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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Elective c section after emergency c section?

5 replies

TheAugusta · 10/07/2022 22:19

Hello! I’m expecting my second baby in the autumn. My previous labour I was hoping for the ‘ideal’ water birth in a birth unit, low intervention etc. But in the end everything went wrong and after a long attempt at labour I ended up with an emergency c section. I had a haemorrhage afterwards but I don’t think it was a major one. I was so exhausted - they had wanted to do forceps delivery but she was too low and I was grateful to have avoided instrumental delivery - that c section was a relief. Recovery was ok. But now I have to decide whether to try for a vbac or go for an elective c section. My hospital/midwives have been really clear that I can decide either way. I think my preference is for a c section (I have asked for this but can change my mind), but I am frightened - last time it all happened so fast and I didn’t really make the decision, so trying to make it not under emergency conditions is difficult. Im particularly concerned about not being able to pick up my toddler, recovery after a second surgery, (vainly) about whether my stomach will look awful after two sections (after the first one it’s wobbly and skin is looser, but not too bad and my scar is very small) and dying (though I know this isn’t likely)! positives are - I won’t have the difficult birth experience of first time round, it will be a more controlled situation and I will avoid possible damage from vagina delivery - it seems sensible to keep all the damage in one area. Really grateful for any advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

OP posts:
WonderWoop · 10/07/2022 22:22

No advice but am in exact same situation, due #2 (not until next year) and delivered DD via EMCS after 3 days of labour resulted in the need for one! I have yet to agree with hospital but can't see myself doing anything outside of ELCS as I just dread the thought of an EMCS after attempted VBAC. Would prefer to be in control of avoiding that if I could!

ComDummings · 10/07/2022 22:25

Had an ELCS after my first was an EMCS. It was lovely and calm and honestly helped heal me mentally a bit from my first birth experience. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Fupoffyagrasshole · 10/07/2022 22:29

I had similar situation to you with my first! I haven’t even tried for my second baby yet - but I know for sure I will not be going through the awful labour I experienced last time again! And will be opting for an elective c section for sure if I ever have another baby

my daughter got into a lot of distress in my labour and nearly died because of it - and I think of I’d have the c section a few hours earlier it would have been much better for us both rather than letting it get to such an emergency.

Shutupandsitdown · 10/07/2022 22:30

ELCS after EMCS here. Would not have it any other way. The elective was so calm and it was such a positive after a poor experience the first time that almost made DC1 an only child! Worst part was a poorly inserted catheter in my hand. Recovery was possibly a bit harder but I don’t know if that was because of DC1 or the actual procedure.
you choose whatever works for you. I knew I didn’t want any instrumental help so I thought ELCS was best for me and DC2

Ihaveaskedyouthrice · 10/07/2022 22:33

2 ELCS after first DS was EMCS. Experiences were like night and day, electives were so calm. To be honest I had no interest in even considering a VBAC and have zero regrets.

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