Childbirth or elec c-section? Please help me decide!

[FruitynNutty]

I'm currently almost 26 weeks pg with DS2 and for the 1st few weeks I was desperate for a HB after reading/hearing such wonderful things about it.

However, I had a pretty crap labour with DS1.

At 41+5 (day before I was due to be induced) my waters broke completely by surprise but I had no contractions.
I had to be induced anyway and was in labour for 18 hours, gas and air, tens machine, epidural, had suction, forceps then emergency c-section.
I couldn't believe it when they told me DS was 9lb 12! He also got stuck as he was trying to come out with the side of his head first.

Obviously I've been told I shouldn't have a HB as its far too risky.

Ok, so now I've had a chance to think about my last birth and, stupidly, reading some real horror stories on here about 3rd,4th degree tears and incontinence, piles etc... I'm now wondering if I should just go for an elective c-section?
I recovered so quickly after my c-section and have had no trouble since.
However, I feel like I'll be missing out on actually giving birth. I feel like it's a bit of a cop out.

I just don't want to go through all that labour to end up with an emergency c-section after all.

Chances are I'll have another enormous baby, midwife has already told me I'm measuring 2 weeks over. People also always comment on how big my bump is.

I really don't know what to do.

Will I really be missing out on an amazing experience?
I do sometimes feel like I missed out last time.

I can't believe I was thinking about a HB and now I'm considering a c-section

I am in the same boat at 26 weeks, DD 9lb 1oz but I'm only 5ft, tiny feet, and am normally a size 8. When they pulled her out during the section the doctor said her shoulders were too big to come out. She didn't even enter the pelvic brim. I had a scan this week and this baby is 99th percentile in terms of head and stomach.

Measuring bump with tape measure not very accurate. Are you not having growth scans or met a consultant to discuss your options? I'm due to have two more scans 34/38 weeks to assess likely size although they say they won't advise elective unless baby 4kg or more thats 8lb 12oz+.

Will they give you a HB, I don't have that option. I'm down as high risk VBAC at the moment but last time I saw the consultant it felt that if I sneezed while in labour they would whip the baby out by emcs.

why are you classed as high risk for a hb?

I'm also in same- ish boat

Has a 3rd degree tear last time and was told I could have an elective section next time.

Ihad a horrible experience in hospital and I think I am more scared of the care i recieve being shit again than tearing.

Anyhow - I had my booking appoint yesterday and the midwife suggested a Home Birth if consult would agree

I too was totally thinking section and now don't know what to do.

I don't see a section as a better option than what happened last time as it's major surgery and I'm worried about recovery but I had a terrible recovery last time from tear.

MW made a good popint yesterday, she said having a VB could have no problems or might have bad tear again but with a planned section you're def going to have a major wound and recovery time.

fruitandnutty (great name) I don't know what to suggest for you, it's got to be your choice at the end of the day. I totally sympathise with your concerns, what do we do???

I had a crash section under GA with DD(planned homebirth), now 20 months, after 68 hrs of irregular contractions and ruptured membranes, was about to be induced/speeded up with the drip but her HB dropped after the (failed) epidural went in. It was horrific.

I posted a very similar message a few months ago, before I went to see the consultant at 20w appt. I asked for an elective CS and she was VERY unwilling, very much promoting a VBAC, in hospital of course, conceded that basically if I came back in 4 weeks and BEGGED she might book me one.

I decided bollocks to you then, I've booked a homebirth for my VBAC. Very little fighting needed as well, I just rang the supervisor of Midwives at local hospital and asked her if I could come in to discuss my options - told her I knew I could insist on a homebirth but what I actually wanted to know was whether they would willingly support me with a homebirth.

She said yes no problem, she had read my notes and understood that I was NEVER going to try to have a vaginal birth in the hospital- and I also have a birth plan that states basically homebirth as planned, if not going to plan to go in for a section no messing - ie I AM NOT TRANSFERRING IN FOR VENTOUSE/FORCEPS/MESSING ABOUT WITH.

Now almost 39 weeks and quite nervous about the birth - esp tearing/incontinence etc, as I feel I could have opted out of pushing this baby out altogether...but recovering from a CS with a newborn and a 20/21mo toddler is something I want to avoid if possible - realistically even if I tear I will most likely be out and about much quicker than with a CS, and if a CS proves neccessary I will have to manage I suppose, but I'd rather only have the section if I need it.

Not much help I guess but that's how I decided! Good luck x

I had an elective caesarean after an emergency one first time. there were all sorts of reasons why I chose and elective c-section one of them being hoping to keep my pelvic floor intact and not suffer with incontinence.

I wish I had read this thread before I had made my decision:

www.pregnancy-info.net/QA/answers-Long_term_problems_due_to_c_sections_/

Caes areans don't necessarily protect you from on-going problems. I am ten months post c-section and still have bladder problems, pain in the incision and wonder if it will ever get better.

I can't get the link to work, but the site is

www.pregnancy-info.net/QA

to get the thread you need to go to the forum caesareans and then do a search for bladder problems post caesarean.

I am in the same boat too.

Am nearly 32 weeks with DC2 and dd's birth was awful, induction, 24 hrs of labour with all the intervention in the world ended in emer CS.

I have been offered an elective but also encouraged to try for VBAC. My biggest fear, like yours, is that history will repeat itself and I will end up going through labour and ended up with a CS anyway.

There was a thread on here recently about positive El/CS stories, I'll try and find it for you.

My baby is currently breech and if he is still breeck at 36 weeks, my consultant said he would book me in for an elective. In that case the decision is made for me so I'm trying not to worry until then but it's proving harder than I thought!

Here it is.

Why aren't you allowed a homebirth?

Markthe... There is a lot you can do to turn a breech baby if you want a vaginal birth. Have you seen the spinning babies website? Moxibustion?

I was in exactly the same position as you a few weeks ago.

DS1 was born by emcs 2.5 yrs ago - he was back-to-back and after 24 hours labour, he was not going to come out.

For DS2 I had to decide whether to opt for a VBAC or a elcs - the hospital were very supportive either way so I went with my gut instinct and chose an elcs - the reasons for that were not all entirely 'proper', such as it would be easier to organise childcare for my 2.5 yr old etc .

However, I did (and still do not) have any strong urge to experience natural childbirth, which you do seem to have. I know we are not going to have any more children but I have never once felt I have missed out on the experience.

I had DS2 3 weeks ago by elcs and it was a much better experience - very calm, surgeon was lovely - I wouldn't say it was enjoyable but certainly better than first time round.

As far as the healing/recovery - the initial recovery in hospital was much easier - you aren't tired from labour etc but it does seem to be taking me longer to recover overall this time (still in a little bit of pain etc) and I have found it so hard not being able to pick up DS1 and carry him round like I used to. But I think the longer recovery is due to the fact that the surgeon had to do some 'reconstructive' work on my womb as apparently the first cs had left a bit of a mess

I am sure your gut instinct is guiding you in one direction - I know mine was - maybe listen to that?

turtledove- when they said they would book me in I secretly felt relieved.

I am too scared to go through all that again.

Markthe...Am very pleased for you in that case!!

whats scary is the thought that is either an elective or "natural" that has around a 50% chance of leading to complications that in turn have a very high chance of necessitating a crash section. So you think either elective or a 50% chance of going through what you went with dc1. I think there is actually a middle way, you can write (and discuss with your consultant) a birth plan for your trial of labour (TOL) that gives you a way out when things start looking risky

mine is
a) to be allowed to be as mobile as possible
b) no interventions (syntocin, breaking waters) to be given, if the baby needs to come out fast then i want to be taken straight to theatre
c) after 7 or so hours of active labour (so 5cm+) reconsider options.
d) no forceps
e) skin to skin as soon as possible

have also booked section for 41 weeks when the chances of a natural delivery go down really fast

don't forget that by agreeing to a vbac you are potentially saving them 1000s of pounds so you are in a very strong position

good luck with whatever you decide

Good luck to you Fruity

People's feelings about childbirth are so personal and so heated and this is something only you can decide. Your gut instinct has to guide you.

Bear in mind, people who've had horror stories tend to post on these threads so they're not totally representative, remember many people have successful vbacs. I've had two cses but am sure pulling off a vbac must be v satisfying. However, if you find the prospect becomes too intimidating for whatever reason then go for the cs.

All the best with your decision.

I was in this position earlier this year. I had a bad time 3rd degree tear and a year of problems afterwards 1st time and was offered el cs 2nd time. I was petrified - worried about a cs and the 6 weeks after and coping with a 2 yr old but terrified of a worse tear and being maybe being in a more uncomfortable state with another difficult vb. However I went with a vb and it was much better. I was so nervous but had v supportive midwives and drummed into them about my previous birth. The obstetrician came as again it got tricky as I was pushing the baby out (ventouse again) but a week later I was driving my ds1 to nursery - I couldn't believe it. I was advised whilst pushing to stay on my back to slow the baby down when coming out - it went against all my natural instincts but apparently can reduce the risk of a tear. It worked for me but am sure I will get lots of people saying it is rubbish. It is a frightening choice and frustrating that you can't see into the future but as people say, go with your gut instinct. Best of luck.

Fruity has a concern about size - insist on growth scans, they may not be that accurate but at least it may give you peace of mind. Sometimes second babies are smaller than the first. People do give birth no problem to big babies of course but not everybody.

I've been told that if I do go for a VBAC when I am in active labour they will scan for head position and whether he is entering the pelvis or not - not an option for HB though but if you go for a VBAC in hospital then you could insist on this.

i really feel for you. I can understand wjhy you are considering elective or homebirth and I don't think they are the opposite dies of the spectrum that they initally appear. They are both about controlling the birth environment and avoiding a traumatic vaginal birth.

I was veering towards an elective and edned up with a homebirth at a midwives suggestion and it was a wonderful experience. Just because you had a tough time last time does not mean it will happen again, your body wll be better prepared for labour and birth having done it already.

Good luck with whatever you decide you will get lots of support here.

There is no guarantee that you will have the same birth experience at all. In the same vein by planning a second section you will not be guaranteed to come out of it with no problems. All surgery carries risks, which I'm sure you are aware of.

There is no exact science for determining the size of the baby. A scan can tell you whether the baby is in a relatively good position though.
+/- 2cm is perfectly reasonable in any pregnancy and fundal height measurement is also highly unreliable. It could be a 6lb baby and a lot of amniotic fluid, you simply won't know until you're in the thick of it.

Your first birth sounds rather typical to me tbh, with maybe the exception of the c-section ending. Second birth tend to be easier and faster.

A water tight birth plan for a hospital birth maybe a better option for you.

I understand the OP's fears.

It sounds like your baby got stuck in the same position mine did.

For me I think this was probably due to all the intervention/making me lie down the hospital did and if I ever have another one I have concluded that I will be hiring an independent midwife to shield me from all of that business so my baby has a chance to get in the right position and to be born without a section.

I am not a medical person but I did not think that having a big baby was a reason to have a section. I say this because my 5 foot tall, size 8 mother produced a nearly 11lb whopper. The position our babies got stuck in I do not believe has anything to do with size (my DD was 7lb).

I think maybe you should call the hospital and ask to discuss your fears and options with a senior midwife.

Thank you so much for all your replies.

One question that has been asked a couple of times is why I can't have a HB.

This is something I was desperate for at the beginning.
However, for one, I've been placed with a midwife team which doesn't offer HB's or even home visits (even though another team at the same hospital would have done) Apparently it's to do with your postcode As you can imagine I was furious with this as it appeared I didn't have much choice in the matter, unless I moved.
Secondly, when I told the consultant I wanted a HB and was really cross about not having the choice he basically told me that it is far far to risky after a c-section anyway and my scar could rupture. He said I would not have time to go to the hospital if this happened. He just made me feel as if I was being incredibly selfish (he didn't say this btw - just made me feel it) to want a HB.
I was absolutely devastated and embarrassingly burst into tears in the consultant's office - hormones eh!

Now I've thought about it, I just don't want to put my baby's or my life in danger and think that the hospital would be the safest place to be for both of us.

I've also got an underactive thyroid which apparently makes a difference? although I've no idea why - I've just heard this.

No one has suggested growth scans to me. I've not really seen that many midwives tbh. My next appointment is on the 5th Jan when I'll be 29 weeks.
I've got a 4d scan tomorrow so I might ask the sonographer if they can do a measurement for me.

I just had such a fantastic recovery from my c-section last time. Maybe I was just lucky.

Hi Fruitty - if you read the other thread you can see I am going through something of a similar thing!

Just don't know what to do for the best although I am leaning towards an ELCS if possible. I am worried about the size of the baby too, my bump is huuuge (has been since about 25 weeks) and I still have 7 weeks to go.

Wish they could tell the baby's size accurately! On the graph it shows fundus is on the outside of the outer line (and always has been since the start of measuring). I queried it and they advised they never worry about measurements on the outside of the outer line (ie in the big/heavy zone) only those in the low measurement side. Blood tests have ruled out diabetes.

I am tall(ish) but with small hands, feet size, wrists and ankles, veins even etc. They just look at me and say "oh but you're tallish so you shouldn't have a problem giving birth then they ask what my shoe size is and it is v small for my height, they don't know what to say about that.

I have pretty much ditched the idea of a HB even though I liked it initially, just in case things didn't go to plan...

I have copied this from a post on another site, but I like the way it was worded:
VBAC rupture stats:
An alternative look at the statistics on the figures for uterine ruptures:

Ruptures are more common than dying in a plane crash. Henci Goer's review of the literature on VBACs found 46 ruptures in 15,154 labors. This equates to a 0.3% rate... or 1 in 333, if you prefer. Your annual risk of dying in a plane crash is 1 in 4000, according to one source, and 1 in 700,000 according to another. I can't explain the massive discrepancy between the two figures, except to quote Mark Twain about "lies, damn lies, and statistics."
Your risk of dying in a car accident, over the course of your lifetime, is between 1 in 42 and 1 in 75. This is roughly 4 to 5 times greater than the risk of uterine rupture.
You're about twice as likely to have your car stolen (that's an annual risk) than to experience a uterine rupture.
Your odds of being murdered are 1 in 140 over the course of your lifetime. That's 2 times more likely than the risk of rupture.
The annual risk of having a heart attack is 1 in 160, 2 times more likely than rupture. Your risk of dying from heart disease is roughly 1 in 6, or 55 times greater than your risk of rupture.
If you're a smoker, your risk of dying from lung cancer is 1 and a half times more likely than a VBAC mom rupturing during her labor.
You're about 17 times more likely to contract an STD this year than you are to have a uterine rupture; more likely to contract gonorrhea than to rupture, as well.
You're 13 times more likely to get food poisoning than to rupture.
You're more likely to have twins than a uterine rupture. Odds of twins: 1 in 90. That's about 3 1/2 times the likelihood of rupture.
If you ride horseback, you're 3 times more likely to die in a riding accident than you are to experience a uterine rupture.
If you ride a bike on the street, you are 4 times more likely to die in an accident (annual risk) than you are to suffer a rupture.
Having a serious fire in your home during the next year is twice as likely as experiencing a rupture.
You're ten times as likely to win at roulette as you are to have a uterine rupture.
If you flip a coin, you'll be more likely to get heads (or tails) 8 times in a row than to rupture.
The risk of cord prolapse is 1 in 37 (2.7%), or nearly ten times more likely than that of rupture.
And a final irony (heads up, those of you who want a doc to give his/her opinion on your likelihood of rupture next pregnancy!)...
You're 6 times more likely to have a doctor who is an impostor than you are to suffer a rupture. Two percent of docs are phonies (1 in 50), according to several sources I found.

It's still me, Fruity btw as if you hadn't guessed
Ok so rupture isn't likely then! The way consultant was going on you'd think it happened all the time

Thank you chaufleur I hadn't realised there was another thread. I didn't think to look I'll have a read. I've just realised your thread is the one MarkTheHeraldAngelsStretch has linked above.
I'll have a read