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Original poster

Am I crazy for wanting elective c-section

34 replies

Gem16 · 07/09/2020 10:34

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some advice and experience with regards to an elective c-section. I’m a FTM and extremely nervous about a natural birth. I am not scared of the pain I am just worried about the unknown and the health of my baby (I know too many people who have had babies with potential brain damage due to birth complications).
Without going into too much info I also already suffer from hemorrhoids and a weak bladder due to years of suffering from IBS and a tilted womb that I fear could be made much worse with a natural birth.

I have discussed my concerns with my midwife and I have been given an appointment with the birth choices clinic next week when I will be 20 weeks to discuss my reasons for wanting an elective c-section. I have read up thoroughly on the risks so I am fully aware of the extended recovery and that I will require additional help in the first couple of months. I am also aware that I am more than likely going to be refused one.

In a nutshell, am I crazy for wanting an elective c-section?

OP posts:

DarkmilkAddict · 07/09/2020 16:32

By civilised I mean peaceful and comfortable, could even choose a cd for them to play!

Original poster

Gem16 · 07/09/2020 16:41

Thank you all so much for your lovely, kind and helpful responses.

I am under no illusion that a c-section will be the easy way out and I understand that it is major surgery. All I want is my baby here safe and healthy.

You all really have helped me

Thank you again x

OP posts:

aToadOnTheWhole · 07/09/2020 18:52

I had an emergency section with my first baby, not emergency in that it was an actual emergency, just that I wasn't progressing and it was the only option of getting him out.

It was fine, rough initially but that was because I was exhausted from labouring. But the actual section was fine, stress-free and I felt looked after. I was out if hospital within 24 hours and up and about (albeit slowly!) on the fourth day. Pain meds for the first few days and I recovered quickly.

I will be requesting a ELCS for my second baby. And I breast fed for 14 months after.

ittooshallpass · 07/09/2020 18:59

My emergency c-section was horrendous. Massive infection. In pain for months after and now have the dreaded overhang.

I would have loved to have given birth myself, but my body just wouldn't do it. Following the c-section my milk never came in either. I found the whole experience really disappointing- apart from the baby of course!

I wouldn't choose a c-section but it's your choice... there are risks whichever way you deliver.

MinesALatte · 07/09/2020 19:03

Following with interest but just wanted to say @BombyliusMajor I’m so sorry for what I just read, how truly devastating xx

Darkstar4855 · 07/09/2020 19:34

A C section is more likely to exacerbate your IBS and retroverted uterus due to adhesions forming. There is also the risk of bladder or bowel injury during surgery.

I had a forceps delivery for my first, recovered swiftly and no long term problems. I laboured in the pool with gas and air but he turned the wrong way at the end. I didn’t wish I’d had a section.

StFrancis · 08/09/2020 06:05

No, I did exactly this.

I looked at the risks of vaginally birth and the risks of an elective C-section and personally preferred the latter.

If you are sure, look up the Birthrights report on maternal request c sections and see if a hospital near you has the NICE guidelines included in their policy. www.birthrights.org.uk/campaigns-research/maternal-request-caesarean/

I found a nearby hospital that did and self-referred to that one to make sure they couldn't refuse my request without going against their own policy. In the event, I was pleasantly surprised by the midwife and consultant who took the line of, "let's talk it through but ultimately it's your body and your choice".

It went brilliantly for me, incidentally. Calm and relaxed during the procedure, chatting away to the anaesthetist, baby came out with a big cry, weighed and put straight onto my chest. I was up and about once my catheter was out a few hours later (you'll definitely need to perfect the sideways roll out of bed for a few weeks!). Painkillers, winding down the dosage, for about a week. Zero long-term complications (I can still very much bounce on a trampoline(!) but appreciate that that will depend on the pregnancy as well as the birth). My scar is tiny and nearly totally faded to white. No overhang. Baby breastfed like a champ, no allergies and has only really been unwell after vaccinations - no colds or similar even after starting nursery.

Of course there are risks with both but going in for a planned c-section fresh and rested is a very different prospect than going in after hours of unsuccessful labour.

I'd choose it again in a heartbeat.

FiddlefigOnTheRoof · 08/09/2020 06:11

Remember when listening to anecdotes and reading studies that an ELCS is a whole different thing to an EMCS. Different recovery times, etc.

iloveyoubutilovememore · 08/09/2020 07:12

I will be having an elective section with this baby after a very traumatic labour with my now three year old son. It absolutely contributed to my pnd and I actually think the next birth will be quite healing given what happened the first time round.

You can have any birth you like don’t forget that x

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