Elective c-section
Hi everyone! Im just really confused and would love to hear about other people's experiences.....
I had a 3b perineal tear after my first little one 2 years ago and now im 31 weeks pregnant and they've given me an option between an elective c-section vs natural birth. Im terrified about the c-section as ive never had surgery before and I've heard of people getting the "shelf" that never goes away.... The obstitrician recommends a c-section saying there's a 10-15% chance that I'll retear and 50% of people that do will have life long symptoms of incontinence but my midwife is so confident in her skills that she says that the chances I'll get another 3b tear is small, I might get a 2nd degree tear, not a 3rd degree one. Has anyone had a tear with their first and gone either way with the second that could help me out?? Thank you!!!
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I had a second degree tear and an episiotomy with my first. I opted for an elective C-section with my second last year, but midwives and my consultant tried to persuade me otherwise. Do what you feel is best for you. If you really don't want an elective C-section and it's not medically necessary, don't have one. It's your body and your birth, you can choose how you'd like it to happen. I loved my C-section, but I knew I didn't want to have another natural birth
I had an elective csection with my first baby and honestly id do it again. Much more control, more preparation and recovery honestly wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Either way it is your choice. My personal experience was wonderful
The "shelf" depends on your body!
I've always been slim, active and never struggled with weight gain etc, and I've found my skin is quite elastic and bounces back.
I've had X2 back to back C-sections (18months) and I don't have a shelf, I am 13 months post 2nd section, I have a little extra jiggle, but as you would expect from pregnancy.
I had an elective c-section (also my first major operation, and only my second time in hospital) and I agree with Scarlett, going in prepared, the vibes are good, they asked what music i want, everyone was calm, and I was up taking a shower 4 hours after surgery, went home after 1 night and was going out for coffee by day 5.
Its not to say its for everyone, but my experience was amazing.
I’ve had 2 sections 1 emergency and 1 elective and would choose an elective every time, it’s such a chilled experience with music playing. I recovered really well both times too. Personally I wouldn’t risk tearing and incontinence just to have a vaginal birth. Write a lists of pros and cons for each and obv if you have help after your c section with your other child too as you won’t be able to lift them which is difficult x
I've only ever had a c section and I had an apron belly anyway, but just in case it helps I just want to say that the operation itself was a very positive experience.
I had a very positive experience with my c section and recovery and no ‘shelf’ - for what it’s worth! I’d also query your midwife being confident in her skills because what if she’s not working when you go into labour? For me the risk of incontinence would outweigh worries about recovery/weight loss - as incontinence could really later your quality of life long term - but it’s a very personal decision of course.
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