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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Having a C Section after a natural delivery

11 replies

LexiBee83 · 14/05/2020 16:05

Mum's... I need some advice please.

I'm a mum of a 21 month old boy and now pregnant with number 2, due in October. Very excited! I had a very traumatic and difficult delivery with my first baby, was in labour for a very long time and ended up being assisted with both the suction cup and forceps, with my son being taken to ICU afterwards. Now I'm petrified of going through anything similar again - both mentally but also because my recovery was loooong (without going into details).

I'm considering asking for a c-section but scared of feeling the pressures of letting myself down (not trying for a second natural birth) and also what a c-section might be like (the op, recovery with a toddler, getting stomach strength back etc)

Does anyone have experience of a c-section with a second/third child after a vaginal delivery? Help! xx

OP posts:

Colouringinbook · 14/05/2020 16:48

No experience but I'm in a similar position so place marking! I've got an appointment with a consultant booked for 22 weeks. Plan is for DH to take extra time off, especially as we're not likely to go on holiday this year, so he can do a lot of the care for our toddler.

jellytots2020 · 14/05/2020 16:54

I've only got 1 child so maybe it's not very helpful, but I had a c-section, my sister had a natural birth a couple of weeks later and it seems like we took a similar time to fully recover.

The initial pain (combined with the painkillers) left me horrified tbh and confused, but once I was home I could move ever so slowing and after three or four weeks was able to go for walks in the park and 6 weeks later was back to the gym.

The actual delivery was such a relief, after 10 hours of labour I was delighted when everything was numbed and I could just lie down knowing everything was in control. I don't think it's the easy way out at all, I imagine it's completely different from a natural birth but it's not easy. But if it gives you peace of mind and you're able to get one, I would recommend it.

sunlight81 · 14/05/2020 17:10

Had a similar #1 to you so opted for a section for #2. Best thing I ever did!!!!

I was that battered the first time recovery was similar. I'm opting for a section on #3 too.

Good luck

BeMorePacific · 14/05/2020 17:13

My c section recovery was about 8 weeks. I had numerous infections and felt really ill for a long time.
But a lot of women bounce back fairly quickly.
Odds are that as you’ve already had a fully dilated cervix and a baby pass through the birth canal that you’d have a slightly quicker labour. But obviously that isn’t guaranteed.
Good luck on whatever you decide xx

AluminumMonster · 14/05/2020 17:45

I don't know if it helps but with my first I had an EMCS after failed forceps so after a bit of research I elected for a planned caesarean the second time around, it was the best decision I made.

I smile when I look back to the second birth, I can't say that for the first.

I was lucky that the physical recovery for both was pretty straight forward and no infections. Mentally I was in a much better place with the elective c-section which was needed with a toddler running about!

Maybelatte · 14/05/2020 20:26

I had a c-section with DC4 after three vaginal deliveries, two of which were hugely traumatic. I asked for a CS as result of the traumatic deliveries plus a traumatic missed miscarriage which also almost killed me. Basically my uterus doesn’t ‘clamp down’ very well so just keeps bleeding and I end up haemorrhaging.

I had to really fight hard for it. Think I saw at least four different consultants and a consultant midwife. They even tried talking me out of it when I was sitting in my surgical gown ready to go to theatre! They were hell bent against it for some reason and it actually went fine, I enjoyed it if I’m being honest. I’m due with DC5 in July and this time haven’t had to fight for a CS which was pleasant.

They can’t decline but be prepared to put up a fight if it’s what you really want.

Maxwillpop · 15/05/2020 05:47

I had a traumatic delivery first time, and was told it was my choice second time if i wanted csection or natural, natural could possibly leave me with last damage, so i opted for a csection, it was the best ever decision, so relaxed and calm and the recovery was fine, im having a section again this time and im so glad!

Poseyrose11 · 15/05/2020 06:03

I had forceps for my first birth and the recovery was rough, with an infection that meant I had to go back into hospital. During my second pregnancy I was worried about the delivery and recovery the whole time but accepted I’d have to try again naturally. At my 37 week growth scan they predicted the baby would be over 10lbs, maybe 11. I saw the consultant and they gave me the choice of induction or c section. I chose the c section and my daughter was delivered at 39 weeks, she was 9lb 7 so a little smaller than they predicted but still a big baby.

I am so glad I went for the c section. I can’t say at any point I experienced anything other than discomfort rather than actual pain. I felt in control the whole time unlike my first birth. When I look back on the day my son was born I don’t feel the same joy as I do when I think of my daughters birth, which makes me sad.

I was very lucky in that I had a straight forward section and the recovery was amazing- I know it’s not the same for everyone. I think you have to go with what you feel would be best for you, when I decided on the section I kept second guessing myself, but my midwife said you have made the decision with the best intentions based on the information you have , so don’t give it any more thought than that.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

PuntoEBasta · 15/05/2020 08:37

I would really encourage you to stop describing your first birth as 'natural'. It sounds a lot like my first birth and for all that my DD was born vaginally there was nothing natural about delivering her in an operating theatre with instrumental intervention. 'Natural' is such a loaded word and you will not be a failure if you decide that a caesarean is right for you this time.

I was left with complex injuries which took a long time to heal, and I count myself lucky that I wasn't left with permanent damage. It took me four years to feel physically and psychologically ready to have another child and I steeled myself to fight for an ELCS. It turned out that every HCP I spoke to about my case felt that my request was totally reasonable and the whole process was very cathartic. Had I realised how supportive they would be I would have a much smaller age gap between my children.

Good luck

Lily2020 · 15/05/2020 10:44

Hi @LexiBee83 I'm in a similar position to you, very long labour, failed ventouse so DD now 22 months, was delivered by forceps, tear, episiotomy, infections for us both, took me 8 months to feel 'normal' again. Just found out I'm pregnant again & I intend on Asking for an elective section. Please keep us updated on how you get on 😊

Original poster

LexiBee83 · 19/05/2020 17:07

Hi everyone.

I'm so sorry it's taken me a while to come back to you. Thank you all so so much for your advice. I really appreciate it. I have a meeting with a consultant on the 20th of June and will let you know how I get on. I think after all your kind messages I am going to ask for a c-section. Fingers crossed it isn't a battle!

OP posts:

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