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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

C-section Opinions

24 replies

Cottoncandy31 · 17/01/2025 21:38

Looking for some positive stories or even some comparison stories for a c-section. This is my third baby, first was 4 day failed induction, emergency theatre, forceps and episiotomy, hard recovery. Second was natural although 4 weeks early at 36 weeks, also had PPROM, gas and air but came very quickly and needed support afterwards. Considering a c-section for my third as I'd like to have a bit more sense of control of what is going on, absolutely terrified at how this birth could go considering the last two have been far from plain sailing. Absolutely aware of it being major surgery and whether that is right knowing I'll have a 4&6 year old at home also. Just feeling a bit in limbo! Thanks!

OP posts:

JPC123 · 17/01/2025 21:43

I personally found a c section harder to recover from than a third degree tear. I felt very vulnerable whilst my would was healing and struggled both in the hospital and when I got home as I had little support.
The C section has also left me with an apron tummy which I didn’t have after a vaginal delivery.
It’s definitely not the easy route!

tangobravo · 17/01/2025 21:49

I had an EMCS after a long difficult labour with no pain relief (the labour, not the section!) and my recovery was ok - I was mobile after a week or so and didn't have any problems. It was my first child though so I really was able to just rest through it. I've got an elective booked in 2 weeks for my 2nd! My logic is that hopefully my recovery will be better as no physical stress of labour beforehand, but I will need more support after as I have a two year old at home. I also chose it for the sense of control.

yipyipyop · 17/01/2025 21:51

I've had 2 c sections, the most recent one in October. I was back home after 24 hours and walking around. Couldn't lift much for a few weeks but it wasn't particularly painful if I took it easy. I only needed paracetamol and ibuprofen for a few weeks, nothing stronger. I don't have an apron. We all recover differently but I've had complicated traumatic pregnancies and the c sections were the parts I had control over.

Original poster

Cottoncandy31 · 17/01/2025 21:52

I'm 31 weeks, so have a bit of time to think it over. I definitely agree and from research and friends can see how some recoveries are easier than others. I too don't have a great deal of support or extra pairs of hands if you like and that is definitely impacting whether this is the right decision. I think control is the biggest thing coming into play here. It's the unknown of what could happen a third time round that is definitely giving me the most fear.

OP posts:

ParsonBrown · 17/01/2025 21:54

I guess a lot of it would depend on how much support you have with your 4&6 year olds?
Not to mention you may need support with baby plus help with things like getting in the bath (I needed help getting in and out of bath with my first, we had a shower over the bath). Also needed help getting dressed/getting in and out of bed the first few days as I couldn't bend due to the wound/stitches. Definitely found mobility improved a hell of a lot more once they took the bandages off after a few days

MissAtomicBomb1 · 17/01/2025 21:54

2 sections, 1 EMCS the other elective.
Recovered fine from both.
Mobile and moving around from day 3. Driving after 10 days.
Given the choice he go for an elcs every time. I felt like I had done degree of control. Yes you will have a small scar but I'd rather that than the tears, prolapses etc that some friends ended up with.

yipyipyop · 17/01/2025 21:55

@Cottoncandy31 you should be fine if you have a hands on partner. Our family live miles from us. My mum did watch my 4 year old ds while I was in hospital but was back home straight after. My ds was in school which helped and dh mostly wfh.

HEIHEI23 · 17/01/2025 21:55

I had a planned c section due to anxiety and allergies! It was the best decision I made. It was originally booked in for exactly 39 weeks but my waters broke the week before so I had him at 38. I was off painkillers by day 5, going on walks by day 10 and was driving by week 3. I appreciate I had a really good recovery but I would do it all again. The whole experience was gorgeous and we even got to choose the song our baby came into the world to!

Original poster

Cottoncandy31 · 17/01/2025 21:55

I have my step mum and partner who would be around, v lucky that partner gets 6 weeks of work if he needs it! But a lot would still also have to be done on my own. Its definitely good to hear people's perspective cause it's not always something you may think about.

OP posts:

BernardBlacksMolluscs · 17/01/2025 21:56

yipyipyop · 17/01/2025 21:51

Same story here although my last c section was 10 years ago, it’s left me with a patch of skin on my stomach with no sensation which is hardly the end of the world, and abs that aren’t as strong as I’d like which is more of an issue. But my judgement was that I’d have sustained worse injuries if I’d allowed my rubbish inductions to progress and I’m still happy with that

Original poster

Cottoncandy31 · 17/01/2025 21:59

It's really nice to hear so many positive reviews. I know someone who had an emergency and a planned and she said the difference between them made the elective recovery a lot easier. I think it definitely is down to the degree of control I want. I would like to be able to have some anticipation. I didn't ever want to have an epidural again, took over an hour to get in last time and was a whole saga but it's something I'd almost cope with to know that I know when I'll be having my baby, and that there will not be well hopefully at least this big emergency rush like there has been with the last two.

OP posts:

BeachRide · 17/01/2025 22:00

I've had one vaginal and three ELCS. The sections were all brilliant. Calm, organised, knew what to expect. Recovery was great too, up and about the same day, no problems lifting the baby. No painkillers after a week, driving no problem. I'd recommend it!

EdithGrantham · 17/01/2025 22:06

My first was an EMCS and recovery was a breeze, small flat scar with no overhang. Second was an ELCS and recovery wasn't as easy, on day 4 I was still having to lie down after going up or down stairs and it took nearly the full 6 weeks before I felt ready to drive. Still have some pain and have a smallish overhang but I'm only 6 months PP so hoping both of them go with time and scar massage.

SMLSML · 17/01/2025 22:21

With my first I had a quick vaginal delivery with a 3rd degree tear, needed a spinal block and surgery to fix it. With my second I had a planned c section due to the fear of tearing again and I'll be totally honest and say the recovery is the hardest thing I've ever done.

I saw a lot of posts similar to the above saying how they were up and about the same day or week and recovery was a month or so. Mine was pretty standard with the wound healing well after a small infection however I found it really rough going, particularly not being able to be there for my eldest in the same way during such a change. This is also with the best husband and my family helping loads. I'd take the tear recovery any day over a c section. Not saying this to scare you but I think it's easy to see so many people saying it wasn't that bad when it's totally person dependant. It makes it easy to think it'll be an easy recovery when in reality for some people it's really rough going.

I'll also echo what another poster said about the apron belly, mine went straight back after my first but after baby 2 I've got a little c section shelf I can't shift 😅 good luck with whatever you decide x

T2024 · 18/01/2025 03:08

I had one ELCS and one emergency c section, the recovery from ELCS was super fast in comparison to this recovery.

I wasn't really even on painkillers after the ELCS, whereas with the emergency- I'm still on pain relief 3/4 weeks after.

Granted, I've had a setback with the EMCS with having had an infection which has delayed healing, but if you're wanting a CS, definitely do Elective. Though, your recovery may be easier with vaginal?

PotaytoPotahhto · 18/01/2025 10:04

I’ve had two elective c sections and had good experiences with both.

The procedure was really relaxed and the nurses and anaesthetists chatty throughout (surgeon was chatty until it started). Cuddles with baby right after. Walking slowly to the bathroom and back around 6-8 hours after. Pain management really good so barely had any pain (though make sure you request your next set of painkillers before they’re due, just in case they’re busy and don’t get them to you when they’re due).

With my first I stayed in for 3 nights but that’s because of baby struggling to latch and feed. With my first, I was out the next day. I just took it easy both times and basically didn’t get off the sofa for the first few days. No infections, no scar hangover.

As others say, as long as you have a good support network, recovery can be really easy and straightforward.

Good luck OP!

Lunamoon23 · 19/01/2025 22:12

I had a ELCS 5 weeks ago.

The control element is fantastic. You know when it's going to happen and within reason, what's going to happen.
But recovery is tough. My husband was off for a month with us, and I couldn't have done it without him. Even at 5 weeks, I still struggle with some elements. So if you decide I'd definitely have your partner take the 6 weeks, especially with two young DC at home, you'll need the help and support and it'll be an important part of your recovery. The easier you can take it, the better your recovery long term..
It's also worth mentioning you shouldn't (legally) drive until your post op check at 6-8 weeks due to insurance purposes.
The c section itself went fantastic. The team were great, it was very calm and an almost enjoyable experience! I say almost purely because I'm petrified of hospitals so I was extremely anxious.. but even so, I didn't hate it. It was an amazing way to meet my little boy. 💙

readingmakesmehappy · 19/01/2025 22:27

EMCS first time and recovered really really well. VBAC second, tore a ligament in my groin bc of shitty care and was in agony for weeks and a much slower recovery. Should have gone for ELCS, but I have quite a strong belief that every woman cooks her babies for a different time which is right for them and her and wanted to let my babies come when they were ready.

PotaytoPotahhto · 20/01/2025 08:40

t's also worth mentioning you shouldn't (legally) drive until your post op check at 6-8 weeks due to insurance purposes

It’s not a legal requirement. It depends on what your insurer wants.

BeachRide · 20/01/2025 09:18

PotaytoPotahhto · 20/01/2025 08:40

t's also worth mentioning you shouldn't (legally) drive until your post op check at 6-8 weeks due to insurance purposes

It’s not a legal requirement. It depends on what your insurer wants.

My insurers small print says 'when you feel ready'. I drove myself home three days after the section!

sunstarsrain · 21/01/2025 16:51

I had no control in mine would not recommended. In hindsight I would have felt more in control not being paralysed and having a natural birth. Once your there they do whatever they like.

BeachRide · 21/01/2025 19:20

sunstarsrain · 21/01/2025 16:51

I had no control in mine would not recommended. In hindsight I would have felt more in control not being paralysed and having a natural birth. Once your there they do whatever they like.

Look after the lives and health of you and your baby?

yipyipyop · 21/01/2025 19:25

sunstarsrain · 21/01/2025 16:51

I had no control in mine would not recommended. In hindsight I would have felt more in control not being paralysed and having a natural birth. Once your there they do whatever they like.

What did they do that you didn't consent to?

name0284629505 · 21/01/2025 20:07

A point to remember, as you talk about control, is that you are at higher (but not guaranteed) risk of preterm rupture of membranes as you have had this before, and as before you might go into labour on your own before your planned section date. If you do they will offer you the option of an emergency section (with increased risk depending on how dilated you are) or to continue with a vaginal birth. So baby may come early and in a rush no matter what is planned. It's something worth thinking about and discussing with your consultant.

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