If it came to it, would you rather a CS or Forceps delivery?

[brightredballoon]

I was reading another thread where the OP mentioned something about avoiding an instrumental delivery and maybe going for a CS if that (instrumental delivery) is looking likely. To avoid my taking the OP thread off at a tangent I started this one to ask you just that. Would you rather a CS over an instrumental delivery?

I am early pregnant with DC3. DC1 was a forceps, DC2 was a cs.

With the forceps I had a large episiotomy that felt raw and sore for a couple of weeks but I was a lot more able and in less discomfort etc than after my CS even though with the CS I wasn't in pain just felt vulnerable and restricted and took about 9wks to feel recovered.

Thanks for your opinions/experiences.

I have one DD who was delivered (eventually) by forceps, after 2 failed ventouse attempts. I was cut and also tore. I spent the first couple of hours of my DD's life in surgery being put back together. The recovery was very painful and my DD has a scar on her forehead. I am lucky that i have no lasting effects. At my 6 week check the doctor said if i got pregnant again they would offer me a c-section.

I obviously am unable to compare the two procedures, but i wish to god that i had been fully aware of what damage forceps can do, i would have insisted on a c-section.

I talked to my mum about it and she said that next time probably won't be as bad, she is probably right, and i have a lot of respect for the women that have natural births after traumatic deliverys or have a VBAC, but i need to be in control next time, i need to be able to enjoy cuddling my baby and making the most of those precious first days because i didnt do that last time, i was on auto-pilot

Quick hijack, a friend of mine had forceps three weeks ago, healing ok-ish but is unable to bend curl her legs, especially when in bed, without getting shooting pain inside.

I thought it sounded like it could be nerve damage from the forceps and that she should go to the doctor to see what they thought. Anyone have experience of this? TIA

CS. Previously I had an elective CS as ds was breech. When I come to write my birth plan I am going to state that if possible I would like a natural birth, if there are complications and it looks like forceps are likely I want to have a c-section instead. Whether they will listen to me or not is anothe matter.

CS, absolutely. I think my biggest fear in childbirth is having forceps. A nice planned section will ensure that doesn't happen.

Interesting thread.

Can you choose a cs over forceps or venthouse? I was always under the impression a cs was the very last resort.

Im pg with dc2 and had a 'normal' birth with dd.

Am getting worried that this baby is big. After reading these I now want to put in my birth plan not to have forceps or venthouse.

am I right in thinking its the high forceps that cause most damage?

Blueshoes - I know because I have been a community midwife and seen women at the booking of their next pregnancies when they tell me that they healed well!

Also when women deliver their next child you can often see that things look as they should, although obviously that doesn't tell you how long it took people to heal.

I had forceps and an episiotomy with a spinal anaesthetic - was not what I wanted (had planned a home birth!) but t'was fine....sore and tender afterwards but healed reasonably quickly and everything seems to have gone back to normal down there.

Hmm - forceps I guess. But from a position of complete ignorance...

had em c/s with ds1 and recovered pretty well.

With ds2, I was 'threatened' with epidural and forceps in theatre, with ultimate threat of c/s if it didn't work, after I'd been pushing for HOURS (having had sm episiotomy). I got off the bed and on to all fours when the anaesthetist came into my room to talk about epi, felt something change, and delivered ds2 so fast I had 3rd degree tear.

Far more consequences from 3rd degree tear, which I know was due to v fast final stage/delivery. But much easier to heal/recover from c/s.

Imagine though that I was more likely to continue to tear and might have done with forceps?

i'd rather c section than high forcep and I hated my c section so that's saying something

had ventouse with my vbac, was a breeze, episiotomy barely even hurt afterwards. c section was agony afterwards for weeks. always weird to read how it's the opposite experience for other women

I'm a newbie to MN, and am currently pregnant with DC2 (21 weeks). I have been offered the option of an elective CS after a traumatic first birth-long story short-DS was eventually delivered by forceps after a prolonged pushing stage and heart rate drop. Lots of stitches and haemorrage a week later. It took about three months to even begin to feel normal again(and my scar was very painful for about 2 years). The worst part for me though was not bonding with DS properly, I was just so glad it was all over. I didn't even want to hold him for a good few hours and the following weeks are all a blur. Anyway, having read this thread I think I'm going to opt for a CS this time, although it is still a VERY scary prospect I don't think I could cope with the same situation being a possibility again.

With ds1 they tried vetouse, which failed, and then started to get the forceps ready and i heard them phoning down to theatre to check it was ready for impending CS, i made sure i pushed as had as i could, thye used forceps to get him out, but, for the recovery issues alone, i was v. glad i didnt have a cs

MissMackenzie I can really relate to how you are feeling. THe MW said to me I have a good chance of having a straight forward birth as DD (my first birth) was back to back with her head flexed which is why they needed the forceps to rotate her (consultant actually did it with his hand in the end then guide her out with the forceps). However I vividly remember what a scary and rushed time it was and I didnt know what was going to happen next.
This time round (I'm currently 18wks) I really crave a calm experience and like you I really would love to cradle and nurse my newborn asap after birth and it not be a blur with me coming round from being knocked for six (that was more so my 2nd delivery).

Good luck all those that are pregnant

elec CS any day

In response to those asking whether you get a "choice"- I was taken to theatre for forceps attempt, when I found out it would be high forceps (and boy the doc looked nervous) I remember shouting "I WITHDRAW CONSENT!" They did a CS instead. I'm not a medical person, but I wonder whether there is much to choose timing wise between high forceps and CS, especially if you already have the spinal block done.

They totally buggered up the CS too and I had problems for a couple of years afterwards, but I still comfort myself with the thought that the effect on my physical and mental health could have been worse if I had let her be incompetent with the forceps rather than the CS.

BTW that was my second birth experience, a VBAC attempt after elective section for breech baby. If I ever did it again (and I won't) it would ELCS all the way for me.

Brightredballoon, I'm so glad I found this forum and people who feel the same way. I have to say I was swaying in my decision to have an elective CS (having been given very little guidance by MW and consultant- they told me I had to make my decision by 34 weeks, and all they had given me in the way of help was a standard issue CS leaflet!!) but having read about some of the experiences people have had and weighing everything up I now feel much better. It's so nice to know you're not alone The only thing I'm concerned about now is whether DP will be able to get enough time off work to help me while I recover.

Ha! yes, I believe I am.

Can I vote for ventouse? Still likely to have an epis, but less chance of mangling the baby's face/head.

Then FX
Then CS.

I don't know. The friends I have who had to have an emergency instrumental delivery were all pretty shocked by it.
I'd probably choose an elective CS over an emergency instrumental delivery.

C-section absolutely. I had a lovely elective section with DS2 3 weeks ago. I felt fine and was up and about the following day and apart from being knackered due to sleep deprivation have been fine ever since.

Avoided the whole bending and lifting thing for a couple of weeks and still avoid carrying DS1 who is 2.6, but otherwise recovery has been very quick and easy. After the experience I had with DS1 which involved forceps, it's so lovely being able to sit down.

StarlightMcKenzie- sure, no problem.
Flowerybeanbag- ahh, to be able to sit down! The more I read the less scared of the whole thing I am becoming. And I must say it is a relief to finally have made a decision (I think!!)
it's amazing though, that everyone's experience is sooo different. (that sounds dumb I know).