Elective C-Section

[RMarieClaire]

At my 32 week appointment I found out that baby is breech. Not a huge surprise as I can feel her wee head under my ribs and it's very uncomfortable!

I know I've still got 4 weeks (at least) to turn her, but it got me thinking about elective c-sections and I'm now wondering whether this might be an option I actually want. I have anxiety and find uncertainty particularly triggering, and there is so much uncertainty around labour, I'm starting to really worry about it. But then am I exposing us to risks and a long painful recovery just because I'm scared?

Would love to hear from anyone who either had elective c-section, or who had an OK labour they were terrified about!

I had a very unpleasant first birth so requested an elective for the second. I found the c section way better, much calmer, more predictable as I knew what was happening every step of the way. Even the recovery was better than my first 'natural' birth and the scar is pretty much gone now. Some women have totally uncomplicated natural births and really enjoy the experience but it wasn't like that for me so I'm very glad I pushed for the elective second time around.

I had an elective c section nearly a year ago and it was great. Really calm, well planned, I think most trusts have enhanced recovery where you take special drinks (other stuff too I just can’t remember now) and it helps your body to prepare and recover more quickly. I was on a small ward afterwards for elective c sections which actually was probably a disadvantage as it was quieter than the main ward but also less staff and I think that made things quite difficult on the first night but I may have just been unlucky (and it wasn’t bad, just not fantastic).

I would say within two weeks I felt pretty normal but was careful for as long as possible. I didn’t drive for 6 weeks but I know plenty of people do and are fine, just need to double check your insurance. Overall I think they are a good option if there is potential for a difficult birth and wouldn’t say they are to be feared!

I'd take an elective over an emergency but an elective would be my absolute last resort.

The recovery is horrendous (I took 5 months to close up) and in that time found moving etc very difficult. I was unlucky but this is a possibility.

A vaginal non breech birth has far fewer risks than a C section.

I found my dd was breech at 38 weeks and no amount of ecv or wiggling would shift her. I had an elective c section at 39+4 and I can honestly say it was a better experience than my natural labour with DS.

It was a calm experience and I felt in control. I also felt I recovered physically much quicker after my c section than I did with my episiotomy with DS. I was up and about within 8 hours and driving within 4 weeks. However I know others who have struggled with recovery.

If I had a third I would seriously consider an elective c section again.

I had a c section after we discovered DC was breech in the delivery room. I think it was officially classed as an emergency section but there had been no progress in labour since my waters went that morning so there was no rush and it was all very calm. I had plenty of time to talk through the procedure with obstetrician and anaesthetist. The staff were amazing. Very reassuring and friendly.

Recovery was initially great, I was up and moving the next afternoon, driving within a couple of weeks. However, I overdid it a bit and ended up pulling my scar a little so if you go for it, be careful with lifting and bending.

When will you be checked next? I wasn't happy with the risks of a vaginal breech birth.

I had an elective last time with DC2 at 35+5 because my daughter was a footling breech and I was so nervous but honestly was such a calm atmosphere and recovery wasn't as bad I expected little sore and uncomfortable for first week I was out within just over 24 hours on enhanced recovery and didn't breastfeed and was driving after 2.5 weeks. I am expecting DC3 in August and got have c section at 36 weeks in July because of major previa and I'm nervous recovery will be different second time round but I hope it is the same as before.

Good luck xx