Considering a planned C-section?

[bells2810]

I’m 28 weeks pregnant and have been doing a lot of thinking about how I’d like to give birth. I’m so so excited to become a mum but for as long as I can remember, I’ve always been afraid of the idea of a natural/vaginal birth. I know it’s the most natural thing in the world, but the thought of it really worries me.

I’m not afraid of the pain, it’s more the idea of the unknown and potential complications that really makes me anxious. Along with the thought of tearing or having an episiotomy which freaks me out!
In comparison, the idea of a planned C-section and knowing that it will be carried out in a controlled environment and just knowing that it’s under control is much more appealing to me, although I do appreciate the recovery would be difficult as my mum had a c-section with me and says she found it very hard (however she also had a toddler at the time, and this is my first baby).

i’ve been doing some research on here and a lot of ladies who had planned c-sections seem to say that the recovery wasn’t that bad and some people have said it was better than their experiences of a vaginal birth.

My DP isn’t keen on me having a c section as he thinks I will struggle afterwards when he returns to work. But I have seen a lot of stories about ladies who struggled equally after a natural labour!

Experiences/opinions welcome :)

I’m in the UK and got my tea and toast in recovery, midwife present throughout, then every buzz responded to up until my catheter was out and they were happy with my weeing and walking a couple of days later. DD pooed about a dozen times the first night, and was sick, and I felt terrible for ringing them so much, but got told off when I didn’t as “that’s what we’re here for”. That was in Brighton, which was thoroughly wonderful for aftercare and help with breastfeeding. One or two midwives lacked charm but they were still responsive and helpful. And all brilliant at swaddling where I kept making a hash of it.

Ime a CS is not the easy option & I had just as much fear.

I don't have an overhang but the skin doesn't lie like it did pre CS as obviously there is a scar.

I've also had a low intervention VB, would take that every-time personally even though my CS was very straightforward/ considered a good recovery.

Yes I'm in the UK. Autocorrect. That was my experience I was really worried about staying in because I'd heard about a lack of support but genuinely I had a great experience and every one of the staff team couldn't have done enough for us. I got lots of hands on support with bf and baby was quite groggy so it was appreciated. They were as attentive to the buzzer as they could be (3 poorly babies on my ward naturally took priority and I did as much as I could by myself to avoid bothering them but it never felt like I was being a trouble). I think it probably depends on the hospital you're in and who's on that day but we were very lucky.

I had an emergency section with my first, following a very long labour - it was honestly the only positive part of the whole thing (though I did quite enjoy the pethidine and gas and air!). I'm pregnant with my second now and will be having a planned section - I know recovery from a good vaginal birth is easier, but after the impact of my first birth on the couple of months after DS was born (dreadful - I think I probably had some PND or PTSD, though never diagnosed as I didn't realise until much later that it wasn't normal feeling that way!), I am not willing to risk having a bad vaginal birth - I'd rather the certainty of some post op pain and movement difficulty than the possible consequences of a bad vaginal birth.

I had a emergency c section and then a Natural birth 2nd time round. I would 100% go natural again but of course not everyone has the same experiences. Some people have horrendous c sections or natural births. I do feel I recovered well from my c section and my natural birth (despite 2nd degree tear) xx

It's so hard to work out what is for the best isn't it! I've not had a C-section so can't comment on that. I have had two vaginal deliveries, one with complications and one that was pretty text book. The complicated one left me with pain for weeks and I felt awful after for the first week due to blood loss. The textbook one...well I could have hiked up a mountain a couple of days later, I felt that physically well. So I think a straightforward vaginal delivery can have a very quick recovery whereas a C-section will always need a longer recovery. The problem is you have no idea whether you will get a straightforward one or not...

Ultimately I think you have to go with your gut on what feels best.

(If it helps at all I had stitches with both, the difference was more about blood loss, length of labour and fatigue and use of instruments)

My experience was very similar last week. The staff were all very helpful and responded to my buzzer right away.

I had a planned c-section, though actually it was planned after my labour started! Contractions started overnight, was checked by ob-gyn at 7am, we decided on c-section so I went home to have breakfast and then fast for a scheduled afternoon c-section (it was during early covid so me and hubby had to do a PCR test at 7am and wait for the result before the c-section anyway).

I had always thought a c-section was what I wanted, then I attended a birthing class and thought 'ok I'll try vaginally' and then actually when the day came, and my baby's head was measuring 10cm and he was estimated to be at least 4kg, I thought, nope, I'm having a c-section. My reasons:
-I like running for exercise and the thought of potential tearing/damage leading to incontinence when running (or even when not running) freaked me out, especially as a friend has taken years to return to running following damage from childbirth
-I already have some urge incontinence problems so I didn't think vaginal delivery would help
-I like things to be planned and in control, the unknowns of vaginal birth worried me, or worse of both worlds, going through a long labour and then needing an emergency c-section anyway.
-hubby was very supportive, he was also concerned about the unpredictableness of vaginal delivery.

The procedure itself took less than an hour, the longest part was the stitching up, my scar is very nice. Got some skin to skin with baby and attempted breastfeeding before I was sent to recovery where I did get the shivers but that was easily fixed with a heated blanket.

Pain was very manageable, once out of hospital I took paracetamol once or twice, the most painful movement was sitting up from a lying down position. You do need someone to help you pick up baby for the first week or two, but I was fine going up and down stairs. Getting the catheter out was a bit uncomfortable but I was made to try walking within 24 hours.

In conclusion, do what you think is best for you!

I wish I'd had an elective c section. Was talked out of it and ended up with a horrific emergency c section after 43 hours labour. I had and have no interest in a vaginal birth. If I ever go again it'll be elective c section all the way here!

Be mindful as some antenatal classes such as our NCT either explicitly or subtly push vaginal birth.

Planned section was wonderful. I’ve never been able to watch people giving birth on Tv, whether real or fictional, it’s just filled me with horror. I had to be delivered at 37 weeks and while induction was the preference of my doctors I requested a c section. I had a history of recurrent miscarriage and didn’t want the baby in there any longer than he had to be, and I definitely didn’t want to get all the way to the finish line and have that end in chaos or danger. I needed the control and speed of the c section, and that’s what I got.

I had an excellent recovery. I lost 500ml blood, which is minimal and not bad to say I had spent the last 8 months on blood thinners. Baby was a bit poorly so we were in for 5 days and by the end of it I felt pretty good - even cooked up a small buffet dinner when I got home (my choice). I didn’t need painkillers by the time I got home. I struggled picking up my baby from the next to me for a few more days but by day 14 I was fine, and driving again.

I'm pregnant again and won’t entertain the idea of a vbac. C section was the right choice for me. Good luck x

I’ve just had my second c section. My first was planned but medically needed, this one was a choice I made because I was worried about complications associated with a vbac.

Obviously I can’t speak for vaginal birth but my experience of planned sections has been really positive. Everything is prearranged and calm and my recovery has been so much better than I imagined (definitely better than many friends who had vaginal births, though probably harder than it was for people who managed to have completely uncomplicated water births without stitches etc.). Pooing hasn’t been a problem for me, but I imagine it depends on the individual. My milk supply came in fine too, despite NCT making me panic that it wouldn’t.

I think the most important thing is that you do what makes you feel comfortable, there’s pros and cons for vaginal and c section births, but you are the one having a baby. It’s your decision to make.

If you do go for the section, try to get up and moving as soon as they let you. Obviously don’t overdo things, but I found that keeping mobile stopped me feeling too stiff. The scar isn’t in the easiest place to keep clean and dry, so lie down to air it after a shower for a while 😊. Oh and I found bending down to get things off the floor tricky in the hospital so get your birth partner to put your bags on the chair if they are leaving.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

There probably are a lot of variables and those of us who had babies in the pandemic may not have had the best experience.

But I was compelled to answer this as I feel the same about giving birth naturally. I can’t even think about it as it makes me feel sick. I’m not normally particularly squeamish or precious but I was terrified of giving birth.

When I got to 37 weeks and no one had mentioned a birth plan I contacted the midwife and asked about the possibility of an elective section. She was kind but a bit patronising - asked me if I was scared and told me to look up hypnobirthing.

When I went into labour properly I completely panicked, had an epidural which calmed me to the point I was semi conscious and ended up with an EMCS anyway. I’m expecting my second and am hoping that having had one C section I’ll just routinely be offered another.

Thank you so much everyone for your responses!

I am definitely going to ask my midwife about the potential of a planned C section.

Another thing I should maybe have mentioned is that I’m at risk of pre-eclampsia, as I was delivered early via c-section due to severe growth restriction caused by pre eclampsia, so I’m technically a high risk pregnancy. I wonder if that would be in my favour if I asked for a C section?

Quite possibly, but you are entitled to have a c section solely on the basis you want one, if that is what you decide. You do not need to justify it, or have things in your favour etc.

I had a planned c section and it was the best decision I ever made.

I recovered quickly. My son hasn't missed out as a result.

I had a planned c section then an unmedicated VBAC I would go for a vaginal birth everytime. Easier recovery and I know not everyone feels this way but I felt like I'd missed out on something until I experienced my VBAC

Ime as long as you can show you have considered the risks to both options and have made an informed decision then you’ll be fine.

while you don’t have to justify your decision as such, HCP have an obligation to ensure you are aware of the consequences of your decision.

all you have to say is you are aware of the risks of abdominal surgery, infection, recovery time etc but you feel because of your history of mental health, preeclampsia, previous emcs, or whatever reason applies, they will be fine.

basically show you’ve thought it through.

I haven't had a section but 3 vaginal deliveries. With all 3 I was up and moving around with in half hour. With 3rd dc after 3 days I was out walking doing trick or treating. Also had stopped pain relief by day 4 as didn't need it.

I'm very lucky and thankful to have had that though.

Yes, I had taken preventative medication for pre eclampsia and had gd so similar levels of risk. To be honest it didn't really even come in to it. I explained my reasoning to the consultant and they went over the pros and cons and risks for both vaginal and section delivery and it was really my choice, it was her job to make sure i was informed. So I'd sat do your research, go in clear on your reasoning and give thought to what support you have for afterwards and you should come across clear in your decision.

I wish I had a planned c section. I had a vaginal birth 7 weeks ago and have had no end of post birth complications. Not to say that can’t happen either way - I guess the grass is always greener! I wish I had been more informed. Do loads of research and I’m sure you will make the right decision for you.

You really can’t say it’s a quicker recovery. I’ve had 3 csections upto now; after the 3rd one I was at the zoo a few days after his birth for the full day absolutely no problems whatsoever and drove after 9 days after speaking to my insurance company.

My sister in law had a vaginal birth with her son 3 years ago and is still suffering now. She will never be able to deliver vaginally again, not that she’d ever have another child ever again after her horrific time and her PTSD from the labour. I know absolutely loads of women with horrendous labours and injuries from vaginal births. I don’t know a single woman with a long lasting injury from an elective csection.

I was agreeing with all your post and then realised you’ve had vaginal not c sections like me 😂 was going to say we’ve had the exact same experience.

Ive had 2 c sections. Revovery was horrendous, but i had no help. Prob be easier with help.