C section or vaginal birth

This is honestly so personal and really up to you and your values and what you think is most important for baby and you. I would do pros and cons of every option. Of course you can’t always choose how things turn out but it’s good to make a birth plan for 2 or 3 outcomes

Vaginal for me as I can’t be bed ridden that long and I don’t want a scar and I’m pretty sure the both equally painful but our brains expect vaginal so we get the right kind of endorphins and adrenaline ect to lessen the pain

I had a c section (emergency) first time and it was ok, no complications but it was really annoying not being able to do much for 4-6 weeks. I couldn’t pick my newborn up from the bassinet, it hurt to get out of bed, hurt to use the toilet. I have one booked in for 40 weeks this pregnancy but kinda hoping I can go into labor before that for the expected smoother healing alone

@Ellen how far along are you is everybody supposed to have that scheduled ?

I’m wondering the same thing. I had a vaginal delivery and it didn’t go very smoothly. I felt EVERYTHING, (even though I had an epidural) cord was wrapped around babies neck and wasn’t breathing, had to be rushed to NICU. Fractured my coccyx during delivery and had to see an orthopedic doctor postpartum. Now, considering a c section.

Vaginal birth will always be healthier for you and baby. The baby gets all of the nutrients going through the birth canal and mom doesn’t have to worry about major abdominal surgery and the longer recovery process afterwards. I would rather push my baby out instead of getting 7 layers cut into my stomach.

I've had 2 vaginal this will be my 3rd... is your doctor giving you an option? I know my doctors won't do a c section unless it's medically necessary

Can you opt to have a c section? I’ve never heard of someone doing this unless there were underlying reasons to do so.

I had an elective c section and it was great but I knew what I was signing up for

I had a vaginal birth, no meds... in my mind: c section (without labour) is easier in the moment but a lot harder in the long run, and vaginal is harder in the short term, easier in the long run. Ie. Labour is not a walk in the park, but you can do things to make it easier, hypnobirthing, epidural etc. But a c section you have a lot to recover from, it is major surgery, and you are limited in what you can do afterwards. I have a lot of respect for c section mamas I know I couldn't do it and don't want to this time either.

@Sierra I’m 18 weeks. No I don’t think everyone needs to have one scheduled the second time around. I just know I’ll never do an induction again and my ob doesn’t do them if you’ve had a previous c section. I personally wouldn’t want to wait for labour after 41 weeks due to risks but that’s just me - every mother has the choice for themselves

@Julia yes you can, in my country you can do this.