Elected c - section?

Me 🙋🏻‍♀️

Can i ask why? I didnt even know you could elect! And now im confused. And weighing up pros and cons!

Me

so I watched my sister go through 5 emergency c sections. One of which she almost died. (Obv this is rare so not trying to scare!)

For me it's a mental thing. I want the control. I've weighed up the pros and cons of both vaginal and c section and for me, an elective c section is the right choice. Not to say it is for everyone but for me it is.

Also I wouldn't want to be induced and I wouldn't want an assisted delivery. The emergency c section percentage for first time mums in my area is quite high.

Csection UK on Instagram has been extremely helpful on realistic c section tips and recovery :)

can i ask why? :)

ah thanks for this! I will have a read! I just feel like i wasnt told this was an option and labour horror stories i hear sound way worse than any c sections ive come across!

no problem. Thing is, there are horror stories everywhere. No matter the birth you have. A lot of people look down on women that choose an elective section. I have spoken to so many people who have had sections and whilst everyones experiences have been slightly different, they have all said that the things you read online about how awful c section recovery is, isnt strictly true. Yes it's bad and can be a lot longer than vaginal but there is a hell of a lot of scaremongering online. This is my first so I don't know what to expect and I know everyone will have different pain thresholds.

I've been very lucky that my midwife is supportive of my decision. I know some people don't have that experience.

I have my obstetrician apt in a couple weeks to start the booking process. I won't find out the date until around 38 weeks. (A week or so before the do it)

I've had a C-section previously, and I think I can actually deal with that again. I'm not willing to take the risk of having a VBAC which may in the end lead to getting an assisted delivery, or even an emergency C-Section. Also, my midwife mentioned that labor might open up the stitch from my previous C-section. So in my opinion, I think the elective is a safer option for me x.

any tips on the first week's recovery? 🥰

yeah the stories i know of personally, c section downtime wasnt as long as they scare you with, i think it was about 2 weeks vs the 6 weeks they scare you with.

Thats good you have a supportive midwife. Ill discuss it with mine at my 32 week appt.

Also, what happens if baby comes earlier than your booking date 🫣 can you still do a c section?

I asked that at my last midwife apt. She said if I go into labour before the date they would assess how far gone I am and ask if I would like to continue with the planned section or go for natural. Depending how far along in labour she said they just upgrade the section. So for example if I was in early labour it would be classed as an emergency but probably a grade 3 so it's not really an emergency but it's gonna happen that day kind of thing. It would all depend on how baby was aswell.

Just an fyi when you mention section The midwife will probably point you in the direction of a specific website they refer all women to that want an elective. It just gives you all the legit stats of all types of birth to make sure you are making an informed decision. Because there is a lot of BS online. X

@Lauren my doc’s favorite thing to say then was “do not lift anything heavier than your baby until you're fully healed”. Then I used halfpart surgical spirit and half part water to clean the stitch site everyday. Coughing and sneezing was also a nightmare. So the stitch doesn't open up, you need to support your belly with your hands. Lastly, get as much rest and support as you can x.

Me! All of my friends and family have had traumatic births one way or another, I feel like this option just makes me feel more in control and calm. If you go into labour early, they’ll do an emergency c section if that’s your choice. I’ve had many discussions with doctors and nurses about this.

@Julia everyone's recovery and experience with a CS can vary. I've cared for women who were in an awful amount of pain and really struggled, but I've seen some people state their recovery wasn't too bad. We always say to stay on top of pain relief and not to lift anything heavier than the baby or do things like vacuuming - so good support at home is needed.

I would also be careful of "horror stories." People tend to talk about the bad, rather than the good. There are positive and negative experiences with both vaginal and CS births.

If discussing a CS, the pros/cons/risks would be explained properly, and the implications it has on subsequent pregnancies so that you can make an informed choice.x

Me - at my birth options apt (think I was given it because I was down as anxious about birth) the senior midwife ran through the pros and cons and explained that 1 in 3 first time mums have a c section. I would rather it was planned than emergency because I feel more in control.

Mee I'll have my second elected in April I had my last 14 months ago. My eldest was vaginal and never risking that again

Me (I think). 99% sure I’m going for an elective. X

this is a v good point! You only hear the bad! Im hoping if i talk to the midwife they will give impartial advice not swayed one way or another! X

what made you make that choice if you dont mind me asking?? What does your midwife say? X

I have a bleeding disorder so for me it’s important I have a controlled birth and can be as prepared as possible. Also they’re saying baby is really big so could potentially be induced/section at 38/39 weeks anyway xx

@Lauren have you looked at statistics of 3rd/4th degree tears lovely? X

not sure if this was to me or not but yes. I did a 3 day antenatal course run by midwifes that explained each type of birth, complications that can happen etc. including tears. As mentioned previously c section is the right choice for me after speaking with my midwife and being given the correct information to read from her to make my decision a little more final.

I've been given so many horror stories for both c section and natural but equally have been given lovely stories for both too!

Everyone is different and it's one of those personal decisions isn't it. Can never please everyone. I've had some noses turned up when I've told people I have chosen elective.

@Lauren that's good. I just didn't want you or anyone else thinking that 3rd/4th degree tears are very common! No one should be judged x

this is nice to hear and was one of my main concerns.