Planned C Section or Vaginal Birth?

[Foodie2018]

I am 24 wks pregnant with my third baby. My last 2 births were inductions and instrumental delivery. 1st was induced at 39 +2 and ended up in episiotomy and suction. 2nd induced at 41 wks ended up in an emergency forceps, episiotomy, an extremely bruised baby who has a lasting eye droop.

I just cannot go through the uncertainty of a vaginal birth again, it seems like my babies do not descend through the birth canal properly and I cannot bear the idea of another induction. I want to request a planned c section but I am now have doubts as I am reading that it can negatively affect the baby, ie with their breathing and temperature regulation. I have also read that with a csection that the mother does not produce oxytocin which helps with bonding and helps prevent pnd.

What would you do if you were me? Any advice? I would love to go into labour naturally as that has never happened but am still afraid that it would turn into an emergency.

for you

In your situation I’d go for the C section . I’ve had them and didn’t encounter any of the issues you mention, plenty of bonding / milk came in fine etc.

Recovery was much much easier than I thought too.

Do what’s right for you OP

What were the reasons for induction, if you don't mind me asking?

There is a really good thread somewhere on this site about the conflating results of ELCS and EMCS when quoting c section risks.
Basically an elective is nothing like an emergency c section.

I had an ELCS last month.
It was very calm and straightforward.

I had skin to skin within 10 mins and had the baby on my chest for a few hours after.
My baby had an APGAR score of 10 and despite concerns around pnd, I don't seem to have it. I cried a fair but up to day 14 but that was mostly stress around breast feeding.

If you have an elective c section before 38 weeks you will have 2 steroid injections to help with your baby's breathing / lungs.

In your shoes I would go for c section and ensure you have good home support and also plan ahead (ie before birth do a big clean, batch cook dinners and have lots of "easy food" like cereal and sandwiches for the first few weeks) this will mean you have time to recover properly first 4-5 days you need to mobilise lightly and rest after that it gets way easier.

@Confused521

What were the reasons for induction, if you don't mind me asking?

Sorry for the late reply, first was due to unbearable sciatica and second was just overdue, 41 wks, consultant said right we'll induce but I thought I would have gone into labour myself before the due date came...I didn't any by that stage I was anxious to get the baby out.

I'd go for c-section but that's only because I loved both of mine and I've never had a vaginal birth before. Both of mine were emergencies but still didn't feel rushed and still had skin to skin both times and recovery was easy. I'm having a planned section on Friday so will be interesting see if their is any difference.

My 3rd was a CS.
1st was vaginal but breech....(!) so had forceps, episiotomy etc.
2nd no issues, text book vaginal.
3rd DS was breech so booked in CS.

I'd choose a vaginal birth every time as I recovered really quick from them.

However after CS it didn't effect any bonding. In fact as I had to stay in hospital for 4 days & it was Covid so no visitors we really bonded.

@duenextweek

I'd go for c-section but that's only because I loved both of mine and I've never had a vaginal birth before. Both of mine were emergencies but still didn't feel rushed and still had skin to skin both times and recovery was easy. I'm having a planned section on Friday so will be interesting see if their is any difference.

Oh the very best of luck! :)

Can you book the c section and for a later date in your pregnancy and then see if you go into labour by yourself? Good luck whatever you decide