Natural vs C-Section Decision

[almay8830]

Hello all,

First time poster. I'm due to give birth in a couple of weeks and wanted some advice. Im currently at 37 weeks + 4, and yesterday I had a final scan to check placenta position as it has been low-lying. It's off by a few mm, but very close to being 3cm away from my cervix. The doctor has said this should mean I can deliver vaginally, but that she will have to verify with her team first. I have another appointment next week to confirm delivery options.

The problem is, as it is still low, she has said there is still risk of haemorrhaging, so if I want to opt for an elective c-section, I can. Whether baby is born vaginally or via c-section doesn't bother me; however, I am concerned about the recovery time after a à Caesarian versus a natural birth.

What concerns me about the risk of the natural birth is that I am in another country and using my second language. I speak the language, but I'm worried if it becomes an emergency c-section that having my partner ousted from the room, being drugged up and suddenly having ten people in the room will put me in stress-mode and could result in trauma. Whereas with an elective one, partner and I know the score from the offset. My mum also thinks I should opt for the c-section.

What would you guys do and has anyone got any experience of a similar situation? How difficult is it all after the c-section with the pain?

Thank you for any responses and apologies for long message.

I can’t really speak from similar experience as such, but I have had an EMCS and honestly the recovery was fine. Really sore for a few days but took all the pain medication I was given and within two weeks I felt completely myself again, out for (steady) walks with the pram, pottering about etc.

I think knowing what I know now about c section recovery, in your shoes I’d probably opt for the section. I’d definitely opt for an ELCS if we had any more DC, although it’s unlikely.

Good luck with whatever you decide

I have a low lying placenta too and if I was told there is a risk of haemorrhage I wouldn’t hesitate to opt for the planned c section.

If you are an older first time mother I think I would choose caeserean. Just my view that older bodies are maybe not as flexible. Otherwise either.

I would go with c section. Natural birth doesn't always equal better recovery, especially if you end up needing an episiotomy or have a tear. I am currently awaiting surgery to repair two prolapses caused by natural birth, I've had nothing but problems since having my baby. If i could go back in time i would have had a C section 100%

Hello all, thank you for your replies. I'm 32 and this is first baby, is that older? Lol. It does appear that everyone thinks safest option is the C-Section. At least I would know what I'm getting into when I go in, rather than worrying if I've made the right decision in case something happens.

I had placenta praevia- was completely covering the cervix right up until 37 weeks, when it moved to within a couple of millimetres of the zone considered "safe" for vaginal delivery. I ended up opting to continue with the c section (had been booked for some time as placenta was well over the cervix and I was told it was unlikely to move) as it was still very close and I didn't want to take any chances. Delivery was fine, consultant said that I did lose a fair amount of blood and was just as well that I didn't opt for vaginal delivery. Recovery was comparable with my vaginal (assisted) delivery of my first (I had a tear and haematoma).
The main thing for me was that the baby arrived safely hope this helps

With a natural birth, there's no guarantee that the recovery would be quicker/easier than a ELCS anyway.

I've had a couple of planned sections, and personally I think they are the nearest you can get to a pain free birth. I've got zero regrets, and they were fantastic experiences. I was out shopping etc within about 3 days, and (as long as I took my painkillers just in case) I had zero pain.

Mamaca -- actually, your post has helped a lot. Unless it's moved completely out the way by next week, I will opt for the section. Do you mind me asking if you had any bleeding prior to the section? As part of your placenta praevia? Thank you, again.

No problem at all I didn't have any bleeding related to the placenta praevia but was warned that if I did, I was to attend hospital straight away. It was a worrying time but all good in the end!
I was home the following day after my section, whereas with my first child I had to stay in hospital for a couple of days to monitor the haematoma.

Thank you, Mamaca. You've been a great help

As has everyone else

I had a natural (fairly disasterous) birth with dd1, and an ELCS with dd2 for the same reason (and because she was measuring huge).

Recovery time after CS was fine - about 10 days of pain that was manageable with regular paracetamol, and tricky to do things like bend over or pick up baby, but not impossible. By 2 weeks all back to normal and driving. Actual birth was calm, pleasant, and controlled.

Has left me with a tummy that overhangs which probably won’t disappear, but on the other hand it took away the worry about shoulder dystocia (leading to possible oxygen deprivation and long term brain damage) From having a big baby, AND the worry about haemorrhaging from the placenta placement, AND the worry about birth trauma long term damage (prolapse, another episiotomy, etc), and for me the price was worth it. But i am a major worrier, your mileage may vary.