Second birth, C section?

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Just wondering what people’s subsequent birth choices are. I had a vaginal birth with my first child and had a reasonably fast and stress free labour. Second degree tear. Hypno birth in a hospital setting (hoping for midwifery lead unit but baby had done a poo so moved to ward). I’m wondering if the second time round, I opt for a C section.

I know recovering from a C section is certainly no ‘easy’ option but I am wondering if it’s a viable different option that people use. Vaginal birth and recovery seems so barbaric? I still remember the fear of that first poo 😮‍💨

wondering what others experiences are of elective C sections. The women I know who have had this have had 1) medical reasons 2) traumatic prior births (such as 4th degree tears, terrible recoveries and healings)

how easy is it to simply request one?

disclaimer that no birth is easy, vaginal or stomach birth. Hoping to read others stories of elective Caesarian’s / thoughts about this.

The poo is quite a big deal for c-section recovery. More so than for the vb.

I had a c section due to medical reasons. My friend opted to have one by choice for her own reasons. She was open and honest with her midwife from the get go that she wanted one and that decision was final. At 34 weeks she met with a consultant who talked through the process with her and then approved her decision.

The recovery from my c section was tough, my wound became infected which made it more painful. It was so tough not being able to sit myself up in bed and pick up my baby. This meant that when my dh went back to work, I needed support from others. The toilet issue was also a big deal too.

I had one for no medical reason other than anxiety and a massive fear of birth. Being traumatised by a past experience would count just the same! I genuinely would have rather died than attempted a vaginal birth, as extreme as that sounds. I loved my section and I’m the biggest wimp ever. The actual procedure itself is very quick and other than a nip to get the cannula in, local anaesthetic in your back then the bigger needle for the spinal (which I didn’t feel), there isn’t much pain at all involved. Afterwards it seems people have a huge variety of experiences of the recovery. I found it surprisingly good. I was never in agony or anything, yes it was uncomfortable at times but nothing unmanageable. Walking slowly was fine but lying down or even sitting too far into a sofa was really hard to get up from. It was just awkward as you literally can’t use your abs or you’ll pull all your stitches. I’m about to do it all again and the trying to get out of bed is the only bit I’m dreading again. Day 2-5 at home is quite hard and you’re bleeding etc too so you just feel a bit pathetic but by 2 weeks I felt brand new! I would 100% recommend one if you feel that’s the best option.

Id say just be firm in your choice. Look up your hospital on the birth rights website to see how likely they are to approve it (they should)! Quote the NICE guidelines if need be that you are entitled to give birth in the way you choose. I typed out notes so that I couldn’t be forced into something I didn’t want. I looked into all the risks before speaking to the consultant so they couldn’t try to put me off and knew how likely each risk they were talking about was so knew as I’m healthy and normal BMI, my risks were actually very minimal

It's impossible to know the answer about your recovery - people have such different experiences, as they do with VB. I've had two elective sections and I've been absolutely fine soon after both, ie within a couple of weeks. I didn't have an issue with the first poo either!! But some people have a very different experience.
On both occasions I have just requested a c-section and they've done it, no questions asked. They told me its major surgery and spoke about the risks - but I said I accepted it and that was that.

Sneezing and holding your stitches from a c section is probably just as terrifying as that first poo after a vaginal delivery.

I had EMCS for Ds1 and ELCS for Ds2. First section recovery was really good but then I only had a baby to contend with. Second section was harder as I had a toddler and a baby so had to move more than if I had just had a baby. Knickers wise I have to be aware of them rolling down into my section scar and the overhang can be visible through bikinis or clothing depending on what you are wearing. My last section was 17 years ago so I have lived with it for quite a while. I had an issue with one end of the scar not closing due to an internal knot when they stitched me closed. That had to be removed at the GP surgery.

Each person is different. If you want an ELCS then be aware of the risks, the limits on your mobility afterwards and what you can and cannot lift.

I’ve had both, vaginal birth first and c-section second. Second time around baby was measuring very big, no gestational diabetes and most likely to do with my husband being 6’5” but they were concerned enough to suggest c-section may be the best route (I could have had an induction if I’d really wanted one but this was always a big no for me).

There are good and bad points to both. Neither one is a “get out of jail free” card so to speak. My first birth ended in an episiotomy and ventouse but up until that point it had been exactly how I’d planned, birth pool, hypnobirthing, TENS machine, no pain relief and I also had a doula along with my DH. It was a long labour but I was very proud of myself afterwards. Recovery was about 6 weeks for the basics and I was very sore for that time as I’d had a lots of stitches (internal and external). I still get the odd twinge from my episiotomy 5 years later when I’m due my period.

Second time c-section felt a lot more medical, which was understandable. The whole pregnancy had been more medical due to the size concerns so I wasn’t in the same hypnobirthing headspace anyway. Everyone was incredibly lovely and kind, particularly my anaesthetist. It felt like a well oiled machine with no stress from anyone involved. Recovery was different, harder in lots of ways. The pain afterwards once all of the anaesthetic has worn off is intense. Some people get lucky and are up and about like normal within a couple of weeks but it took me the full 6 weeks to comfortably walk any distance or even pick DS up without pain. However unlike my episiotomy I get zero pain from my cut 8 months later. I do however have the infamous c-section pouch and from what I can see, unless I have some sort of tummy tuck it is going to be there no matter how much exercise I do. I didn’t have this issue first time around.

Sorry for the long reply! I would say if you’ve had a successful birth first time around I’d really consider going natural again. I’m glad I had my c-section as DS was indeed very big with huge broad shoulders that would have likely got stuck. But if I hadn’t have had this risk I’d have gone natural again. It is a very very personal choice though so if you wish to have an ELCS don’t feel pressured to not have one. It’s just good to weigh up the positive and negatives of both.

Fiadht, minor technical point - a spinal needle is either the same (25) gauge as the local needle, or even thinner. It’s just epidural needles that are larger!

I had an elective cesarean for breech with my first, and found the recovery horrendous. The pain was incredible, and there were no complications at all. I had a vbac with my second (with diamorphine, very low pain tolerance but it was precipitous labour), second degree tear, shoulder dystocia with the 'arm up cow' maneuver to free baby. I would do the vbac 1000 times over before I had another cesarean recovery. I was immediately very mobile, the pain was localised (just a bit sore) and extremely minimal. It was an entirely different and very positive experience for me. Being almost straight back to normal so I could play with ds (then 3) was amazing for us and I think really helped him accept that he was still important. I felt like superwoman!

Seeing as your first birth went well, no major trauma or issues I’d opt for vaginal birth again. Of course it’s not always the case, but often second time around it’s even easier and quicker.

I had an emergency section after a very long labour failed to progress. That first poo is definitely scary post section too! Feels like you’ll rip your stitches out! Gas pains are also excruciating after stomach surgery. It took me a year until I was able to properly start exercising again (not walking but proper abs/hiit type exercise) without it feeling painful/not quite right. My main recovery was fairly quick. I wasn’t in major pain, stitches healed quickly, scar barely visible now 14 months on. But it was hard initially not being able to move to pick up my baby. And been a slow process getting back to my usual fitness levels.

You never know what will happen of course, but I’d definitely try for a natural birth if there’s no complications and first birth went well.

If you had a relatively fast and stress free labour, I don't see why you would voluntarily have a C Section.

The first post birth poo after a c section is pretty fear inducing and often made worse by being constipated by the pain relief. Having to look after a newborn baby after serious abdominal surgery is fairly barbaric.
I’ve had two c sections and recovery is tough; I wouldn’t have one without a medical or psychological reason personally.

Just wanted to add that I had a terrible first birth. Painful and long recovery, scared of going to the toilet etc. Second birth was so much better. I felt great just after the birth and there was no ‘recovery’ as such. I was terrified of giving birth again and held on and on until I was induced at 42 weeks ( I don’t think I’d really got over the trauma of my first) but it was fine. I know every birth is different and you never know what might happen but if you had an ok first birth then I’d be tempted to go for a vaginal again.

I had an elective section with DS as FTM due to placenta previa, so was on that path from 20 weeks on and a VB was never an option. My recovery was textbook, I was walking (ok hobbling from bed to door) within 12 hours, and fully mobile with only some discomfort within 2 weeks. Getting out of bed sucked, and the first poo when you're constipated from pain meds is memorable, shall we say. I was militant about taking that anti-constipation drink they give you after that. My scar 17 months later is fully healed, and for the most part I don't even remember it's there. My consultant did an amazing job with that. I did go private so not sure how much of my nice recovery is tied to that!

We're TTC #2 now, and DH is very pro another private ELCS because of how much better it was for everyone (care for me, and ability to stay overnight for him). I (apparently) have a short perineum, so have a higher risk of tears with VBAC.

I'm 50/50 at this point. Trying to be more open at this stage, (a) not preggo yet, and (b) if there's another medical reason, it will have to be an ELCS.

I’ve had both, section and vbac and would take vaginal any day. Pluses and minuses to both but the recovery was so much quicker from my vbac and much less pain. Also don’t forget you’re going home to another child now so less able to take things easy. If you had a straightforward v birth before chances are the second will be pretty smooth. I was in active, too sore to think of much else style labour for around 6 hours, totally doable.

I had ELCS. Recovery was a breeze compared to my fourth degree tear and torn uterus from first vaginal delivery! The poo after my first was horrific. The poo after ELCS was fine. Plenty of water and stool softer

I’ve had a section and a VBAC. I’d VBAC again but wouldn’t fancy another section and I had a good recovery and a hard VBAC.
It’s a myth all this it’s easier to have a section.

First post-section poo I had to have morphine. I honestly thought I was going to rupture something and bleed to death, I was both terrified and really really embarassed! Generally I found the recovery hugely tougher, although it was nice that it didn't sting when I did a wee - I had a tear the first time and used to run a shallow bath to sit in to wee so it didn't burn.

I definitely didn't find a section the easier option. Planning a VBAC this time.

I had VB with first. 4th degree tear. Torn uterus. Post partum bleed. Horrendous recovery.

Second birth I had ELCS. Was an absolute dream very 'healing' the recovery was brilliant too. I was in the park day three with baby and 2.5 year old (and DH!) but still recovery was far better from CS than VB!!!

Woops I've replied twice

Had a great experience with an elective section - recovery was also fine. If you want one, just ask. If they refuse, they have to find you a consultant who will do it. How you give birth is always your choice.

I've had experience of both. After 2 pretty rough labours, I opted for an ELCS for baby number 3. It was fine. Recovery was rough but not worse than after VB, in my experience. I liked how the ELCS cut out hours and hours of the never ending, prolonged agony of my labours, and the recovery wasn't too different from after a few birth injuries from a VB. However, if I had a previous smooth vaginal delivery, I would just be going for another VB, and I'm a staunch C section pusher! I opted for a section as my labours are brutal but if I had relatively easy births, I'd be sticking with that.

I really really struggled with my c-section recovery. Couldn't walk properly for over 6 weeks.

Had a VBAC second time round which was a ventouse with episiotomy and I literally was up and walking in 2 hours. Couldn't sit for about a week and the birth was a bit traumatic but that's another story.

Physically I'd choose a VBAC all day long if I had a third but mentally I'd go for a c-section but again another story.