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

First time bumps - omg what an ordeal you went through! Thanks so much for posting! Has made me emotional reading it!!!

I hope you and your gorgeous baby are doing well now! Well done you for coming through all of that!!!

Xxx

(Haven't rtft) I had a planned caesarean 16 weeks ago due to the baby being breech. I found the initial recovery very doable (was running on adrenaline though as my baby was very ill), but around six weeks ago my scar started aching and it hasn't stopped yet. Can't say it's limiting me a lot but it is annoying. It was also dismissed entirely by the GP, which pisses me off (but that's another thread). I was told (whilst still on the operating table hahaha) to wait two years to conceive if I wanted a natural delivery next time, so I'm quite surprised they're discussing that as an option. I'd say the age of your first child is definitely an important factor, but mainly as it gives an indication of how well your body has been able to recover.

@redrobin123 we are doing brilliantly and even managed a trip out today just three days down from the csection. Good luck in whatever you decide x

How hard to you have to fight for a c section? I am pregnant with dc3 unexpectedly and I’m Frozen in fear about another birth. I really didn’t cope well with the last one and it effected my mental health. I feel like they won’t give me one this time and I’m scared

First DC was an EMCS, second DC was an ELCS.

Both great experiences.

I had an ELCS for my DD who was transverse, and opted for another CS. It was the right decision for me. We knew the day we would be having DS so we could arrange childcare for DD, and I was out after 48 hours. It was slightly trickier recovering with DD to look after as well but not too bad.

I had CS for breech in 2014, due DC2 in April. Been offered entirely free choice of VBAC or CS. Everyone I’ve seen seems big on maternal preference, so might just be my location/ trust?

I’ve been informed that VBAC success rate is 75% (not sure how this compares to non- VBAC) and that I would need constant foetal electronic monitoring if I wanted to labour.

I’m likely to opt for CS again as mine was brilliant, very calm and controlled. Recovery wise, about 10 days were a struggle then back to normal with nothing but a few niggles as things healed.

EXCEPT days 1-3, the trapped wind and referred pain from this was unbelievable. So this time, more moving around, peppermint, and hopefully no codeine, as that played havoc with my digestion for a good week afterwards!

@FoxtrotSkarloey you have the option to opt for a c-section second time round because there are some potential complications with VBAC I think. I think this could be to do with the way scar tissue has healed and if you have scar tissue on any internal organs. I think my midwife told me at my first appointment. Xxxx