C Section or natural birth with weak bowel pelvic floor

[SnKcampbell]

Hi I'm writing this post to see if others have been in a similar situation to myself, I suffer from weak bowel pelvic floor muscles and sometimes have incontinence and lose bowels and can be on the toilet for like 20 times a day, Been like this for a good few years now and been seeing hospital specialty teams.
My pelvic floor surgeon doctor is recommending I have a c section Birth to prevent maybe making my bowel issues worse or risk tearing as I could be having a tall/ big baby. My husband is a bit concerned about me having a c section though and says what if the c section makes my bowels worse?
so I'm trying to see if any ladys have a condition like mine and have had a natural birth or a c section birth?

Yes and I'm fine with the advice given.

If it helps, think of the choices as vaginal birth or c-section. I think a ‘natural’ birth makes the other sound less appealing straight away. I say that as someone who has had 2 vaginal births. After the second I had a bowel and uterine prolapse which I am having physio for. In your circumstances I would opt for the section.

Yup. I don’t consider my first birth, where I had an epidural ready for an emergency section and baby dragged out with forceps “natural” or any sort of achievement over my second birth, which was a section.

Hi
I am also expecting and having similar debate. I have weak pelvic floor and significant prolapses- following my first born having a complicated delivery.
So whilst I am different physically- I share your feeling I cannot afford for my pelvic floor to deteriorate anymore. I have had to change my job and lifestyle already

What I noticed when my first born was breach was Doctors completly emphasised the risks of c- section. I was given two A4 sheets detailing all the side effects of c sections, as well as the consultants verbally highlighting risks. The last sentence of the 2nd page mentioned that breach/ back to back vaginal deliveries have increased chances of instrumental delivery. When I asked what that meant they said not to worry.

I would highlight C- sections cost a lot more so I believe that may influence why some hospitals discourage these
Thats not minimising the risks. I know they can come with life changing symptoms too

After I had severe continence issues I met with a correctal surgeon who suggested ‘if you didn’t want to be incontinent you shouldn’t have had a baby’
‘what did you expect’

He was the same consultant who declined me a c- section when my baby was breach

With this pregnancy my husband has suggested we should just go with what the medics decide is safer ( to date consultants/ midwives have had contrasting opinions ) I have highlighted, that I think on labour suits they naturally focus on immediate safety not long term impact on your life/ on woman’s life

Saying that it’s still not an easy decision for me - I know a c section does affect your pelvic floor.

Part of me thinks since every consultant/ physio warns against constipation/ a pushing motion surely natural birth is worse
I also ( completely illogically ) think the damage is already done down there. If my organs are falling out surely a baby will come out easier this time round 🙈

I had two elective sections and they were great. You know when they will happen, they only take about half an hour and involve no pushing, so it's all very controlled and helps if you are anxious. My DH was worried ahead of time about whether it was the right decision, but really enjoyed the experience and felt happier knowing I wasn't in pain and that the baby wasn't distressed.

Re constipation, it can be an issue. I would recommend drinking gallons and gallons of water immediately after the section, especially when you still have a catheter in. I had about ten of those hospital jugs overnight. It just helps everything along. Plus try to start standing and walking around as soon as the catheter is out, even if it's shuffling or swaying while standing in one spot. The longer you are static in bed, the worse the constipation. It helps everything else too, eg blood clot risk. If you can, don't take codeine, because this will also increase constipation. I found paracetamol and ibuprofen on rotation more than enough, but everyone is different.

Also, just to mention that I know a general surgeon who elected for a section based on her experience dealing with birth trauma on bowels. I think that speaks volumes!

I've also had 2 elective sections because potential of higher risk of incontinence following bowel surgery. Both were really positive experiences for me and I have no issues with my pelvic floor nor with continence. I also found the recovery quick. After my first section I saw the consultant at my 6 week check and said how surprised I was about the speed of recovery. He said that elective c-sections are completely different from emergency sections in terms of recovery. The mother isn't exhausted, her womb hasn't been working hard, etc.