Elective c section thoughts

[CMRC17]

Hi

I’m currently 36 weeks and booked in a consultant appointment to discuss an elective c section. I wonder if anyone has experiences of going for an elective section despite being low risk. I am 28 and baby is healthy, in the correct position and I’ve got no medical reasons to have a section.

But I feel more at ease from the idea of a planned section that a natural birth (particularly a natural birth leading to an emergency section). My mum had a section with me and had a good experience, plus I’ve already had a very complex surgery for my back years ago, so the idea of it being a surgery isn’t off putting to me. When I imagine birth, for some reason I imagine a c section as the most straightforward and smooth - I have anxiety when thinking about a vaginal birth.

the only thing putting me off doing an elective is the idea that I could have a straightforward natural birth - I just don’t like the unpredictability of not knowing how long labour will be / how difficult it will be / if I will need intervention.

wondered if anyone has been in the same boat and has experience choosing a c section despite being low risk. Thanks!

Have you seen an anaesthetist in pregnancy? Depending on the back surgery you’ve had that may alter the options for pain relief in labour/ anaesthesia for a section.

I would choose a vaginal birth over a c section any day tbh! If its just a case of you having anxiety over not knowing, you could request an induction

Following as I am in the same position! But another hesitancy I have is that I'd like to have 3 children ideally (and understand that multiple c sections can become risky).

I had a c section for very similar reasons. I had terrible pre natal anxiety and it was the fear of the unknown with a vaginal birth for me. Plus I think 1 in 4 births end in emergency c section with first labours. My worst nightmare was being in labour for days then ending up needing a c section anyway!

My experience was great, absolutely no regrets. I knew exactly how and when it was going to happen. Everything was calm and relaxed, everyone in theatre was absolutely lovely, I got to choose what music I wanted. It was just a beautiful experience. Most importantly it meant I was in the best possible shape mentally when my baby arrived. I had a great recovery which helped too.

Everyone is different and what's right for you won't be right for someone else. Good luck with whatever you decide 🙂

I feel exactly the same OP - no real reason to have a c section but I have a few anaesthetic friends who’ve all had c sections and think I’d be mad to try a natural birth. They presumably see the worst of it so their perception is skewed.

If I knew it would be a relatively straightforward vaginal birth, I’d go for it but that stats don’t seem to support that. Would be interested to see what your obstetrician says?

I’ve had both…would go for c section every time is my advice!!

I’ve had both, both pretty straightforward. Would take the VB I had everytime

Have quite a few GP, surgeons amongst family and friends and they have all chosen VB unless other complications.

I had a high risk pregnancy, and had an elcs although they would’ve induced me if that’s what I’d chosen (we just needed the babies out). In the unlikely event I have any more, I’d definitely pick another section even if my pregnancy was low risk. It was brilliant.

I've had both - low risk - preferred the c section and recovery

ive had both preferred the VBAC. I wouldn’t have an induction. Maybe see how it goes and if you go overdue and they start saying induction, opt for the cs.

Interesting how it seems quite 50:50 here! For those that preferred VB, what was it you preferred?

Having had an emergency c section I would say I'm glad I tried natural first, for my second pregnancy I've had to have additional scans to check placenta placement and make sure it wasn't attached to scar etc. I also had a subchorionic hematoma which I don't know whether it was caused by a previous c section but could have been a factor. Obviously it's completely up to and what you feel most comfortable with but just be aware of the possible complications if you decide you want more than one child. I'm currently in the midst of deciding on an elective section or trying natural for my second.
It also is serious surgery, prevents driving and lifting etc, so as long as you have suitable support in place to help you.
There's so many Ifs and buts with pregnancy and birth, so I would just balance out the pros and cons of each and see where you land. Either way, your consultant will help you make the right decision and if you do decide to go for a section I've heard really good things about it being calm and you can have your own music etc. sorry that's not much help but no one can tell you what to do as we'll all have had a huge variety of experiences with each, so just try and do what's best for you, the birth, recovery and future pregnancies ❤️

I've had two simple VBs, and 1 emergency c-section.
Am pregnant again, only 6 weeks, but already know all being well with the pregnancy that I will be going for an elective section this time! Everyone I know who has had an elective says it was great and I would do anything to avoid another emergency.

I had an EMCS with DC1 and just had an ELCS with DC2.

Positives of elective for me were: being able to plan childcare, and knowing yourself when baby was coming. Was very excited going in that morning, was lovely and calm in comparison to rushing to the hospital in labour. DC1 wound up in NICU for ten days, so getting DC2 out healthy was a priority and thankfully that happened. Also with an ELCS in my hospital baby and partner were able to stay with me in recovery which was lovely. I realise that may ne hospital specific!

Negatives for me, are the same whether it’s emergency or elective. Not being able to drive or physically do much is difficult. Pain is manageable. This time round I’ve found it very very hard not to be able to lift DC1 when they ask. Also recovery this time has been slightly harder which makes me apprehensive if I were to have a third section. But, again, you could go naturally and still wind up with complications that impact future births.

@Lampshade587 I didn’t like the whole not feeling your legs, catheter and I hated having to restrict my body movements whilst healing. I was lucky to have a quick VB with a very small tear though so didn’t have any discomfit or pain after, labour hurt a lot though!

I was surprised how sore I was after my CS, as some class it as the easy option (no idea why). But I was discharged the next day and had paracetamol, I know some people stay in longer and have stronger pain relief.

An elective C section is absolute bliss.

I had emergency c section with my first and was absolutely not going through the pain of trying to give birth ever again.

The elective was so calm and peaceful. The surgeons were very relaxed. It was all over with quite quickly and I healed very well both times (admittedly first c section recovery was quicker than 2nd).

Personally, I would definitely recommend a c section, particularly since you are anxious. I think it's rare that a vaginal delivery goes exactly the way you have planned.

Don’t want to be forced into not lifting anything for weeks (hate being mollycoddled and I also have a toddler)
Don’t want to be driven around for weeks
Stomach sliced open while awake - no thanks
Ugly scar
Extended stay in hospital- no thanks
Catheter - yuck
not being able to feel your legs - terrifying

@HcbSS I found the leg thing terrifying, thought it was just me!

Goodness that’s terrible that’s all they gave you! Both times I’ve had paracetomol, ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine. Around the clock and took for a few days before weaning off them all. How can they expect someone to take something that barely works for a headache let alone surgery. No wonder you felt sore. I did even with the pain meds!

And I don’t love my scar, I miss the smooth unmarked skin that used to be there.

I think you are right to go for c section provided you have arrangements for recovery, have a look at stats on birth injuries to make informed decision.

In fairness, that is an unpleasant feeling as you think you'll never feel your legs again. I also had no warning of the um less than pleasant choice of pain relief (once I realised I said I’d have oral only thereafter thank you very much!).

I had two elective C-sections (for medical reasons) and they were great. Calm and relaxing. There is a recovery element but not a big thing and you can have the same with a vb.

@fashionqueen0123 Not sure if it’s because I breastfed straight after the CS? I didn’t think to ask for anything else tbh, just took what was offered. I did take some ibuprofen at home but it makes me feel nauseous so try and avoid.