Vaginal or Elective C-Section

I had a hard time with my first delivery (I won't go into details as its not great) but still going for a vaginal this time. Trust your body 😍 but also if you really want a section go for it!

yeah x

C section is a serious surgery and it is no joke and the recovery is tough. I had an emergency c section with my first and am going to try vaginal birth now with my second.

Not sure about pros for C section rather than if elective u have a date booked (still doesn't mean you won't go into labour naturally before)
As for vaginal. That's the way we meant to birth so it is the best way. Most benefits for mum and baby. Mum - quicker recovery, better overall feeling from labour (unless we talking induction or serious complications than of course not)

Baby - easier transition to the world, better breathing, contact with super helpful vaginal and gut bacteria which got long term affect on baby's life based on scientific studies.

Bottom line is you have to weigh pros and cons, risks and benefits and choose the right option for your specific situation X

I’m due in October and also had similar feelings.
I decided to ask to speak to a midwife about an elective C section. I spent almost an hour on the phone with her going over what happens before, during & after, recovery, further pregnancies etc.
I’ve decided against it but would really recommend having a chat about it so you’re fully informed & can make the decision that’s right for you.

I’d say the recovery time for a vaginal delivery vs c-section is a massive pro. Whe I had a section I barely could do anything for 3 months and if I pushed myself (something as simple as walking up the hill with a pram) it pushed back my recovery.

I have opted for an elective section, and feel so happy with my choice. I've written a detailed birth plan so I feel like I have control and choice over what is happening.

I've spoken to a number of people who have had elective sections and every person, without fail, has said it was the best decision!
You know exactly when it will be, it's really calm and quick, and recovery is nothing like as bad as you think.

However emergency sections tend to be worse, because they are often rushed/more stressful, and if you've laboured beforehand, then there's double stress on your body and that may impact recovery too.

I'm under no illusion that recovery will be easy, but recovery from vaginal birth can also be awful too, so that's not a deciding factor for me.

Trust your instincts...do what feels right for you. X

I had an emergency c section after being in labour all day. I didn’t find recovery bad at all! I took all my pain meds for a week and a half before I didn’t need it anymore. I was pushing my baby in his pram uphill to the pub for lunch at 3 weeks pp xx

I'm having a planned c-section due to medical reasons and although there are some aspects I'm pleased with (ie: knowing the exact date I will have baby and feeling some control over the birth) I do find myself grieving the birth I thought I would have. If I had a choice I would choose a vaginal birth. The recovery side of things does really worry me, everyone is different but some people take a long time to feel normal again after a c-section and get infections and all sorts, and I just want to be able to go for walks and drive and enjoy baby fully as soon as possible after.

I'm most likely going to have an elective c-section depending on my next scan. So I've done lots of research. Anxiety about birth is as valid a reason to opt for a C-section as any other. A lot of the data and information on c-sections comes from people who had emergency sections - these have a far longer recovery time. Many women who try to give birth vaginally have tears and other complications which take a long time to recover from too. Also, having a C-section means you can't get up and run around after birth, meaning you properly rest your pelvic floor which is super important for all women after birth! The main reason to opt for a vaginal birth is if you plan to have three or more children, risk of complications increase with each C-section. This table of risks and benefits of each mode of delivery can be helpful: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192/resources/appendix-a-benefits-and-risks-of-vaginal-and-caesarean-birth-pdf-9074971693

Great points above 🙌🏼 I forgot to add what someone else said, if you planning multiple children then definitely vaginal birth is a better option and a misunderstanding what has been mentioned few times - elective c section does not give a fixed date and plan. Often you can go into labour before that, so that has to be considered as well X
I am not against elective section by any means, it all depends on circumstance. For example if I had 2 choices, one being induction and one elective c section 100% c section for me 🙌🏼🙌🏼

That’s super helpful. Thank you so much x

Thank you! It’s a miracle that we’ve managed to have one so I can’t see anymore on the cards so I guess that’s one less thing to worry about xx