Reasons for elective C-section

[PipsBaby]

I am currently 34 weeks and just had a birth choices appointment last week to help me try to decide if I'd like a C-section or not.

I'm still very much on the fence, although deep down I am probably leaning more towards yes I do want one. I have a few reasons, anxiety being one, various health issues being another. But ultimately I just want to make an informed choice for myself.

Would anyone who has previously had a C-section (elective), want to share why they choose to have one? What helped make their mind up? And are they still happy with their choice?

The main thing that stood out to me at the appointment, was a risk to future pregnancies. This is my first baby so I'm not sure if I should be more worried about this, if I do decide to go for it. I am a bit scared of regretting my choice, which is silly I know as I need to just be happy and content with whatever I decide to do.

I don't actually know anyone who has had a C-section, otherwise I'd ask friends. But would really appreciate peoples thoughts/experiences (good or bad).

I had an embarrassingly easy ELCS with DS. He was breech, but I declined an EVC and went straight for the section.

Honestly, I never felt any proper pain - I was achy and uncomfortable, but never anything more than that. Kept on top of my painkillers and was up and about within 24 hours and doing a shop in the supermarket a week later. I don't have an overhang and you can barely see my scar.

I'm 16 weeks pregnant with #2 and just told my consultant that I'm am ABSOLUTELY NOT having a VBAC. ELCS all the way, since I found the last one so calm, easy and straightforward. I can honestly say having my wisdom teeth out was worse.

One other thing: babies had APGAR scores of 10/10 and 9/10. Forgot this afterwards but my main reason for having a c-section was also extreme anxiety about birth trauma and oxygen deprivation, after seeing this happen to a friend. For the baby it was definitely the right choice both times, and that in the end matters most. (Not that natural birth can't be equally or more brilliant for baby, but in my case with ten pound malpositioned babies, a small pelvis, and post-dates, it seemed unlikely.)

I've had an EMCS and ELCS. My elective was such a breeze to the extent I felt a bit of a fraud when people said to take it easy I needed no painkillers and was at a soft play party with both DC a few days later. I was back driving 10 days PP and felt 95% normal.

My EMCS was rougher but still not a bad recovery at all.

@hopsalong I commented further down about nearly having a hysterectomy during an ELCS. Really interesting that you mention you think yours would of gone better with a different doctor as I feel the same about mine. Mine was done by a foundation Dr. The one I had after was done by a consultant and he managed to remove all the damage done during the first one. If you're still struggling (I had horrendous periods after the first) it might be worth seeing if they can do any investigations for you.

Mine was purely for anxiety reasons as I physically just felt I couldn’t do the alternative and have known for years it was the only way I could cope with it. It was the best experience of my life. I got married a year later but my csection was by far a better day than my wedding 😂 loved it all! Other than a small nip in my hand to get the cannula in the whole thing was great! I know there is a risk to future pregnancies in some sense but I also think the risks from a vaginal birth are very much hidden from people and never discussed. I haven’t asked too many questions but my friend had an awful birth experience last time with a vaginal birth. She has been left for the last 3 years with daily incontinence and she’s now had to have something fitted up there (didn’t ask details) to fix a prolapse. It recently fell out and she had to go for an appointment to get it refitted. She’s now unsure how she’ll be able to have another child in that state! People bang on about the risks of csections (mainly emergency’s after a bad labour rather than electives too- bear that in mind) but never the alternative 🙈

I had my elective section 13 weeks ago and it was the most wonderful experience! I lost my son last June at 33 weeks (first baby), and as soon as I found out I was pregnant again I had my mind set that I was having a c-section.
My son's death was not related to delivery, but this time around I was very conscious of things that may go wrong during delivery, so for myself I wanted a c-section for a sense of control and to try my best to avoid triggering the trauma of delivering my son who had passed.
The c-section was great. It was so relaxed and calm. Baby was out within about 5 minutes of surgery beginning. The recovery was fine (felt back to my completely normal self after about 6 weeks). The pain was bad the first three days and then eased for me, and even though it hurt, it was nowhere near as bad as I imagined.
If I am lucky enough to have another baby I would have another c-section without a doubt.

I had an elective c section

My blood pressure plummeted because of the Anasthetic, I was at risk and baby had to be resussed

I would say ask them how will they know if you'll disagree with the stuff before they flipping give it to you

Also make bloody sure if they keep you waiting and you've been nil by mouth that they give you fluids. INSIST on it. My delays contributed to the blood pressure drop. I was crying with a headache and exhaustion before I went down. They eventually gave me a bag of fluid and I think it saved my flipping life

Afterwards I was so ill for ages and I still don't understand why. You'll probably need more than just your partner on hand to cope with the baby for a few weeks after too. They're not kidding when they say it's a major operation

Not trying to put you off at all, but just have your eyes open. I didnt.

My first delivery was vaginal. Induced over 5 days & had horrendous tearing. Took six months before I could walk properly & 15 years later the scar is still tender. It’s too wide to revise so I’ve had to just live with it.

second pregnancy was twins. Vaginal delivery & Induced again, very fast delivery but needed a large episiotomy. That was done on the opposite side. Easier recovery but still sore for months.

Third delivery was ELCS because I couldn’t stomach the thought of rupturing the old scars. It went well but I lost a bit more blood than usual & my scar had to be wider because my bump was very tight & baby wasn’t shifting. I was in quite a bit of pain for 48 hours but thereafter I felt a bit better every day. The pain was absolutely nothing in comparison to the tears from the vaginal births . In that sense it was a million times better but it absolutely did not feel like giving birth. Others may feel differently but, to my mind, it isn’t. It’s having a baby extracted. A weird experience that I wouldn’t choose over a straightforward vaginal delivery which most people have.

That was my last baby so it doesn’t matter but I wouldn’t want to be pregnant with this scar. I’m 18 months down the line & It’s healed fine but at times it pulls inside. Almost feels like a can’t stand up straight. Especially on my period. It looks fine but all I can see is the outside. Inside I suspect is a different story. Adhesions are very common.

Good luck with whatever you decide.