C section or natural - wwyd?

[Teamkhaleesi]

Jut looking for some advice really - and if anyone has been in a similar situation please share your experience!

My first labour was induced due to water breaking but no labour. My baby was 8lb 11 which isn't enormous but for my small frame it was and I had trouble pushing him out! This led to forceps and a 3rd degree tear. Everything seems to have healed well (he's 14 months) and there haven't been any ongoing problems (a weaker pelvic floor but I think this is down to forceps and not getting pelvic floors right). I'm due my next baby in October and have been offered a c section. Obviously only I can make the decision and

I had no idea this was an option. My first was only 8lb 2oz but had the same situation - forceps + an episiotomy + 3rd degree tear. The recovery took FOREVER but luckily I haven't had any incontinence issues. I feel like #2 is going to be an even bigger baby, judging by the look of me so far at 25 weeks compared to last time, and I'm wondering if it's quite common (as many of you have said) to be offered an elective CS? I'm petite, as was my mother, and I ended up getting stuck when I was being born and she needed an emergency CS.

Hoping for a shorter/less traumatic birth this time around but now wondering what to do?

Mine was a failed induction resulting in c section. They struggled to numb me and had to consider a general. But actually I'd still do c section again. It was relatively easy, recovery was fast (although I do agree you'll. need to consider it with a toddler)

My scar does still itch sometimes though, no idea why.

I had an horrendous first (induction) and after speaking with the consultant we agreed that I would aim for a natural but if I got to the stage they ward to induce I would have a section.
Had a waterbirth 4 days overdue, all fine

My eldest I was in a ward of four. 3 sections and one third degree tear. Those of us with sections were up and about, weeing with no problems etc, far before the poor girl who got stitched.

My sister in law had a horrific tear, stitching. Needing a whole reconstruction a year later. And still isn't right. I'd take my scheduled, and my horrific emcs over that any day.

Recurrence of third degree tears is very low. Also the forceps would have contributed to the tear and it's extremely unlikely to need forceps after a first birth. Certainly the statistics are on your side to have a much easier time this time.

I'm day 5 post an unplanned c section after waters breaking, going into labour after 36 hours but didn't progress.
I'm taking paracetamol and ibuprofen, can walk short distances and manage around the house and scar healing well.
Baby was 9lb2 and I'm very petite which is probably why he was stuck in a difficult position and didn't descend into pelvis.
If I have any more I would have a planned c section as my recovery so far has been good despite the 24 hours of labour before it so should be much easier with elective.

Yes statistics are on my side which is great - and makes me lean towards a natural. However I feel like statistics were on my side for the first labour due to the low percentage of women who end up with 3rd/4th degree tears and this scares me. I think it would help a lot if I knew this baby was going to be smaller or around the same size as my son but again I've heard growth scans are unreliable - so many uncertainties!

Pumpkinspice - really surprised you weren't offered a c section. I think it's definitely worth asking if you think it's a good option for you. I feel bigger too this time round but I think this is common with 2nd pregnancies. I've put on less weight and it's a girl so fingers crossed it could be a smaller baby!

Loved my ELCS. Up and moving the next day. Recovery was textbook. Ask about a PICO dressing. They make a huge difference in healing time.

Just wanted to update this incase anyone is ever in my situation.

I ended up going for a natural birth. Went in to labour a week early and stayed a home as long as possible. By the time I got to the hospital there was no time for pain relief except for gas and air so I felt a lot more in control than the first time round (I’d had an epidural). The pushing stage was very quick and I had a very small 2nd degree tear. Biggest relief ever! I think this labour went so much better for a number of reasons - smaller baby, no forceps, no epidural, started naturally rather than induced and the fact that second labours are notoriously easier!

A natural birth after a bad tear is not the best option for everyone but I just wanted to put it out there that it is possible to chose this and for it to be a positive experience. 5 weeks on I’m back to normal and able to spend time enjoying my baby as well as run around after my toddler.

@Teamkhaleesi thank you for your update I found it really useful.
can I ask whether you had any Incontinence issues after your 1st which made you question whether it would be an issue having another natural birth with your second?
i think I had a missed 3rd degree tear and same first birth as you so they’ve said have an elective section but like you I am torn because I don’t really want a section but equally don’t want to make any incontinene issues worse with a natural birth. I had awful issues with both ends after my birth and piles through all the pushing and then forceps.
i am torn (no pun intended) with what to do! I am nearly 34 weeks so time is ticking on. My hubby wants me to stick with the section but deep down I don’t want that but also don’t want permanent incontience issues either, arrrgghhh!

@DMT1982 hi! Yes I did have incontinence issues (urinary). I think it was stress incontinence but the biggest issue for me was when I went running as I used to run a lot. A year after my second I referred myself to a physio who helped me with exercises. After 6 months things improved and I now don’t have any issues (not even when I sneeze!).

Its such a tough choice and I’m so sorry you’re having to make it! I really hope the birth goes well whichever way you decide to go

Congratulations! Great updates!

I’m a small frame too OP and I’m not even attempting a vaginal birth. I have seen how badly it has gone for the other women in my family. Even at the best of time - 90% chance of tearing and 40% chance of surgical intervention such as episiotomy or forceps. Those just aren’t acceptable options in my mind.

Straight to ELCS for me.

@Teamkhaleesi thanks so much for your reply and update.

I think my mind is now set on a section this time round as I had and still have anal incontience (worse because of the weight of the baby) and I just don’t want to make that worse.

Best of luck - hope it all goes smoothly and the recovery is quick! It’s not an easy decision to make but I’m sure you’ll be in the best hands

I'd take the section every time. Good luck!

My first was an emergency cs after failed induction & it was brilliant even after labouring for 2 days to 10cms! Home the next day, then 3 days later I was hoovering and taking down Christmas decorations 😂 Having DD on the 17th by elective and I can’t wait! ELECTIVE ALL THE WAY 🤩

Thanks ladies. I’m sure I’ll have another wobble but need to remind myself of the reasons the consultants have said go for a section and not my expectation of a beautiful natural birth that could end the same as the last one or give me permanent issues. Best of luck for the 17th