To Be Weighing Up Elective C-Section vs Epidural Birth

[anonymousxmasposter]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant (first successful pregnancy after six losses) and trying to make an informed decision about my birth plan. I'm strongly leaning toward an elective c-section and would love to hear experiences from others who've had either c-sections or epidural births.

Why I'm Considering C-Section: I've given this a lot of thought, and here are my main reasons:

• I've had severe childbirth phobia since childhood - it was nearly enough to stop me from trying for children altogether. This isn't just normal nerves; it's a deep-seated fear I've carried for years.

• Several close friends who had vaginal births have told me they'd choose a c-section if they could do it again, which has really influenced my thinking.

• I know myself well enough to know I handle prolonged, manageable pain much better than intense, acute pain. The controlled nature of a c-section appeals to me more than unpredictable labor.

• I have a 20-year history of recurring vaginal health issues (chronic thrush and extremely sensitive skin), and I'm concerned about how vaginal delivery might impact these existing problems.

• After experiencing six miscarriages, Having a planned c-section feels like a way to regain some control over my birth experience after so much loss and uncertainty.

There are some factors giving me pause:

• I have a clotting disorder which increases my risk of blood clots post-surgery
• I'm worried about reduced mobility during recovery and the potential for isolation/depression
• The possibility of long-term nerve damage around the incision site concerns me

I know for certain that unmedicated birth is not for me. While an epidural birth seems like a middle ground, I have significant concerns about:

• The epidural not being available when needed
• The possibility of it not working effectively
• Missing the window for getting one

I'd really appreciate hearing from others who've been in similar situations or had to make this choice. If you've had either a c-section or epidural birth, what was your experience like? What do you wish you'd known beforehand?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and insights. 💕

That makes no difference, you cannot see it due to the angle.

I probably didn't understand "wouldn't because at least I can't see the scar!" I read it as "I wouldn''t go for an elcs because the scar is visible and episiotomy scars aren't".

I had an epidural over a c section, twin pregnancy and wanted to avoid a long recovery if possible. It was a good experience, I felt very calm and in control. I was guaranteed an epidural though as chances of needing an emergency c-section were fairly high, the likelihood of getting an epidural on request is vanishingly low locally.

I had a previous birth that was pretty much pain killer free as took ages to get me to labour ward. My second stage was officially 10 minutes. That felt brutal though, I was vomiting due to pain. No chance of an epidural or proper pain relief, I did ask. I think unless they could guarantee me an epidural I’d say a planned c section.

I have diagnosed tokophobia (fear of childbirth) and was very unwell mentally when pregnant because of it and was under the perinatal mental health team. I had an elective c-section and we made that decision after I had a panic attack doing an online antenatal course, when the midwife was speaking about intervention during birth and how epidurals could make it more likely. I remember feeling like I was so trapped as this baby had to come out! My DH just turned to me and said “do we need to talk about c-sections?”. I remember feeling like neither decision was one I really wanted, but we settled on the section as I had more control over the situation.

My c-section was an amazing experience and recovery was fine - I was up and about the same day, discharged after 48 hours, first few days were rough (it’s major surgery) but honestly I was so surprised about how quickly I recovered. I was going for walks within the week! It was my birthday 6 days later and we were down the pub with baby having a meal! I did go into labour the morning of my section though! Surprisingly I managed ok, it was early labour but contractions were intense, but as I knew I was going into theatre in a few hours and I wasn’t going to have to give birth vaginally I was able to keep the fear at bay.

Sorry jumping on this thread. Is an elective c section a really bad idea if you live on a second floor flat (no lift)?

I had an epidural during an attempted vaginal delivery, which unfortunately led to an emergency c section.

I’ll 100% be going for an elective next time- the recovery was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. But, just to offer an alternative opinion to a few other comments here, for others reading, I found the epidural fantastic. They gave it to me really promptly, it worked amazingly- I even managed to get some sleep after being in active labour for over 12 hours. It was honestly wonderful. If it wasn’t for my daughter’s heart rate dropping dramatically, I would have been quite happy attempting the vaginal birth on that.

I had an emergency c-section and it was awful. Infection in the scar, painful bloating from the gas, couldn't stand up straight for 5 months, hideous overhang... don't do it!!!

It really isn't an easy option. It's major surgery. With all the risks and recovery time that comes with major surgery. And a new born to look after too. Your milk may not come in either... mine never did.

Awful experience.

I lived in a top floor tenement flat when I had a c-section - no lift either! I found it manageable post c-section though, but that could have been because I was in agony with pelvic girdle pain pre-delivery and the c-section recovery was a breeze in comparison. I would stock up on food so you don’t need to go downstairs for a good few days, but it should be fine.