Thanks for sharing @Zeldetta - you’ve articulated the same concerns I have, although this is my first baby so I don’t have the additional experience you have to draw on.
I haven’t ruled out an elective as I am very concerned about the use of any instruments and/or episiotomy (was told by consultant last week that in almost all instrumental assisted deliveries episiotomy is required).
@chocolate26 My consultant said it’s never to let to do the section however it becomes more complicated the further you are into labour. If you refuse assistance from the outset (in birth plan and at the time you arrive at hospital in labour) they won’t force it on you - you have to sign a consent form for assisted delivery and you can obvs refuse at which point they’ll go to section, but if you let them know in advance they should try and monitor the situation to avoid you getting anywhere near needing forceps etc. The issue is that they can’t predict everything and baby might get stuck or have a problem at the very last injure so they push you to go for forceps to get it out (as @Zeldetta experienced.
There are more risks with a late section including uterine perforation and other complications - often you bleed more with emergency than planned section.
Planned section isn’t risk free of course but there is more control and the risks are more known. Vaginal birth is totally unpredictable. For many vaginal birth goes well and is straightforward, but for a significant number it isn’t and hence forceps etc are needed or emergency section.
I think it’s for each woman to do her research, talk to midwives etc and see what they’re most comfortable with. What I want/the risks I’m prepared to accept may well be different for lots of other women within and outside this group :)