To C-Section or not to C-section?

[redrobin123]

Good evening all,

I am 20 weeks pregnant with dd2. Dd1 is 21 months and was a planned CSec due to her being breach (born at 39 weeks).

As it's dd1 was c section I've got the option of having another one.

My first experience was absolutely amazing, I was a bit gutted at first as had prepared myself for a natural birth, but was so grateful after hearing all my friends horror stories afterwards. I was out of hospital in 24 hours with minimal pain, no complications and found the whole experience brilliant.

As it was so brilliant I thought it was an easy choice to have a csec second time round, but not I'm thinking I might be being a little naive as I've spoken to a few women who've had horrific experiences!

Again might be sounding very naive here but my main concern is getting out of hospital as soon as possible so I can be with both DD1 and DD2? Has anyone else had this experience? What did you chose to do and how did it go?

I have a consultant appointment next week so will ask lots of questions then. But interested in what other people think?

I feel like I am massively unprepared for either option now so any advice would be amazing!

Thanks so much xxx

Your call. I'd be having another C section.

I have four children, youngest being 7 weeks. My first two were natural labours. Baby number 3 was breech so i had a planned csection. Baby number 4 i had the option to VBAC or have another planned csection. After MUCH consideration with consultants and research i decided for me it was safer and easier round my other children to go for the csection. There are risks with any birth but in my opinion fr9m research its safer to just go for another section. Dont listen to any horror stories. Good luck in whatever you decide x

I had two natural birth and 3rd one was emergency csection. Personal choice but I would never opt for vbac.

Just had 2nd section on Friday. Was home lunchtime Saturday. Have been pretty uncomfortable and kind of wished I stayed in another night and had some extra pain relief (last time it was easier). However I am making improvements hourly and don’t regret having a section at all.
Have heard too many horror stories about natural births. I like the control element you have around a c section.

C-section. Vbac1 was brutal and I suffered a lot of damage (almost ended up in EMC due to failure to progress). Vbac2 was an unmitigated disaster and dc3 was brain damaged.
If you decide to go for vbac (I’m not allowed to after vbac2) then insist on continuous foetal heart rate monitoring with absolutely no deviation from NICE guidelines.

(If you had asked me after ELCS birth 1, I would have been on the fence. Having experienced two vbacs now, there is absolutely no way that I would choose to do it again.)

Planned c section over natural birth any day. I absolutely loved my section but I'm still traumatised from my natural birth almost 10 years ago and the damage still remains!

I had a 2nd ELCS. Was a fabulous experience and I was home after one night x

You may be slightly delayed in getting back to DC after a c section, but only compared to a very straightforward VB, not one with complications. Think of the life-long effects, not just the first few days after birth, as it's just a blink of an eye, in the scheme of things. For me, that would mean C section every time.

My circumstances were identical to yours OP (same age gap as well) and I went for a C section second time around. No regrets from me (and I know a few people who regretted VBACs). It's a personal choice though so read up on the risks and benefits ahead of your appointment so you can discuss your options fully. Best of luck whatever you decide.

Thanks so much for your replies ladies!! Really appreciate it! I think CSec sounds like the best bit! Will keep researching though!!

Thanks again xxxx

Mamarylis, so sorry to hear about what you went through. I hope you and your family are ok now xxx

My first was EMCS. I decided on an elective c section for my second. I'm really glad I did.

Although I had terrible scar tissue and adhesions from my first c section. So it took a long time in theatre during my elective as they had to carefully cut through scar tissue and detach my uterus from my bladder!

However recovery was really really good. SO much faster than my emergency contact section

I also don't have any issues that women so often get from vaginal deliveries. That was also a huge deciding factor. I didn't want to have the risk of prolapse or incontinence.

At our trust for VBAC they insist on constant monitoring. Which I can understand why. But my first birth was monitored so much it felt like I was strapped to the bed (so many wires and tubes). I felt really out of control and spent my whole 22 hour labour on my back...pushed for hours then ended up in EMCS I just didn't want to repeat that experience.

How long does it take to recover from a c section? I am thinking of having an elected c section first baby due in April and I am terrified of labour

Just had second c section.
Both times were Friday morning delivery and home Saturday afternoon.
Spent Sunday in bed/sofa being weighted on hand a foot.
Today (Monday) manged trip to the midwife unit and a coffee in the cafe. Afternoon in bed.
Have slight twinges and pulling and are taking paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief.

Last time I was driving within 2 weeks and horse riding as well. 100% recovered within 6 weeks. But most day to day activities fine within 2 weeks.

Sorry don't mean to hijack the thread but do you have to be in labour before they do the elected c section and break the water or anything of the sort?

Nope they book you in at 39 weeks.
If you go into labour before than they wizz you in quick for a c section.

There's no crystal ball unfortunately.

I had emcs dd1 and needed a section dd2 because of placenta praevia got it booked then at 37 weeks they said oh it was a mistake you can have vbac and I said well actually it's fine lets keep the section booked. I had easy time.

Friend had emcs dc 1 and went for vbac she was traumatised after we had to look up ptsd help for her.

It was luck of draw - no one knows what will be best for any birth. Many have great vb / vbac.

I would go for cs personally, you've had one before so know the score recovery wise.

I was longer than 2 weeks to heal. They say 6 weeks to heal. It is major surgery. Listen to your body.

I was just about to post a similar question!
My son is months old...and I'm 20 weeks with baby num2. I had an awful back to back labour with my son and after 40hours i didn't get past 3cm so they rushed me in for a c section due to failure to progress.

Every time i see the midwife she talks about natutal birth but i would've thought due to my experience last time, and the fact they are so close in age that they would say i need a c section!

• 7 months old

Ask for a section if you want one and hopefully they will say OK.

Age of other child is not good argument as if all goes well, VB is quicker recovery than CS and lifting is not an issue.

So don't use that argument!

Thanks for your advice everyone

Unicorn and bows - my first c section was brilliant, was walking after a few hours and had catheter removed and could go to the toilet so with discharged on enhance recovery after 24 hours. I was back to normal (pretty much) after 2 weeks.

They book you in at 39 weeks for elective and then on the day you go in and wait on the list and they'll prioritise when you go into theatre based on risk level.

I've been told I can opt for another CSec and based on what I've heard so far it does sound like the best option for me. Dh is going to take some shared paternity leave so he can help out with DD1 whilst I'm recovering.

Thanks again for all your advice ladies, it's so appreciated xxx

Elmo - I'm pretty certain they can't encourage you to have a CSec unless there is a major risk factor. Probably due to the cost to the nhs?

If you ask for a CSec after having a previous one I'm pretty certain the consultant would give you that option.

I was told by my midwife it was my choice, but she didn't really give me the pros and cons of either.
Xxx

Nothing on telly - god, that sounds bloody awful!! Hope she's doing ok now??

My sister in law had a similar experience and was completely traumatised after the birth!

Like you say there's no crystal ball, so it's hard to know how either option will go! Xxx