ELCS vs VB jitters after previous tears

[LillianFullStop]

So for a few weeks I was quite certain and decided on wanting an ELCS after a previous 3rd degree tear.

I got to full dilation but on the pushing stage the monitoring showed fetal distress at every contraction/push. She was back to back and my pushing wasn't enough to get her out - cue spinal block and being wheeled into theatre for episiotomy and forceps resulting in the bad tear. Lucky she came out when she did or it would have been an EMCS recovery on top of the episiotomy and forceps recovery.

I am quite keen not to do further damage as I think I was extremely lucky not to have long term issues from the birth so had decided on ELCS.

My OB appointment to discuss birth options is in 2 weeks and I'm having second thoughts on my decision! Mainly because

• I want to be out of hospital as soon as possible with the Covid-19 outbreak and I don't want an extended stay especially since they now have a no visitor rule
• I am quite anxious about surgery itself (I've never had one!) and the abdominal surgery recovery with a 3 year old at home. The plan was for her to be at nursery full time so I could get proper rest but of course with the lockdown she will be home with us all day.

I would love to have another VB if I knew it would go better than the first time but of course it's not guaranteed and could be even worse and ELCS was a way to have more control of the outcome.

If anyone has any reassuring words either way please share!

I can't give you any advice unfortunately but can say that my hospital aim to discharge patients 24hrs after an ELCS (as long as there are no complications). Obviously you can't guarantee that things will be straight forward but the same could be said of a VB (as you've experienced yourself).

I understand your hesitation with a toddler at home though, recovery could be tough. Do you have a partner at home who could effectively take over toddler duties so you could concentrate on your newborn? X

Thank you @3rdTrimester that's good about the quick discharge!

Yes my DH will be on paternity for a couple of weeks after the birth so hopefully that will help.

But why oh why did I google cesarean sections and see diagrams of the incisions and the clamps and separation before the uterus incision etc. I'm sure episiotomy and forceps diagrams are just as gruesome I should not have looked as they say ignorance is bliss!