Elective C or Vaginal

[strawberrysummer19]

So I know it's something only I can decide...however I can't seem to make my mind up. When do I have to? Im 30wks on Tuesday and feel I should fairly soon?

My first was 2011
First baby
Vaginal
No pain relief as by the time I was checked I was 8cm and too late for pain relief
I was kept in overnight due to a bleed but constantly being told I wasn't in labour even though I felt my contractions painful
Anyway, pushed for 1hr 52 mins as baby wasn't in distress, monitoring baby's heart beat
Second degree tear
Then spent 2hrs after baby born with contractions as placenta was retained
Then taken to theatre for removal
Felt it traumatic
Took 4 months to heal and suffered badly due to not feeling right down there for a good 6 months (that's when I felt ready for sex again but it was around 4months healing time )

This time around I'm considering C-section as I found the whole experience scary, painful and traumatic. I'm not sure if it was because I was 10 yrs younger, didn't know what to expect or what

But I've always found the thought of childbirth again terrifying hence why I'm considering elective c (if I can)

This is an ivf baby and I've been told I most likely won't go full term and may induce at 39 wks - having growth scans to check baby's growth

She's currently on the big side and has a big head at 28 wk growth scan

So what I'm asking for is some help and advice on what I should do....I haven't yet discussed with my midwife or consultant but I want to be more informed when I do.

Thanks for reading

Xx

I’ve just had an ELCS on Tuesday and have nothing but good things to say about it. It was calm, quick, I was well rested for little man’s arrival, and my recovery has been a breeze so far. Was up and walking on Weds morning, home Weds afternoon and since Friday been able to move around pretty much normally but of course avoiding anything too vigorous or heavy. But for example I’m able to get down on the floor for nappy changes, carry baby around and keep changing hold positions when feeding, banding over his crib to pick him up, and have just been for a quick stroll with the pram.

But it’s also true that often second births are easier than firsts. So just because your first was tricky it doesn’t mean it will happen again or that that’s how your body labours.

Not pregnant again (yet...) but had a traumatic birth first time. Its made us delay a much wanted second pregnancy through fear. I'd pick elective c section. I fear that too, but feel you can have more control of the situation, ability to mentally and physically prepare. Friends who have had c sections have said it was much better for them in similar circumstances and that they recovered quicker than they had following difficult first deliveries.

Whatever you decide will be right for you, try discussing with the mental health midwives/consultant. I actually called one 2 months back as feeling brave to try for number 2, and they were really supportive.

Just incase any one comes across this thread and wondering the same as feel it's quite common for people to be thinking about considering C-section over a vaginal

After another debrief on my birth (highly recommended this) helped me come to terms with what happened even though I had a debrief birth at the rime, this midwife was so much better and a good chat with my understanding consultant I've decided to go for another vaginal but being induced at 39wks

X