Csection vs natural labour

[AN2021]

I’m 22 weeks pregnant with my second baby, first labour was quite long and traumatic (put me off having another for 5 years!) also had to go to theatre for retained placenta. I’ve had a discussion this morning with midwife consultant about cesarians, and she just gave me all the risks and didn’t mention the risks that come with natural childbirth! I’m so anxious and don’t know what to do for the best, help!

They don’t seem to give you a fair comparison, they only give you the most extreme risks of a c-section. Most of these risks relate to an emergency c-section rather than a planned one too. You can only do your own research and decide what’s best. I’m having an elective c-section for my first baby next week, purely because I didn’t want to be one of those people who had the terrible first experience 🤦🏼‍♀️ Some people’s second birth isn’t as bad but there’s really no way of knowing without trying it! Does your hospital do a birth reflections service where you could go through the details of your last birth? That might help sway things more to see what went wrong

I've had both types of birth and for me the c section was better hands down. First 2 babies were vaginal and third was section. I loved how calm my section was and as long as I kept on top of my pain meds and don't push myself too hard - my healing was swift and pain was kept at bay. I was driving within 3 weeks. Best bet is to research well on the internet and make your decision.

@AN2021

I’m 22 weeks pregnant with my second baby, first labour was quite long and traumatic (put me off having another for 5 years!) also had to go to theatre for retained placenta. I’ve had a discussion this morning with midwife consultant about cesarians, and she just gave me all the risks and didn’t mention the risks that come with natural childbirth! I’m so anxious and don’t know what to do for the best, help!

I'm in exactly the same situation! I'm 21+3 and my first vagina birth was hell, was back to back so I'm hoping to request a C section too, mainly because I'm so traumatised after last time and the anxiety leading up to that again would be awful!

I've had both types. I wouldn't wish a C section on my worst enemy. The operation itself was smooth and I was well looked after. The recovery was painful like nothing else and I was unable to lift my toddler for weeks or do proper exercise for more than 6 months. After the V birth I was walking down the street the next day and able to lift my baby myself etc. I wasn't independent for a few weeks as I couldn't drive (didn't feel able to until about 8 weeks after, just didn't feel safe if I'd had to break suddenly due to the scar etc). I know others who have had pretty much the opposite experience. It is a very different experience for different women, you just don't know in advance how either will be for you.

I've had 3 vb's and 1 elcs. I didn't want my elcs but I had breech twins so it was safest, it was so much better than I expected. I found all of the births as easy as eachother on the recovery front, our 1st had vontouse so internal bruising took a long time to heal and my scar from tearing with the 3rd is most troublesome. Going for an elcs over induction this time, booked in for next week at 39wk. Full induction with our 1st was my least favourite birth.

Thank you for your help! We went through my previous birth yesterday and she didn’t seem to think it was too bad for a first labour. (I can assure you it was terrible) I was told they would try to put me off a cesarian but I wasn’t prepared for just how one sided they would be, I understand there is no medical reason why I need one, I’m just very anxious (crying mess in the hospital yesterday 😢)

I have requested and been granted a c section - this is my first baby. They’ve put me down as having tocophobia, I wouldn’t say it’s that extreme - I’ve just weighed it all up and think a c section sounds less scary for both me and baby. And no I don’t think a c section is the ‘easy way out’ but the uncertainty of a VB for baby and me terrifies me.

If you want a c section don’t let them fob you off - they have to allow it. Don’t back down if it’s what you want.

I found the below article really helpful :

www.theguardian.com/politics/reality-check-with-polly-curtis/2011/nov/23/health

I’m in exactly the same position as you OP! I’m currently 14 weeks pregnant. I had a retained placenta and had to go to theatre too, it also put me off for 5 years. My doctor was asking me about my first delivery recently and I was almost in tears, it was so traumatic and I find it hard to think about/talk about. I felt sure I wanted a c section but I’ve read a couple of horror stories about the recovery and now I’m undecided.

I had two VB then a CS due to rising blood pressure. I was lucky that my VBs were quick and relatively easy. The recovery from CS is definitely longer . I hated not being able to drive . I also dislike the “pouch” I have been left with.

I’ve had c sections. Recovery is fine. Driving after all 3 after about 10 days. Went to the zoo with DC3 when he was 8 days old and walked round pushing the pram all day, absolutely fine! Had another toddler and a 4yo at that point and no issues carrying them or picking them up at all.

I would say it depends on how fit & healthy you are prior to the operation. I keep exercising and eating well through my pregnancy and I do think this helps my body recover better. Age too. I was 22, 26 & 27 with mine.

I've had intervention free VBs & elective CS. I personally hated the CS but I assumed (stupidly) I would feel similar to after my VBs & was quite shocked at the initial pain, didn't like not feeling my legs & catheter etc. I would always choose VB but the CS was best for my baby & I would have likely ended up with an emergency CS had I not chosen the CS when offered so I can't regret it.

In terms of recovery I was discharged the next day & had paracetamol, no issues breastfeeding. I took it very easy though even when I felt stronger as I wanted to heal on the inside & concentrate on newborn. I don't understand the rush to go walking, driving, getting back to normal so soon after a CS.

First birth, long, hard, stitches, long recovery

Second birth less than an hour, no drugs, some what enjoyable, no stitches!

It can be a lot easier second time :-) but research and do whatever you feel happiest doing x

Thank you so much for your help everyone! I’m still leaning towards c section, my placenta is at the front this time so still a little worried but just think it’s better for me to know what’s going to happen and when it’s happening. Good luck to everyone expecting ❤️

Hi op, my first vaginal birth was also awful, took me 10 years to even consider another baby.

DD2 is 7 weeks old and was born by elective c section. Tbh the experience was hard. They struggled to get the needle into my spine and the whole experience was very clinical.

The recovery was awful, luckily DH had 6 weeks off work, I couldn't do anything apart from hold the baby.

DH had to physically wash and dry me. I also ended up with an infection in my wound and keliod scarring.

I then ended up in hospital with heavy bleeding and low blood pressure just last week. DH had to stay home with our children whilst I was rushed to A and E.

I am only starting to feel normal again. Even though my vaginal delivery was traumatic I would prefer it over a c section.

I had an EMCS, I ended up horrifically ill with spesis and then a VBAC for which the recovery was a walk in park in comparison. I would had hated to have to deal with a baby, preschooler and c section recovery.

I had an EMCS following an induction and stuck baby and was horrifically ill after, lost 4.5 litres of blood and had sepsis. Had a planned section in March for my second and it was an absolute dream!

To be honest recovery for both wasn’t too bad; first one took a week to be walking without someone helping me but planned section was up, showered and dressed on my own within 15 hours.

There are risks for csections, as there are for VBAC but remember the risks for a section are greater when it’s an emergency

Can't comment on experience of both, but I had a traumatic first birth too, failed induction and looooong process to end with EMCS. I am pretty set on elective CS this time - I have a few friends who have had both and say that the elective is a really lovely experience and nothing like EMCS - well rested going into it, can have music, and is just a generally more enjoyable experience (understandably!)

I have said no chance I am being induced again and the thought of another traumatic labour / birth sways me towards ELCS.

Good luck whatever you decide! :) x

I think you have to do what’s right for you, and that’s you as a whole person with feelings, not just what is the best physical option. It can be reassuring to know there is a plan in place in terms of the birth, and how certain scenarios would be handled.

For me, some of it was about what I wanted to avoid - I had an EMCS after a badly handled failed induction first time round, and eventually went for an ELCS second time round as I just didn’t have any confidence in my own body after that, and in how certain scenarios (slow progress, possible need for instruments, tearing) would be handled on the day. The best way for me to avoid those was the section. In some ways it was an easier decision for me because I’d already had one so I already had “damage” in one area, if you see what I mean.

If you want one, push. And push back on badly handled conversations around risk. The consultant and midwife we spoke to were very keen to quote all the negative stats around c sections and all the positives around vaginal births. Did you know that most women are as “recovered as they’ll get” within 2-3 days of a vaginal birth? No, me neither, nor any of my friends who gave birth vaginally.

ELCS are statistically very safe and previous birth trauma/maternal mental health is as valid a reason as any to have one. “I want one” is a perfectly valid reason if you’ve weighed up the risks of both options! There is no risk free way of giving birth.

I found the recovery harder after my second section but neither were difficult. You do need to keep on top of pain relief but I was certainly able to go for short walks after a week or so and felt pretty normal after six weeks first time round and maybe eight weeks second time round.

@Amz6219, that sounds really similar to my experience - and my elective was also lovely so hopefully yours will be too! We took in our own music and the staff were so relaxed and lovely despite me being a nervous wreck!

I also would not consent to a second induction. My body clearly didn’t respond well first time round.

@AN2021 it sounds like your midwife consultant was spectacularly unhelpful. Please ask to speak to an obstetrician about your own specific risk profile. On MN you will get very polarised views that are irrelevant to you as an individual.

You have already had one baby. You need to talk with a medical expert about what happened to you and the % chance of it happening again. Or worse. And what, if any long term consequences might arise. Also the chance of it ending in instrumental delivery or emergency CS, each of which carry risks.

And then you need to ask them to compare that with the % chance of different specific issues from an ECS (not emergency CS - which is higher risk of complications).

Good luck

A csection absolutely terrifies me. I’m opting to be induced again.