Any first time mums aged 40 or over manage to have a straightforward vaginal birth?

[Fs252]

I am trying to decide whether to book an elective c-section, which my midwife is encouraging because they will want to induce my on my due date, which she thinks I should avoid, because of my age.

The majority of friends around my age who have had babies in recent years have ended up with an emergency c-section and so I’m wondering whether I should just book it in.

I’m concerned about the recovery and know the surgery will build up on me and I’ll be a nervous wreck by the time the day comes around.

I guess I would like to know how often to do women my age have a successful FIRST vaginal birth?

Slightly under 40, but had first at 39 at 40+4, arrived on day I was going to have a sweep. Went to hospital at about 6am, born at 2pm, home before midnight - vaginal delivery.
Had a second 2 years later (at 39+4), also vaginally and quicker - labour started at 8.30am, baby born less than 2.5 hours later, home by 6pm.

I had a traumatic 1st induced then rapidly ended up emcs at 36 and opted for
vaginal 2nd time round. Very quick easy birth, just before my 40th-waters broke in the bath at home and left for hospital a couple of hours later. DD born on her due date half an hour later with gas and air. A couple of stitches but felt ecstatic and hardly noticed that bit!

36 was my age, DS was born 40+12

Thanks @Crabapple04 & @Aurorie11 for replying. If I was 39 I wouldn't need this conversation bc I would be allowed to go overdue! My 40 year old status changes things unfortunately, which is annoying. I know I can go against advice if I want but Im realistically not going to do that.

I met a few mums aged around 40 at baby groups and a lot had easy vaginal births! Where as with my first I was 21 and had an awful birth so age isn't always a factor. Good luck in whatever is right for you :-)

@fitsandgiggles thanks for sharing that. This really is a tough one. I'd love a vaginal birth but I can't find many real life instances when it's happened to a woman of 40 having her first

@Fs252 watching this thread with interest as I'm 41 and have been advised I'm being induced at 39 and a half weeks due to age, if labour hasn't started naturally yet.

Hmm, I'm watching too, as I'll be 40 on my due date and the midwife hasn't mentioned induction to me as yet. Perhaps it will be discussed at my 32/35 week appointment.

Why are they insisting on induction on your due date?

I had my first over the age of 40, went into Labour naturally 6 days past my due date. Baby was back to back so Labour slow, and eventually we had a ventouse delivery. But that was due to the baby’s position, not my age.

I know loads of 40+ Mums who have had problem free vaginal births

What country are you in?

@EdgeOfTheSky they have suggested induction bc of a higher instance of still birth in women who give birth at 40 or over, who go beyond their due date. Mine is also an IVF baby which also has higher instances of still birth. Im in the UK. Great to hear you managed it!

@dorothygaleandtoto you might get away with it as your are 39 at the moment!

Well, I am sure no one wants to gamble with risk. In the end, giving birth is giving birth, whatever way it happens.

Good luck!

I had my first baby in January, aged 41. I had a very normal pregnancy and after some discussion with the consultant decided to be induced on my due date. The consultant told me he didn’t think an elective c-section was necessary and I wanted to avoid it. I saw the induction as a kind of middle ground - not going over my due date to take into account a potentially higher risk of still birth as you mentioned.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I was induced at 8am with a Propess pessary, my labour started at around 8pm and at 3am I had my baby girl. She was delivered by ventouse and so I had an episiotomy, but I recovered quickly and I am glad I didn’t opt for a caesarean.

@smym10 thanks so much for sharing and congrats! I have pencilled an elective c section for my due date, but a sweep booked the week before to see the state or play and hopefully encourage Labour.
If I still want to go ahead with the c section I can do the paperwork then or I can opt for induction if I change my mind.

I would just love it if my baby came early! Problem solved.