If you had a c section

[GarnetsandRubies]

Do you suffer with incontinence / weak pelvic floor? Could you jump on a trampoline without leaking?

YABU = I have incontinence after a c section

YANBU = I don't have any continence issues

I do but it’s more likely to be caused by my lack of fitness and weight.

No, there was Impact in that region. If you’ve an issue there is is unlikely to be caused by the c section itself.

I do but I put it down to 4 pregnancies!

Had 2. One 'emergency' one planned.

I can jump no bother. Go running too. I could probably do with some pelvic floor training just generally but it hasn't stopped me doing anything at all
I realise how fortunate this makes me.

I THINK so but under certain circumstances. The midwives told me very clearly to do pelvic floor exercises as you can still get issues with a c section. I've yet to find the time though.

1 emergency, 1 elective. No problems.

I've had two emcs and no issues.

However, this limited survey will tell you nothing. Are you writing an article or researching? Or do you have a problem you'd like help with? A bit more info will encourage useful replies.

3 emergencies, no issues.

I've had three and don't have an issues

However, this limited survey will tell you nothing. Are you writing an article or researching? Or do you have a problem you'd like help with? A bit more info will encourage useful replies

I just feel lied to. And after talking with my friends they feel the same. I've been left with so much damage after vaginal birth I dont understand why this isn't explained to pregnant women. Vaginal birth was sold to me as the much better option but I know for a fact if I'd option for a c section I wouldn't have ANY of the issues I'm dealing with now. Why aren't women told they can avoid life long incontinence if they have a section? I don't think we are given all the appropriate information about what exactly can happen to you post birth, and the injuries you can be left with that completely change your life.

If I'd opted for a c section that should say

I'm so sorry you've had such a tough time. It sounds like you've been through real trauma.

Giving birth, however you do it, has risks. I think reducing this down to a simple question will only compound your feelings of loss and anger. The "what ifs" and "I wish" feelings can consume you.

When I had my second emcs, it was calm enough for me to read the consent form and the list of risks was pretty sobering reading. I haemorrhaged very badly during my first Cs and dd and I both sustained injuries.

The challenge is that birth is an unknown and you simply don't know which hand you've been dealt until you go through it.

What help are you getting, physically and emotionally? Where does your support come from?

You can still have pelvic floor issues after a section because pregnancy itself (hormones, weight of the baby, etc) puts pressure on it.

The challenge is that birth is an unknown and you simply don't know which hand you've been dealt until you go through it

This is so true.

Could you ask for a referral to gynaecology or a women's physio?

How much time has it been since you gave birth? Sorry you've been through this. It sounds like you've had a really rough time.

Emergency c section and no issues

I've had 4 c sections and have no incontinence issues. However, I agree with @ShowOfHands, that different types of birth come with their own issues. I have some physical issues that have occurred because of the actual pregnancies and would probably have been better with vaginal births.

I would have much rather taken my chances with any complication that would come from a C section than have to deal what I've been left with, I just didn't have the choice because when you are pregnant no one tells you what can actually happen. Yes C section is harder initially but what are the chances you will be left with severe, lifelong vaginal damage? Zero.

I've already had one lot of repair surgery and will require more in the future. I honestly feel so bitter! Why aren't pregnant women given the proper information to make an informed choice. No one ever said, oh by the way there's a chance you can never run again, never lift weights again, never dance or jump. Sex will be impossible, and so will your smear test due to the pain.

@GarnetsandRubies

*However, this limited survey will tell you nothing. Are you writing an article or researching? Or do you have a problem you'd like help with? A bit more info will encourage useful replies*

I just feel lied to. And after talking with my friends they feel the same. I've been left with so much damage after vaginal birth I dont understand why this isn't explained to pregnant women. Vaginal birth was sold to me as the much better option but I know for a fact if I'd option for a c section I wouldn't have ANY of the issues I'm dealing with now. Why aren't women told they can avoid life long incontinence if they have a section? I don't think we are given all the appropriate information about what exactly can happen to you post birth, and the injuries you can be left with that completely change your life.

Honestly I would not wish my horror csec experience to anyone. I think you are dismissing the fact that a csec is major surgery, can have a lot of complications, also long term, and can also impact future pregnancy.

I am sorry that you had a traumatic experience, i feel your pain, but csec is definitely not the easy way out.

And thats only to name a few

I could jump on a trampoline, but don't relish a sneezing fit.

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I completely agree, I was very innocent before my first about the potential long term consequences of a vaginal delivery. A friend has had great results with a private women's physio, I know she found it more useful than the treatment she was given on the NHS (the NHS handling of these problems seems to be another massive issue).

I had a weak bladder for a few weeks. Lots of pelvic floor exercises helped!

While I agree that women are not always given enough info to make a truely informed choice and the risks of a vaginal birth can be minimised, c section also has risks. My c scetion was horrific, recovery long and hard and three years later I still can not run or jump etc. Both options are difficult.

I totally understand where you're coming from, @GarnetsandRubies - I went for an elective c-section (although it ended up being an emergency one, in the end, but it was fine - calm and controlled) because I couldn't get my head round how many friends and family had birth injuries from vaginal births. It just seemed so common and accepted . . . and I couldn't accept it. It seems to be that a "normal" vaginal birth is better for mother and baby than a c-section . . . but as there is absolutely no way of telling if you're going to have a "normal" vaginal birth, then if you're worried, a c-section is the way forward!

I remember reading an article/study about the number of obstetricians and midwives who had elective c-sections themselves compared with vaginal births. The number was much higher than the general population. This absolutely made me think "hold on, there's a reason for this!" and reinforced my decision.

Oh and the medical profession needs to stop solely comparing c-sections to "normal"/easy vaginal births and start comparing them to the all-too-common vaginal births that go wrong or are difficult. THEN we'll have a better understanding of the comparative risks.