I’ve had a history of stress incontinence and general pelvic floor weakness before pregnancy and also lower back issues like sciatica before pregnancy. Now I know C-sec is a major surgery with longer recovery times but vaginal birth could lead to worsening of the pelvic floor and worst case scenario could lead to C-sec anyway! So I’m really not sure how to make a decision here, there are so many unknowns of how the birth could go and how the body can react after! Any advice on how you are choosing your way of delivery??
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I am on the same boat with you! I am trying to weigh up the options. Pelvic floor is almost none existent. Incontinence is an issue at the moment, back end not so great either.
I want natural as I don't want the recovery time with a c section, but I think I will have problems after birth if natural. I can't decide at all.

I had endometriosis removal on a bladder and in similar position trying to decide on natural or c section, when iv discussed with midwives they confirmed pro long labour can impact pelvic floor further but have been told there are risks associated with your bladder with a c section due to catheter insertion etc. I self referred to pelvic floor physiotherapy and been given so much support on how to help strengthen it throughout pregnancy but still remains a difficulty! Have you tried this?

I’m trying to make a decision as well, except my issue is lichen sclerosus (and the lack of evidence as to whether a vaginal delivery has longterm effects on the condition). I made a table basically comparing the cons of each, and how much con bothers me, along with sources of each so that I’m using actual evidence rather than emotions or speculation.

I’ve not had a c-section and accidentally gave birth at home (long story but only pain relief was gas and air for last three contractions when the paramedics arrived).
I have autoimmune and have hypermobility especially in my hips, including pgp- the most painful thing for me with labour was actually my hip joints. If this helps at all.
I spent most of my time in the bath which I think did help.
I’ve mentioned a few times to the midwives about my worry about my hips this time round, because it has been a lot worse in this pregnancy, my pelvic floor has not been great either.
I’m still going for a natural birth, hopefully water birth (if I manage to not have GD this time round) and then will have epidural request in there too. Really im happy to have all options on the table.
What I have heard is that recovery from as natural as possible is the quickest- from my work colleagues who have had multiple children with different births for each of their own.

Ran out of space- so whilst I can’t offer what I think is best, hopefully my experience can may help with some questions/ thoughts you may be having. x
It’s a boy 🎉 so excited

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I’m having a c section next week and am hoping dad can stay overnight with me. My last baby was in 2022 so it was still a bit ‘covidy’ and he could only stay with me during visitor hours. It was a nightmare as I was in so much pain and could barely move to get to my baby and when I pressed the button for a midwife it took over half an hour for someone to come. I am giving birth at the JR Oxford.
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Hi all,
Little ones cord fell off last night, today it looks like she has a little stump. Does anyone know what this could be?
Midwife is due to come out tomorrow so will ask her but intrigued in the meantime to see what you all think
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They told me it’s a girl and now at 35 weeks their are telling me it’s a boy. The sonographer has been different everytime! How do I trust anyone at this point?! Here’s a photo of their privates! The one who did it today said she’s 100% certain it’s a boy. Has this happened to anyone here?
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Guys please let me know if this is safe to use at 8 weeks x

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I’ve had a history of stress incontinence and general pelvic floor weakness before pregnancy and also lower back issues like sciatica before pregnancy. Now I know C-sec is a major surgery with longer recovery times but vaginal birth could lead to worsening of the pelvic floor and worst case scenario could lead to C-sec anyway! So I’m really not sure how to make a decision here, there are so many unknowns of how the birth could go and how the body can react after! Any advice on how you are choosing your way of delivery??
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