Vaginal or planned C section? (due to previous complications)

[BoyMummy90]

Hi everyone, sorry for the long post, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. 😊
I have a dilemma on what birth option I should have, vaginal or planned C section. I'm nearly 34 years old, mum of 1 and currently 31 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby boy, high risk and consultant led.

Here's a bit of a back story...

1st labour 3 years ago was natural but very stressful. I went into labour after my waters broke early hours in bed. 8 days over due, it was extremly quick and painful. Went from being barely dilated, being told I couldn't push to being 10 cm in such a short space of time. My active labour was 1 hour 30 mins. I didn't feel heard, and being my 1st baby I didn't know any better. The contractions were so intense and I felt no relief or break. I wasn't able to get an epidural in time and gas n air just didn't work down to how fast I progressed. (This is what current midwives have told me.) My little ones heart rate was dropping so I had had to try and change position. After pushing a few times I was relieved to have my little boy in my arms but my placenta was now stuck. I had to be taken into theatre to recieve an epidural to get it removed manually. I had a mild haemorrhage and a small tear. All seemed fine and I was so grateful. After a few days in hospital, I came home with my healthy baby. A few days in and things didn't feel right down there. It felt swollen and with a bulge. I was eventually diagnosed with a grade 2 uterine prolapse.

I am now met with a choice with this pregnancy to either have a natural/vaginal birth but with the possiblity of my placenta being stuck again and my prolapse potentially worsening. I was told an epidural might not be an option again if I have a quick delivery again, as it takes time. I could eventually fix my prolapse with surgery if I decide my family is 'complete' after this preganncy or choose a planned c section to help stop further prolapse and have the option for future pregnancies.

There are pros and cons to both options. Vaginal delivery could still be quick and easier on my body's heal time but I am absolutely terrified due to what happend before. The CS could enable me to feel more calm, and in control but having 2 little ones at home after major surgery is daunting.

Does anyone have any advice or been through a similar experience, going on to have another baby? Vaginal birth or by C section, I would love to hear your stories.

Thank you so much for reading x

Hi OP, I’ve had both a vaginal (DC1) and elective section (DC2). My reasons for the section were slightly different, DC2 was measuring very big and after a back and forth with consultants I decided on a section. It was the best decision for the circumstances and I have no regrets.

However, I have had two very good friends who had difficult and traumatising first births and went on to have lovely second births. The benefit of being a second time mum is you do generally get listened to a lot more. My two friends were able to discuss birth preferences in a lot more detail in advance, one friend made it clear the epidural was a non negotiable and needed to be administered on arrival. My other friend was under the care of a specialist mental health midwife and was treated with lots of compassion.

I only give these examples as it would be very easy for me to sit here and say have the c-section. Yes it is much more medically managed and that can bring a lot of peace in its own way, but I truly believe when it comes to birth the best outcome is one that we feel at peace with within ourselves. If you sit with it, which scenario fills you with the most calm and peace? Because both are possible with either a vaginal or c-section second time around. It comes down to which one feels right for you.

Personally, since you’ve already ‘had a go’ and experienced a vaginal birth, I’d be straight into a c section!

I've never had a c section, only 3 vaginal births, but from what you've said, if I was in your position I would go with the c section.

Yes, your recovery will be a bit longer but not by much, and I think it lessens the risks of worsening the prolapse, and you won't have a retained placenta.

Just my opinion and I wish you well with your pregnancy and birth whatever you decide.

My section recovery was very good. I was off pain relief so quickly and my body is basically the same as it was before birth. A part go me wishes I’d go for an elective again now but I’ve never had a vaginal birth and have this absolutely urge to try! Like it’s a right of passage I’ve never experienced ! But otherwise yeah sections are great :)

I had a C section on Monday! After 36 hours of induction which was going very slow. Tbh I wish I’d opted for the section earlier. It really was a lovely experience when baby was born and it felt really calm.

Day 5 of the recovery and yes it’s uncomfy but honestly so much better than I thought and you learn little things you can do to make it easier.

I can’t comment on Vaginal birth but given what you’ve said about your first birth I’d honestly do c section. I just felt the whole birth and few hours when the spinal is still wearing off after were so calm.

@BoyMummy90 Sorry I know this is an old post but can I ask.. how did the pregnancy itself affect your prolapse symptoms? I have a mild bladder prolapse and think I would probably go for an elcs for this reason but I’m also worried about the damage caused by a pregnancy (even before thinking of delivery!) Hope it has all worked out for you!