Vaginal or CSection

[Nowtsure]

I'm due to have baby soon and need to decide between having a c section or vaginal delivery.

I had a 3rd degree tear firsr time round and worried about it happening again, but I'm aware c sections have their own risks, so struggling to decide?

Any advice please from anyone, or anyone been through a similar situation?

There's a fair few threads on this with lots of brilliant replies op, the childbirth forum might be a good one to look at.

IMO, elective sections have a much better recovery than emergency sections and than bad vaginal deliveries. I am biased though, I had an ELCS ans absolutely loved it. My recovery was pretty easy and I felt basically normal by 2 weeks later.

Of course, a straightforward natural birth will be the quickest recovery of all, but you can't just choose one of those!!

Here's one recent thread OP:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/4620805-having-second-thoughts-on-natural-birth-after-traumatic-first-birth?reply=122425869

Vaginal all the way, I also had 3rd degree tears, and would always choose this. Do you research, C sections carry so much more risk for you and baby, not just during birth but longer term. Ultimately though, you have to do what you are comfortable with.

I mean proper research, not mumsnet opinions or a random google search. My husband and I were very thorough and C section was the absolute last resort (and of course if that is the best option at the time, then do that). Do proper research so you can make an informed decision

Hi I had booked in an Elective C sec at 40 weeks but I went into Labour naturally and had a quick VBAC.

I think booking in the elcs gave me peace of mind and had I not gone naturally I would have no problem with having an Elective section.

I declined all interventions so no sweeps or inductions.

Just be aware in your research that they don’t separate ELCS from emergency c section in the stats re: things like complications. I had an ELCS and it was so calm, everyone explained what their role was beforehand, I was put me at ease and so well looked after. I was sore afterwards and found getting in and out of bed/off the sofa challenging but doable -just needed help or a good array of pillows. Day 5 was a complete game changer and by day 7 I felt back to normal -but you need to be mindful that it’s still early days.

I was careful in my recovery as I play a lot of sport so I listened to the physio and didn’t do any high impact until 10 weeks after the section. I was out walking within days but didn’t push the pram until maybe 2 weeks. I started going to Spin at about 6 weeks then running and netball at 10 weeks.

No issues with bleeding, infection, pelvic floor etc (but I did my pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy and I know a lot of it is luck). If I had a second I wouldn’t hesitate to have another ELCS. I’ve never had vaginal though so can’t comment on that.

good luck!

Did recovery take long from your vaginal birth? Where there any long term issues? I had a vaginal birth and recovery took about 4 weeks to where I felt normal again but I didn't tear. I had an emc with my second, recovery took so much longer around 3 months and my scar still feels sensitive to touch 2 years on but I've heard ELC are much easier to recover from. Good luck in whatever you decide it's such a hard decision to make.

Thank you for the feedback and advice all.
Baby decided to make an early appearance so I just went with it and opted for a vaginal delivery. Thankfully, only a slight tear which was stitched just to be on the safe side.

Congratulations 🥳