Question about elective sections being better than emergency sections...

[Tinkjon]

When people say this, are they only referring to genuine emergency sections (ie. after you've been in labour for some time and are exhausted already)? I had a section following a failed induction and although it was officially classed as an emergency, it was far from that in reality. It was just a case of "well if nothing happens by the morning then we'll section you" and that's what they did - I'd never started labour so my body hadn't really gone through much other than a few Prostin pains. I did find recovery after the last section really hard and I wonder if I'm also likely to benefit from the 'elective sections are easier' comment with my forthcoming planned section, or is recovery likely to be exactly the same? Not sure if all that makes sense!!

I haven't had a section but have 2 friends who have had both.
1st had an emergency section following a loooonnnnggggg labour, then an elective section. She said the recovery from the elective was so much easier.
2nd had an emergency section following a 3 day labour, then a natural 2 day labour, then an elective section (a month or so ago). She say this one has been far and away the easiest recovery.

i think you may find it easier second time just because you are mentally prepared and more used to caring for a baby/feeding etc - i think first time whatever the birth we get a bit freaked out and that is pretty exhausting

from a medical point of view i guess your body will handle it the same

i had an emergency first time (after very long labour) and an elective second time and second time was a million times easier as i was not shocked, scared, exhausted etc so i found recovery easy to be honest

i think the key to a good recovery is lots of pain relief so make sure take enough and get lots of help

good luck x

I agree with newgirl. I had a crash section following labour as DD got stuck. It wasn't a massively long labour (about 12hours from being in established labour until the section) but it was a big emergency as the baby was in terrible distress. I found the shock and upset of it all going wrong left me traumatised and my recovery, although ok, was longer than after my recent elective.
Electives are much calmer and if you have had a previous section you know what to expect and that you need to rest etc.