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Original poster

C-Section Recovery (Vs Episiotomy Recovery)

49 replies

ImpatientDotCom · 14/02/2021 16:18

Hi,

I had a difficult first birth ending in an Episiotomy that didn't heal well and I was in a lot of pain for about 5-6 weeks.

The midwife has mentioned having a c-Section this time (my second) but I'm nervous about the recovery. What were people's c-Section recoveries like and anyone had both and can compare?

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:
Crackerofdoom · 14/02/2021 16:24

I had an Episiotomy and forceps with my first and a planned c-section with my second.

C-cection was infinitely better. My physical recovery was quicker and I didn't have the exhaustion of a 40-hour labour added to it.

I also had more concrete restrictions on me about what I could physically do so we organised around that so I actually allowed myself to recover properly rather than pushing to be superwoman and then doing more damage.

I ended up having an emergency csection with my third and whilst it was scary at the time, a part of me was relieved I wouldn't have to do another vaginal birth as I found the first one so traumatic.

pinkpig381 · 14/02/2021 16:28

Following! I also had a traumatic birth with my son 18 months ago (9lb 10oz, dipping heart rate, episiotomy and PPH) and just found out I'm pregnant with number two, wasn't sure if I'd be allowed an elective caesarean so definitely interested on other people's experiences!
Congratulations on baby Smile x

Ithinkhedidit · 14/02/2021 16:32

I had a third degree tear in my first birth and a c section second time round. I found the c section far, far easier to recover from. The tear hurt for months afterwards but the c section recovery was only painful for a few days and in less than two weeks required no painkillers at all.

Ithinkhedidit · 14/02/2021 16:33

Oh i also had a pph with the vaginal birth but minimal bleeding with the c section.

Crackerofdoom · 14/02/2021 16:34

@pinkpig381

Following! I also had a traumatic birth with my son 18 months ago (9lb 10oz, dipping heart rate, episiotomy and PPH) and just found out I'm pregnant with number two, wasn't sure if I'd be allowed an elective caesarean so definitely interested on other people's experiences! Congratulations on baby Smile x
I was dreading giving birth to DC2 through most of the pregnancy.

she was section because she was foot long breech but on the day I went in, they did a last scan in case she had turned and then I could have a vbac instead.

I was so stressed during that scan as I was terrified she would have turned.

I will add that I no doubt have some unresolved issues about my first birth, I had labour pains whilst getting my coil fitted and nearly threw up so I know I am quite extreme.

I know there will be lots of people who can give great birth stories and I am probably not a great example.

GintyMcGinty · 14/02/2021 16:36

I can't compare but both my c-section recoveries were truly awful.

First I was in hospital for 5 weeks. I was on strong pain killers for 12 weeks. I wasn't back to normal until about 4-5 months.

Second - I was in hospital for 10 days due to post op complications including 5 days in high dependency. I then got a wound infection at about which had to be dressed every day by the district nurse for 4 weeks. It was so painful I couldn't get out of bed for an hour after each dressing. I was on strong pain killers for 12 weeks and this time wasn't back to normal until about 6 months had passed.

ancientgran · 14/02/2021 16:44

I've got 4 children, 1 was an EMCS, 2 with episiotomy, 1 forceps and episiotomy with a 10lb baby. The longest worst recovery was the EMCS. I was offered a planned section with the last one and am so glad I didn't have it, even with forceps it was so much better than the EMCS.

The thing is you can't predict, I agonised about what to do and it worked out so well, went in for induction and found I was 5 cm dilated and hadn't had a pain 5 hrs later he was born, rough last few minutes as he got stuck but sitting up enjoying tea and toast very soon afterwards.

I had a GA for the section so it might be different with an epidural. My husband not giving me a fit of the giggles ending up with him being told to leave by a midwife as she dealt with my burst stitches might have improved things.

Good luck whatever you decide.

PaquitaVariation · 14/02/2021 16:44

I’ve only had c sections, one emergency and one planned, so can’t compare for you. However both recoveries were straightforward, able to move easily within a week with minimal painkillers after the first few days, and no problems at all after that. I think recoveries like Ginty’s are the exception but always the risk you take.

ancientgran · 14/02/2021 16:46

Forgot to say I still have issues with the scar from the EMCS, it is sort of numb but it itches and I can't relieve it with a scratch, drive me mental. I don't think it is going to improve 30 years later.

ancientgran · 14/02/2021 16:46

@PaquitaVariation

I’ve only had c sections, one emergency and one planned, so can’t compare for you. However both recoveries were straightforward, able to move easily within a week with minimal painkillers after the first few days, and no problems at all after that. I think recoveries like Ginty’s are the exception but always the risk you take.
Yes you can get extreme examples whatever you do.
Littlegoth · 14/02/2021 16:47

I’ve only had a planned c section but I was able to drive after 2 weeks (and for those concerned yes my doctor and insurers were happy for me to do so).

I did heal very well though and appreciate my experience may not be typical for everyone.

Willow4987 · 14/02/2021 16:51

I was in the same situation as @Crackerofdoom and had a planned CS with DS2 after a long and traumatic birth with DS1 that ended in episiotomy and forceps

The VB was by far harder to recover from physically and emotionally. The CS was so much better for me

TokyoSushi · 14/02/2021 16:55

I had a hideous episiotomy/foreceps delivery with my first and an ELCS with my second as a result.

The ELCS was wonderful and the recovery wasn't even a tiny bit as bad as the horrendous episiotomy!

HazeyJaneII · 14/02/2021 16:57

Its so hard to compate birth for birth

In my own experience - 3 births - 1st with episiotomy, ventouse, 3rd degree tear and surgery, 2nd with 2nd degree tear...and surgery, 3rd an elective caesarean and it was easily the worst out of the 3, long recovery, ongoing issues.

All births have the potential to be ok and all have the potential to be shit!

SaffyWall · 14/02/2021 16:58

I had a episiotomy, failed ventouse/forceps, large 3rd degree tear and then PPH with my first and it took me months to recover physically (and a long time to recover mentally too).

Baby No.2 was an ELCS and a wholly different experience. A CS is still pretty physical and recovery can be painful but it I was totally prepare for that and much more able to cope. And I was totally 'present' for the birth and remember it with a smile. For me, an ELCS was totally the right decision.

plixy · 14/02/2021 17:00

I had a section due to baby being breach. 21 months later I am still in pain due to abdominal adhesions - there is a 1 in 4 of chance of these occurring.
I would never choose a section given the option.

poppybuns · 14/02/2021 17:02

I had episiotomy and forceps with my first, horrendous traumatic birth and it took me months to recover I was in so much pain.
Second I had an elective section and I loved every second, I didn't find recovery hard at all. Bit tender getting out of bed or up from the sofa for a couple of days but that was it. Pain was manageable with pain killers unlike with my episiotomy.
I have no regrets going for the section.. I'd make the same choice if I ever have any more.

SpaceOp · 14/02/2021 17:06

Episiotomy and ventouse for dc1. Emergency c section for dc2, but, thankfully without hours of labour beforehand, so in reality closer to a planned one.

C section was infinitely better. Obviously there are people who do v badly with surgery etc but overall, my experience is in line with everyone I know. Even women who did not recover as easily as i did, nonetheless did recover well and with fewer complications than traumatic vaginal deliveries.

My sister had 2 straight forward vaginal births and there is no doubt that her physical recovery was better than mine, both times. But if that's unlikely to happen I would 100% go for the selective c section.

littlemisslozza · 14/02/2021 17:12

DC1 was a horrible forceps shoulder dystocia birth, with episiotomy of course.

Was given the choice of ELCS for DC2 (&3) so went with it. Both were straightforward and recoveries good. I would say that it's important to have some help - you shouldn't carry anything heavier than your baby for about 6 weeks and that is hard if you have a toddler and all the household stuff to do. It can be easy to relax about it too after 3-4 weeks but I found, both times, that I got a little bit swollen around the scar if I had a day of overdoing it. Did get an infection 5 weeks afterwards the second time but that was quickly sorted. Was driving after about 3 weeks both times, after discussion with Dr, which was about the same as after the episiotomy actually. Apparently the myth of 6 weeks not driving is from the days when cars didn't have power steering!

TheGracefulwhale · 14/02/2021 17:16

@Ithinkhedidit

I had a third degree tear in my first birth and a c section second time round. I found the c section far, far easier to recover from. The tear hurt for months afterwards but the c section recovery was only painful for a few days and in less than two weeks required no painkillers at all.
I have exactly the same experience. My c section was a lovely experience that I'll forever be greatful for, especially after the drama of my first birth
physicskate · 14/02/2021 17:29

I had episiotomy with forceps and a pph with dd. Took awhile to get the painkillers and healing started, but by about 6 weeks the episiotomy scar had stopped aching all the time. I actually felt pretty positive about my experience. (That night in hospital after the birth is another story entirely!!!).

I'm 33 weeks with ds. I was told that about 90% of women who'd given birth vaginally would do so without need for intervention a second time. I'm sorta hoping it ends up being true!!!

Chelyanne · 14/02/2021 18:15

I had 1 episiotomy cut with 1st, healed fine. 2 episiotomy cuts with 2nd, healed fine. Tore from V2A with 3rd, healed fine but the scar tissue is very thin and easily irritated. 4&5 were elective cesarean, my stitches didn't dissolve as they should and I ended up with an infection. They gave me 2 lots of different antibiotics at the same time, I ended up pulling out 2.5inch of stitches at home and then it healed up. I forget about my scar most of the time, aches after heavy deadlifts and occasionally during start of af.

mangothoughts · 14/02/2021 18:16

I had a difficult labour - large baby, failure to progress, failed epidural and baby got stressed when syntocinon was increased. This ended up with failed ventouse and emergency forceps delivery (baby was b2b and had arm extended over face) with no pain relief other than gas and air - had an episiotomy plus extended tear then a pph. It was a complete and utter nightmare. Took more than 6 months for pain to subside and many years on still have some side effects.

Second - planned c section (another big baby!) it was so calm and just a world of difference. Still had some pain obviously but so much easier to deal with and psychologically in much better shape than 1st time around.

I still feel a little sad never to have managed my "natural birth" but the c-section was 100% the right decision for me.

Chelyanne · 14/02/2021 18:18

Oh I had no painkillers after any birth, cesarean was oddly numb tbh and I only knew it was infected by the smell and look of it.

GintyMcGinty · 14/02/2021 18:21

First I was in hospital for 5 weeks. I was on strong pain killers for 12 weeks. I wasn't back to normal until about 4-5 months.

Oops sorry just re-read this it was 5 days, not 5 weeks.

It was awful, but not that awful.