If you could just pick would it be vaginal or planned c-section? [Title edited at OP's request]

[Bells3032]

If you could just rock up and choose which would you choose to do? There seem to be massive pros and cons to both.

Thoughts?

Had an emergency CS first time and induced VBAC second time with 3rd degree tear. If a third time comes my way, I will likely go for vaginal birth again, probably need induced again for medical reasons which is a bit rubbish

Have sone both and wpuld 100% choose a C section.

@Motherdare

I sort of wish I’d had C sections because of my prolapse and stress incontinence! That said, my sister had two C sections and had complications both times. First time they damaged her bladder and she was back in hospital for surgery to it days after being discharged. So it is a much riskier procedure.

Curious to know if those of you who haven’t had vaginal births could merrily jump on a trampoline without caution??

I’ve never had any bladder control issues since my 3 sections. My pelvic floor seems as strong as it was before any pregnancies.

Natural. I wouldn't choose major abdominal surgery unless clinically indicated.

@toffeeandcream

Well the problem is you don’t get to ‘choose’ natural, you get to choose to ATTEMPT a natural birth often with pretty high odds of interventions like forceps or ending up with a c-section anyway

With a planned c-section most of the time you’re getting exactly what you’ve opted for which is a massive plus for a lot of women

If I was GUARANTEED a smooth straightforward natural delivery with no tearing or stitches, no intervention (plus good, dignified and respectful treatment and care during labour including access to pain relief when wanted or needed) then I would absolutely opt for that over major surgery and I think the majority of women would.

However the odds of the above are sadly low which women take into account when they are considering an ELCS.

You've hit the nail on the head here @toffeeandcream 👏

I can't comment on c-sections. I had 2 vaginal births without instrumental assistance so I suppose 'straightforward'.

I had tears both times, but the stitches healed no problem. I had a few months of feeling a bit delicate on the bladder front, but no long lasting issues. Family complete now, but I would pick it again. I can't get my head around the fact that mothers are just expected to get on with it after major abdominal surgery.

A straightforward vaginal birth for me. I've had one with forceps (which was fine) followed by two easy natural ones. I haven't been left with any side effects so I was very lucky.

I've never fancied a c section, though obviously if I'd needed one I'd have been grateful to have one. I had no desire to have major surgery with all the recovery that entails, plus having to look after a new baby...much respect to women who do it.

Natural birth, I've had two x

@Bells3032

If you could just rock up and choose which would you choose to do? There seem to be massive pros and cons to both.

Thoughts?

I had a planned c section due to large baby ( 10lbs 10) & having another planned for my second ☺️

3 natural (2 inductions and 1 spontaneous)
1 ELCS
Wish I could have picked a CS everytime

1 natural
1 ELCS
I would definitely choose the section , in my case I spent less time in hospital than with the vaginal delivery and recovered a great deal quicker .

Had both would choose natural every time. Hated everything about ELCS not least the time it took to recover.

2 elective sections. Both amazing experiences. Breastfed both children. Recovery was very easy, was out walking with pram to pub for lunch after a few days, driving after 10 days. I felt totally in control and liked the fact it was all planned, in daylight hours and I wasn’t relying on people making decisions under pressure. Made sorting childcare second time round much easier too. No pelvic floor issues was an added bonus!

On average, prognosis seems to be better after vaginal.
Ppl seem to recover faster after vaginal.

The Idea of Major surgery freaks me out. I'm very glad I didn't need it to give birth.

Semi-planned section for my first, and she latched within the hour. I fed her for four years.

Vaginal delivery for my second and it was truly awful. Badly mismanaged. I was bullied and belittled, denied pain relief until I screamed, then the baby came whilst their backs were turned and they ignored me. 90 minutes of stitching. I could barely walk for weeks and I have a serious prolapse and some damage down there still six years later.

I'd opt for free birth with hypnobirthing. And a doula. If that wasn't an option I'd go for a section. I'd never deliver in my local hospital again. Ever.

Two vaginal births, one straight forward, one induction with baby stuck at shoulders (very large babies). I was absolutely terrified of c section and so glad I am done having babies so I don’t have to experience it.

Had Lots of types of delivery 😀Planned C section/7hr straightforward/20 min fast one/ Long labour then emergency C section. 🤷‍♀️ I know.

I'd go vaginal delivery. You're so much better afterwards for hitting the ground running.
( worst metaphor ever in this context)

With the C Sections you've just had Major Surgery and then you're handed a baby to look after. 😳 Full respect due.

Planned c section

Having had to vaginal births & one emergency caesarean my choice if I have another would be caesarean.

Such a personal choice though

I've had a vaginal delivery then two elective c sections and I would definitely choose a c section without hesitation 👍🏻

Vaginal. We all have our own experiences which totally influence how we reply to this thread. I have had 4 beautiful, empowering birth experiences. 3 of those were home water births. Even the first which was a hospital birth was incredible. I know we all have different stories and I absolutely don’t judge anyone else’s choice.

My choice is dictated by place of birth. They don’t do c-sections at home and to have one would mean a hospital stay, ergo I would choose vaginal birth.

Not to do with the actual mode of exit but the place of exit.

I've had 2 babies vaginally, my first labour was long, difficult and fraught with complications so was tempted to request an elcs for DC2 but the thought of not being able to drive or lift DC1 put me off. Had to be induced with DC2 but labour was fast and I recovered very quickly. I'm done with having babies now but would try to give birth vaginally again

I've had 4 kids. 3 vaginal deliveries and one planned c-section with my 4th child. I'd take the planned c-section every time now. Yes it did hurt afterwards for a week or so, but I could actually sit down, unlike my 3 precious deliveries where I tore and had awful swelling and stitches. I was able to lift baby from day 1, and am still breastfeeding her now at 7 months.

Done bad vaginal, good vaginal, C section. Ranking is gv, cs, bv. But bv is FAR WORSE than cs. So overall given the spot on analysis by toffeeandcream it is ELCS for the win every time in my view.