Forceps or c-section

This may be a unique question to ask but is there any moms out there who had a forceps and episiotomy with their first baby and then chose an elective C-section for their second?

I can’t say my labour was the worst because I had a spinal block. So by the time I delivered my baby by forceps I didn’t feel a thing because I was numb from the waist down. But I did find recovery a bit harder than I thought it would be. I know a section isn’t a walk in the park either so just wanted to see if anybody had experienced both and which did you prefer. Or if you’ve got a perspective then please share your thoughts.

Please note this isn’t a post for people to share scary birth stories. Please keep it to facts only about recovery if you’ve experienced both. Thanks 😃

in our community

Questions from other people?

Anyone else being asked really weird and at times personal questions about having a c section? Like everything from “how many inches do you think they’ll cut you?” to “is your partner happy then since you’re keeping things neat?”

Can I see your bump? 🤰🏽

35 weeks with my little boy 🩵 doctor says my stomach is on the bigger side so she is wanting to see how much the baby weighs here in a few weeks! I’m excited 😁 what day are you due? What are you having? How far along are you?

Drop bump pics in the comments ⬇️
It’s almost our turn June mamas 😚

Mat b1 form

Hello how many weeks do you have to be for your midwife to give you a Mat b1 form ?? I need proof of pregnancy for UC

Big baby boy!👶🏽🩵

So today I went to my midwives appointment and I’m currently 33 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Last time I had my appointment was the 13th April 2026 and my stomach was measured to be 29cm. Today 1st May, I was measured at 36cm. My midwife was shocked and said that it’s grown 7cm in the span of 2.5 weeks and had to re measure it 3 times to make sure. She asked if it felt heavier which I do ofc. She booked me in with an ultrasound scan to see the baby’s actually growth.
I remember my 2nd ultrasound scan at 20 weeks the lady said that my baby was on the bigger end.

Has anyone experienced this before? Do they induce you or tell you to get a c section? I’m so scared!!

Anybody else?

I feel like I’m second guessing every symptom I have at the moment and questioning whether it means labour could be starting. Anyone else who has had there baby or maybe this isn’t their first able to help me? For the last few days I’ve been feeling very nauseous and had an upset tummy (if you know what I mean) I feel like my body isn’t working right. Each evening I’ve had stomach pains and cramping for the last 4 nights. Today I also had some intense pains at half 2-4 that I’m sure weren’t contractions (they were bad but only lasting a few seconds and were not on a schedule). I’m really mentally struggling now and need my baby here sooner rather than later. Anyone in a similar boat or had a similar experience. I feel like my mood is plummeting everyday with this waiting around. I’m 38w5ds for reference

How are you planning on giving birth?

I feel like I’m so torn with wanting to go completely natural and have a water birth or just book an elective c section to reduce any unknowns.

My worry is we can all go in with the intentions of having a ‘natural’ birth but it could quickly change to an emergency c section which is my worst fear! I’m also worried about the hospital being understaffed and being pushed into decisions I’m not comfortable with. If I go with elective c section it sort of eliminates all those worries. What are your thoughts?