20/12/2019 20:09

Thanks everyone. I think I will very likely go with the section, I’ll just wait to see what they say at my next appointment!

OP posts:

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