Age 47 - Natural Birth or C-Section??

[Zulu933]

I’ll be 47 with my first baby due December and I’m looking for anyone else similar in age who can advise whether they went for natural birth or C-section and why they chose whichever option. I’m worried being a bit older about natural birth (taking toll on body) but I’m fit (a runner) so have lots of energy in me still . Just curious if others in my position and what they went for. Thanks.

If you’re generally fit and healthy, have had an uncomplicated pregnancy and baby is in an advantageous position then vaginal birth would be safer than a section. I’m assuming you’re under consultant care, they will review you usually around 30ish weeks and discuss your options.

Statically a vaginal delivery is the safer option in uncomplicated pregnancies.

Good luck and congratulations.

@PinkyU thanks a lot for your reply. I am due my 28 week scan end of next week and will be seeing my consultant obstetrician so will certainly discuss in more detail then.

They had previously told me that due to my “risk factors” being 1) IVF egg donor 2) I have Graves’ disease (slightly over active thyroid but is under control) and 3) my age? (although they didn’t mention that lol but that’s on my mind) that if I don’t go into natural labour by around 38/39 weeks they will bring me into hospital to induce me. I don’t really like the sound of being induced so that’s why i am now pondering to elect c-section…. It’s all a big decision but my NCT midwife should offer advice also when I start my sessions with them in couple weeks. 👍🏻

I would request a ceaserian at 38/39 weeks.

For me, the risk factors would not be worth taking the risk for. Get the baby out as soon and as safely as possible.

Being your first (first deliveries are usually tougher than all the others- not always, but usually) at 47, I wouldn’t mess around OP. I’d go with the C-section. I’m an older mum, so I’m saying this with love, compassion, and support. Your body (even though you’re very fit and that matters, of course) has not done this before and it’s doing it at a riskier age. I’d minimise risk. But that’s just my opinion. Are you consultant led? You ought to be (because of the Graves).

Above all, congratulations!!!

Ask your midwife. OP. Generally speaking, a vaginal birth is far safer. I have no idea if being 47 affects this. You need professional advice.

I had my last age 44 with graves antibodies. I had c section to avoid induction. Your baby needs a blood test as soon as it's born to check thyroid. There should be stickers on your file to alert them re Graves. Go for the safest option.

If you want to follow the science then this is a good website: evidencebasedbirth.com/advanced-maternal-age/
Apparently a vaginal birth is the safest options. And although doctors probably don't want to believe this: the less medical interference- the safer the birth. I was really suprised with these findings. Good luck!

Thanks so much @ShushShushShush @dizzydizzydizzy @TheVanguardSix @Matilda128 @KellyMarieTunstall2 for sharing your advice and experiences. x

@TheVanguardSix yes I am consultant led due to my Graves and have regular visits throughout my pregnancy to ensure thyroid is under control and to date it’s been good thankfully. Hope you’re enjoying motherhood and thanks for your kind wishes. x

Yes @KellyMarieTunstall2 great point and they have a note on file to check baby’s thyroid when born. I also had an antibodies test that I’m waiting results on. Hope you’re enjoying motherhood. I can’t wait. x