Im doubting whether my decision to have a c section is valid enough..

[Ana1242]

Im doubting whether my decision to have a c section is valid enough.. I don't think I'm looking for sympathy, more to hear others in similar situations.

I'm due to give birth in a couple of months and I've had bladder (incontinence) and bowl (ibs & excruciatingly painful anal fissures). My bladder incontinence is mostly under control although it did affect my younger years a lot to the point where I avoided social situations for fear of peeing myself. Through a lot of physio I've managed to overcome this, mostly.

What im really scares of is having a birth that wrecks your insides and renders you incontinent from both ends, or some other similar debilitating issues I've read that can happen.

I know my rights and that I can have a c section. The problem is, a part of me feels a little like a failure when I haven't even gone into labour and I'm already making this decision. Anyone else been in similar situation to mine?

Yes OP- absolutely valid. Don’t doubt it for another minute!

My pelvic floor has taken 5 years to recover. There was a time i thought I'd have to live with incontinence forever, i was so depressed. I wish i went for a c section. (Older mom, forceps delivery)

You want one is enough reason. I've had 2 home births and I'd be going for a section if I were you too.

It's just impossible to know at the time isn't it. I had a miserable time of it post c-section and I didn't know it could cause infertility, but looks like I have Ashermans syndrome from just 1 c-section

It is completely your decision, you don't need people's approval at all.

From the beginning I chose an elective C section, I had already suffered enough medical issues, surgeries and tests to wonder if vaginal would be easy or not. At the end, baby was breech so C section was the safest.

I had a c section first time and I’ll be having one this time too, and your reasons are a lot more valid than mine were. I had no medical reason I just wanted one.
If your gut is telling you c section then go with it, you know what is best for your body and you don’t have to justify it to anyone.
Mine was a lovely experience btw.

Thank you all so much for your messages. It's really good to hear it from people who have been through similar experiences.

After writing this post and thinking about it a bit more I think a lot of it stems from my mums opinions about c sections and general baseless, outdated advice! I've not even mentioned it to her and dont plan to until after the birth x

Your decision is valid for no other reason than it’s your decision. No one is judging you x

@Ana1242 I didn’t tell anyone I was having a planned section mainly because I couldn’t be bothered to explain myself. If anyone asked my ‘birth plan’ I’d reply with a simple ‘I’m keeping my options open’. A few people asked about the section afterwards and I just said it was planned and I found everyone was far more interested in the baby at that point. Good luck to you!

Such a shame your mum would be anything other than supportive to her daughter @Ana1242 go for the section with pride it is not the easy way out which you will see but it will eleviate your current health issues from getting worse which is a positive decision

With your history it sound like a very valid choice. I would request a very senior registrar/ trainee or consultant do it. You are not someone a junior should be doing.

Very valid reasons. Your body, your choice. Forget about what your mum thinks.

Just a head up.

growing a baby (pregnancy) can affect pelvic floor . Doesn’t always manifest for some years. But once menopause hits it can still have impact

both mine through c section (one emergency, one “hell I’m not doing that again “) But still have had incontinence issue since before peri.

And then 10 years ago got intersatial cystitis . Followed by terrible bowel issue - regular vomiting and diarrhoea. Had to retire early due to it. So, Just don’t think a c section will prevent any compounding issues to your current condition in later years - it doesn’t unfortunately.

However, it sounds exactly right decision for You though! Don’t be a martyr and risk it. A birth is just one day and there are many many important jobs to do as a mum for next 30 (in my case) and counting years.

C section all the way! But remember nothing is granted off course… there are complications with any surgical or operation

Op, I'll be having an elective because I don't want a repeat induction that ended up in an EMCS anyway, and the exhaustion caused by my several-days-long induction (which didn't progress and 'failed' - another contributing factor!) set the foundations for post-natal depression.

Honestly, I know some will say their pelvic floor is unaffected but I know many who do have longer term complications, whether incontinence or, in more cases, painful intercourse for a long time which has made sex pretty non-existent.

I always wanted a vaginal birth but I don't think it's for me without being instrumental. I definitely wouldn't given your context. Good luck with it!