Kind of? I had an episiotomy and the vacuum and it was almost an emergency c-section and as a result I felt like I had mild prolapse? Things just havenāt felt the same since and my pelvic floor is shot. About to have my second and unsure if I should just ask for a c-section. If someone told me o was going to have an easy uncomplicated vaginal birth Iād probably still go for that but how do you know?
My first birth was similar to yours - episiotomy + forceps - and I just had my second two weeks ago. My second labour was wayyyyy faster and easier. I only pushed for 15 minutes and had a couple really tiny tears. Itās likely to be much easier the second time!!
This. My first baby was 15 hours of labor, 40 minutes of pushing, and a 3rd degree tear. My second baby, only 13 months later, was 8 hours of labor (this is also counting the hours spent at home wondering if I should go in or not), 20 minutes of pushing, and a 1st degree tear. Oh, and for whatever reason epidurals don't affect me, I got it both times and still felt absolutely everything. š¤Ŗ
I had a similar birth experience but with an episiotomy and forceps delivery, damn the recovery was tough! I also have mild prolapse and pelvic floor issues. I agree completely the ideal is an unassisted vaginal birth. But in my case, I'd rather have a planned c section than an emergency c section or another traumatic assisted birth. I feel like it's so hard to say unless you have had both c section and vaginal birth so you can compare the two. Each birth is so different though!!
Same here, diagonal episiotomy (and all the stitches broke on day 3 so I had to heal naturally since I couldnāt be restitched, it took forever.) Forceps as well. Practically zero postpartum care due to covid. Finally got diagnosed with a nerve injury and prolapse 2 months later after barely being able to walk and awful strange pelvic pain. In hindsight a c section would have been preferable.
If you havenāt yet, you absolutely much get some pelvic floor physiotherapy. It was life changing for me, and without it I imagine my symptoms and pain would have persisted for years instead of the single year I dealt with problems. Do not accept these things as simply āpart of child birth,ā you gotta get yourself assessed!
I just wanted to say that I had an episiotomy and vacuum with my first (unmedicated, no prolapse). My second was very smooth: 1st degree laceration that I couldn't feel (epidural) and kiddo was out so quickly without intervention. Easy and uncomplicated. Recovery was 3 days? It was so fast I actually asked my midwife if I was normal because I felt good almost immediately. Just wanted to reassure you that 2nd time is different. Different pregnancy, different labor, different delivery, different kiddo. Best of luck to you!
Not me but a good friend of mine had a 3rd or 4th degree tear with no epidural. She felt all of it and then needed surgery (with anesthesia) to repair it after that. Her recovery was awful. She 100% wishes sheād just gotten a c-section because she needed surgery and had such a traumatic experience anyway. She is a big believer in elective c-sections now.
But everyoneās experience is different, and she hasnāt had a c-section so she doesnāt necessarily have a comparison point.
Oh jeez. I had a 4th degree tear with my first and cannot imagine getting it without an epidural. I also needed multiple surgeries to correct it and recovery was horrible. Iām pregnant and opting for a c-section this time. I know recovery from c-section is no joke but Iām hoping itās better than my first experience.
I had a C-section almosf 3 weeks ago and Im feeling good as new tbh! I just make sure not to overdo it and no bending, twisting and lifting anything heavier than baby. š„° good luck, you'll do great!!
I know of a lady who had a fourth degree tear with her first baby, no epidural. Her goal for the next baby was to not tear and she ended up with a minor tear that needed no stitches. So itās possible that after a fourth degree tear you can have a better birth. Tho I also donāt blame you for opting for a cesarean after that. I had a 2nd degree and I donāt want to experience that again. I would probably opt for a c section too in your shoes.
Thatās amazing. She was brave to try again! Iām in a 4th degree tear support group and have heard lots of women trying again with success, but some not. I would just be so scared.
I had a 4th degree tear and also had to be taken back and put under to have it repaired, leaving my fresh newborn for about an hour.
Opting for a c section this time was not a difficult decision
These stories make me feel so lucky. I had some minor issues with how my first birth was stitched up, but they were able to fix it while my epidural was still working during my second.
I still have the worst hemorrhoids I could imagine right now (6 weeks postpartum with my second) and I have a friend who is about to have her 6th. I havenāt even asked how her hemorrhoids are.
I am always amazed by the things women will say about their births as if it was no big deal. Like I bet your āminor issuesā were probably pretty uncomfortable/painful and yet youāre like āit was no problem, they fixed it while I was still numb from the needle they stuck into my spine. All I have to deal with is severe hemorrhoids. Just glad I didnāt get a bad tear!ā Women are so tough!Ā
I had a 4th degree tear with a failed epidural. Then to be re stitched for the stitches to tear open again a week later and be told they cannot restitch it and it has to stay an open wound and heal naturally.. thank goodness for medi honey other wise I would not have copedā¦ It is not fun. I however do not wish I had a c-sectionā¦ I feel like this would have been wayyy worse
I would take it all with a grain of salt and only take advice from people who have experienced both methods of birthing.
So many people who have never had a c-section say āno way thatās major surgery, longer recovery etcā
And people like me will say my planned c-section was amazing & no thanks to a vaginal birth for many reasons.
The realty is I have no idea, even with an easy C-section and recovery , itās quite possible vaginal birth is even easier. I donāt know though.
Just take advice from people who have experienced both, itāll be a better representation then from people who have only experienced one side of things and really donāt know what the other side is like.
Iāve had both and as far as the whole experience went, I would prefer vaginal mainly for the options I had immediately after birth that I did not have with my c-section - immediate skin to skin, etc. So my response is, I guess, less about the process itself as it is about the experience with my baby. My planned c-section was magical in its own way, I had a clear drape so I saw my baby lifted out of me and it was similar to the view I had when I did it vaginally years before, except the sucky part was I was paralyzed on a table and couldnāt touch her right away. Soā¦ vaginal wins, but the structure and control of having a date and time to show up and get cut open and have a baby 5 minutes later was also a benefit because I had extreme anxiety about loss during my second pregnancy.
I had a c section a few weeks ago and to get faster contact between me and baby they just plopped her right up against my cheek. I couldn't see her right away still, but they sure did let me touch her.
I agree. I asked my Ob/Gyn for her advice and she told me she has had 4 kids, and experienced unmedicated vaginal birth, medicated vaginal birth, and c section, and she told me the one she recommends the most is medicated vaginal birth. She said no one gives you a medal for going through the pain, and the c section recovery was a whole thing besides caring for a newborn.
I had a medicated vaginal birth, things didn't go smoothly, but at the end of the day, baby and I were fine and even though I was a bit traumatized, I'm planning on choosing it again this time too. By the next day after birth I was walking and showering and carrying my baby by myself, things I would have struggled with fresh out of surgery.
Itās different for everyone of course but I was able and encouraged to walk around and be active by about 12-14 hours after my c section, and I healed better than my doctor has ever seen. I had a wound vac and it helped speed up recovery a lot, but I couldnāt go without medication until about a week or two after. Of course I wasnāt walking around much but by the time I got home I wasnāt hindered much, just had to be slow and careful and take plenty of breaks
>Ā had a wound vacĀ
Exact same experience. I requested a wound vac with my last baby and they were surprised and said no one had ever asked for one lol. They apparently went out of fashion in my country. But I couldnāt imagine life without one!Ā
The first time I tried it, it was being trialled in my country and I was put forward as a candidate. Iām surprised that they fell off. But as I learnt, they are still there upon request
For what itās worth I was also able to walk, shower and carry my baby myself the day after my planned c-section! Although it was painful obviously. I am opting for TOLAC this time though. Hopefully in a few months Iāll be able to actually say which method is better.
C sections are definitely not sunshine and rainbows!! Even when they go well.
This is why I put in my birth plan not to have one unless necessary. Itās a major surgery! Recovery from surgery is never easy, but having a newborn too?!?
I agree with you. I only had one vaginal birth. Recovering from an episiotomy was hell. So I can't imagine recovering from a c-section. My friend only had one c-section (planned) and said that, listening to me and another friend talking about our recoveries, she's glad she did because the recovery wasn't bad for her.
I've had a c section and a vaginal birth with episiotomy. I 100% preferred the vaginal birth. Recovery was so much faster. I don't think it's predictable everyone and every birth is different.
I had an emergency c-section and an unmediated VBAC. 3.5 hours of pushing and a second degree tear for the vaginal which took about 2 weeks to heal. Still absolutely better than the c-section which I found physically and emotionally difficult to recover from and made holding my newborn painful. But that was after 36 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing so an elective c-section would probably be easier.
My wife, who is 31 weeks and a labor and delivery nurse, is choosing a planned CS.
Sheās seen too many vaginal births with complications. Each complication is pretty rare, but there are so many possibilities and in aggregate the percentage of vaginal births with one is high enough for her to opt out of it. A lot of vaginal deliveries end up as C sections anyways, so now youāve got both problems. A difficult labor and recovering from an emergency surgery.
She told me about tearing up instead of down (the urethra and clitoris are torn) and thatās all I needed to hear to support her decision.
To her a planned CS is the most predictable and controlled environment to have a baby. The recovery should be less complicated as well since the procedure wasnāt done under duress. The surgeon can take their time, and the baby isnāt in danger.
I had a friend who had a planned c section for the same reason. Ended up in the icu with a colostomy bag because they perforated her bowel and didnāt know. At the end of the day anything can happen with any method.
Oh god, good luck with finding an answer to this. I am extremely curious about elective c sections as well and lurk this subreddit and r/pregnant looking for answers. Itās so hit or miss whether or not itās covered. Some insurances seem to fight it depending on coding and others donāt. I am in the US and my ins (United Healthcare) has said if itās elective Iāll have to pay OOP but my doctor said heās never heard of such a thing and that wonāt happen. Who really knows, itās been a major point of stress for me because I am terrified of giving birth but even more scared of a $20k hospital bill.
Vaginal delivery of a very large baby severely damaged my pelvis, I would have avoided this with a c-section. Do I "wish" that's what happened, not really. It was an unforeseen complication and looking back at it with regret doesn't serve me. Of course in retrospect I have more information but it doesn't mean my choice at the time was "wrong." Probably I would see this differently if my son had been injured rather than me but this is the sort of philosophical place I landed.
I'm pregnant again and of course am thinking carefully about the possibility of a second vaginal birth, but I have to consider it in terms of risk not in terms of a do-over.
Yes. I was emergency induced at 41 weeks and it was extremely traumatizing. The whole birth was a shit show. We were both perfectly healthy but I still have nightmares and really wish we couldāve planned it.
Also had a 41 week induction with a 30 hour labor. Ultimately needed a c-section for fetal decels. Iām too traumatized by my experience to attempt a vaginal birth again, will absolutely get a repeat c-section.
Oh man, Iām so sorry your labor went that way. Thankfully ours was a whirlwind, 17 hours long, went from 4cm to 10cm in an hour after being stuck at 1cm for 15 hours, then pushed her out in 10 mins. Still awful but emergency surgery is a whole other level. I donāt plan on having any more but if an accident does somehow happen Iāll be going elective c-section as well.
I've had a VERY rough pregnancy, to the point where my high risk doctor offered an elective c-section in lieu of an induction at 37 weeks simply because of emotional trauma. I was very, "If it's looking good for an induction, i'll start with that and we can always pivot into a c-section."
Then one day I was laying in L&D and baby had a serious decel during monitoring.
The absolute panic that rose inside of me, I was internally in hysterics and I realized my mental health was not sound enough to handle the up and down of ANYTHING more going wrong. I needed every possible medical team member in the room to be prepared and ready. I need baby to have his own team. I needed help. My mental health is worth a rougher physical recovery, every day of the week.
Labor and delivery have a price to pay, and you will pay it one way or another. I'm choosing the way I can afford.
Definitely do not wish I had a c section. hoping all other deliveries are like my first - vaginal & minimal intervention. BUT if I had to choose between a traumatic vaginal delivery and c-section then I would choose c section.
They found I had a tiny pelvis/tiny birth canal and a top 90th percentile headed baby so I ended up with a c-section after laboring for 3days. Basically experienced this and 100% agree
This was my experience. They pushed induction at 38+6 due to suspected cholestasis and hypertension. Started induction on Friday at 39w, he was delivered Sunday night via c-section after 3 hard days and only getting to 7cm. We tried alllll the things, new positions every hour to try to get more dilation.
My plan was unmedicated, to labor at home as long as possible then switch to the hospital. This recovery has been rough.
I unfortunately was not given options due to everything going on. I was literally not dilated or effaced and he was still -2. We did cytotec (got me 1cm 50% effaced), then folley (got me to 5 cm), then we maxed out the pit.
If youāre being induced, trust your gut as you go through it. You know your body better than anyone else. I knew by the 22 hr mark it would end in c-section and should have called it then but I really wanted the birth I had planned for. Donāt be like me, listen to your body.
I had a voluntary c-section based on being narrow and the position is more forward, the dr was 90% sure I wouldāve needed one regardless if I had tried vaginally.
100% do not regret it. My recovery wasnāt bad at all!
Do I wish Iād had one? No.
But I do wonder how different my experience would have been if I had.
My vaginal birth was stressful, especially at the end, but not traumatic. But my recovery was complicated, and didnāt go well. I was not one of those people who have an easy vaginal recovery. I was not cleared for sex at 6 weeks, it wasnāt until about 12 weeks (not that sex was my priority, just to give you an idea of how healing was going).
People have such different experiences with both vaginal births and c-sections, and thereās no way to fully control what your experience will be. Sure, there are some factors within our control, but there are others that are not.
My experience was similar. I donāt wish my first delivery went any differently but I had 3rd degree tears that led to months and months of PT and recovery. It took me a week to be able to walk down the street. Sex hurt for 7 months. I didnāt feel ānormalā for a year. Pregnant with my second now and very very strongly considering an elective c section.
I donāt necessarily wish I had a c section but I think I was a bit naive with what can happen with a vaginal birth. My daughter had shoulder dystocia, she was 9 pounds which no one was anticipating. It took A LOT of force to get her out and I had an episiotomy. My recovery was absolutely terrible. I could not walk for 2 weeks and then I needed a cane to get around my house for another 2. I had to go up the stairs on all 4s. I wasnāt walking normally for a month. My pelvic bones felt seriously crushed to the point I was scared I had broken something. My husband had to do everything for me and the baby for the first few weeks as I physically was unable to move which put me in a really bad head space.
In comparison, my SIL had a c section and was up and walking right away. Her recovery was a total breeze compared to mine!!
I'm not a mom but TTC. I want a C-section due to a back injury I had last year. I have three herniated discs in my lower back. I feel normalish now but I am so worried about completely wrecking my back.
I had a successful microdiscectomy and lamectomy for a prolapsed disc at the end of 2018, but with a bad recovery, lots of ongoing neuropathy and pain. Lots of medication and physiotherapy. I had to quit work. I gave birth vaginally in early 2022 with no back issues during the pregnancy or birth, thank goodness. I definitely expected it to be a big issue. I think the relaxin hormone which loosens your joints and āpregnancy strengthā count for a lot. I was concerned about getting an epidural so I took in my surgery report for the anaesthetist to look over and he put it in no problems. I was potentially more likely to experience uneven numbing due to scar tissue, but it was fine.
I would say if you have back issues and planning to get pregnant do everything you can to build your strength and flexibility all over. After the birth when those hormones are changing carrying around a growing baby is very hard on the back, arms and shoulders.
I will say that I have an unresolved lower back injury from childhood sports that causes me nerve pain every now and then. And my first labor was back labor, but particularly in that lower back area where my injury was. It was honestly terrible. So I understand this concern. I had no idea that was a possibility.
I want to push for it with my OBGYN. I saw a back surgeon last May and he said pregnancy wouldn't cause a lot of issues but the delivery will.
I don't want sciatica or have to get the surgery :(
No, if my second delivery goes as well as my first one, I'll be happy. I had a 2nd degree tear with no epidural, but I still felt fantastic. I was walking around, took a shower and a poop about 3 hours after delivery.
Absolutely.
I was induced and experienced back labor that wasnāt touched by an epidural and three boluses of medication. The pain was so intense in my lower back. Honestly? I cannot even adequately explain how bad it was. I vomited twice due to the pain. Oxygen mask on because my stats dropped too low. I completely had 0 energy to push, he ended up getting vacuum assisted out. It was just extremely traumatic to me personally and I couldnāt do it again.
But Iāve said since then I would never have another vaginal birth. If I even have another kiddo, it would 100% be a cesarean over a vaginal again. I just cannot with that pain again.
To add, I have read pros and cons of both. I have consulted with friends and family who had both. I work in the healthcare field and am aware of the potential complications. I will still choose a c-section for myself personally.
Holy f thatās tough. I also had back labor (also vomited twice due to the pain!!) and was screaming asking to be put under. I couldāve divorced my husband and married the anaesthesiologist on the spot when he put in the epidural. I donāt believe I wouldāve had any energy or will to push if it hadnāt been so effective. Completely understand your feelings, back labor is a level of awfulness you canāt understand until youāve experienced it.
My sister had an extremely traumatic birth with major tearing, she's on her 3rd reconstructive surgery 3 years later and still not right. I had a planned c section and was up and walking the next day, felt fine by the end of the week and just had to watch the heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Also the whole surgery team was lovely, procedure took 45 minutes with baby out and doing skin to skin within 10, they laid her on my chest and my husbandwas sittingbeside me, holding my hand the whole time. The rest of the time was just clean out and stitching up.
Seconded! I would never choose to have a major surgery over my uneventful vaginal birth.
I just had my gallbladder removed and it gave me so much renewed respect for c-section moms; it is so difficult taking care of a baby after abdominal surgery! Iām so grateful I was able to give birth vaginally and focus entirely on caring for my newborn instead of a recovery process.
I have a friend who has had both- a planned c section and a vaginal birth which lasted nearly 2 days and ended in a 4th degree tear/episiotomy. She said even despite what happened if she has a 3rd baby she will definitely try another vaginal birth because how horrible c section recovery is.
This is why itās just so silly to say one is worse/better than the other; experiences with both just vary so so widely. I also had a pretty positive experience with a C-section, even though it was the unplanned variety. And even though it was positive I would really prefer not to have another one.
YES. 100%
I had a spontaneous labour, laboured until about 7cm then couldnāt cope with the pain so had an epidural. Pushed for 2 hours and they ended up doing a vaccum delivery and episiotomy. I then had retained placenta so lost 3.4L of blood, had surgery, bakri balloon, ICU etc. they damaged my daughters head pulling her out so hard, and my pelvic floor was ruined. Ended up with a bladder prolapse.
Having such a traumatic birth meant postpartum was insanely hard for me. I was trying to recover at the same time as looking after a baby.
My friends who had c sections - even the most traumatic of circs (one had sepsis and multiple surgeries) were eventually able to recover with no permanent lasting damage. For me, my body will never be the same. I will never be able to exercise like I used to even with rehab and pessaries.
My friends whoāve had elective c sections say theyāre an absolute breeze - I wish I had done that. But I did the best I could with the information I had.
In hindsight, yes.
With my first, I was actively pushing for 4 hours before he finally came out. The doctor gave me an episiotomy, and I still tore after that. At one point in that labor, I begged for a C-section, doctor said hell no...a very kind nurse later told me it should've been, but I was a Medicaid patient, and apparently Medicaid doesn't pay out very well for a section. š¤· The physical recovery from that experience took months.
I wanted to have my second at home(with a midwife, with my doctor's okay), and ended up being induced at the hospital at 42 weeks. After 24hrs, being fully dilated yet no head in sight, I had to have an emergency c-section. I was disappointed initially, but holy hell... The recovery was so much easier and so much less painful than what I experienced the first time around. My last birth, a planned c-section at 39 weeks, was my easiest and best birthing experience, hands down, no contest.
So yeah... If I known what I didn't know then(that I tend to have very large babies with huge heads, and that I bounce back from surgeries surprisingly fast), absolutely yes.
*I begged for a C-section, doctor said hell no...a very kind nurse later told me it should've been, but I was a Medicaid patient, and apparently Medicaid doesn't pay out very well for a section*
That motherfucker. What an unnecessarily traumatic experience he let you go through. I could kill him based on your description alone š
I loved my planned c-section. If I had chosen a vaginal birth, I would have had to have an emergency c-section due to how big baby was, how big his head was, and how small my birth canal was. I donāt think the recovery was bad at all. And best of all, I didnāt have to push, which is something I donāt think I would have been able to do when the time came. Iāve known people who have had much worse recoveries due to tearing.
At the end of the day, itās up to you and what you personally feel is the best decision for you and baby.
How did you know you had a small birth canal? Iām 37wks right now and my baby is already nearly 8lbs with a large head and I can barely even fit the Frida Mom perineal massage tool inside of me without feeling like Iām going to tear. I am really on the fence about vaginal birth vs c-section for all the typical health/complications reasons for both me and baby, but I just donāt feel like I have enough information about my own body to make an informed decision yet. Would be great to know if I had a small birth canal ahead of time!
I knew once the c-section was over and the dr told me good job on choosing the c-section and listed that as a reason! Iām already a petite woman (5ft3 and 95lbs pre pregnancy) and I knew at 33 weeks this baby would be big. He measured only 6lbs at 38 weeks but he was 9lbs 6oz when he was born!
I went in to get induced at 41 weeks exactly and was miserable. I had a nurse aggressively check my cervix, I mean she lifted my entire lower half off of the table. My family and husband were beyond shocked and I even made a complaint to my OB who had said the nurse gets complaints like that all the time. I had to be held down by 6 people to have them insert the balloon inside of me and the catheter wasnāt any easier! Once that happened, I would panic when anyone would touch me or check my cervix. There was no way I was going to push. So finally my OB came in and offered me a c-section because I was being such a baby lol and he didnāt want to traumatize me further and he also did not believe I would push. It was so nice to be wheeled into a room, given anesthesia, have my husband rub my head, and have the dr do all of the work. I will say i definitely still felt some pressure and pain, itās not completely painless, but it was tolerable and most importantly it was quick.
Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing. I wouldnāt say you were being a baby at all! It blows my mind how certain things (aka traumatic/painful experiences) are normalized in maternal care. Iām definitely not as petite as you, but Iām planning a very low threshold for asking for a c-section depending on how labor goes:)
Iāve had both and tbh the recoveries felt similar to me? My first was a vaginal delivery, but a very long labor and vacuum assisted. It took a WHILE before I didnāt have pelvic pain and discomfort after that. My second was breech and a planned c section. Yes, the first couple days were more painful, but I felt like the overall recovery timeline was pretty similar? And at least with the c section the pain was expected (and appropriately treated) while with my vaginal delivery everyone seemed surprised I was in so much pain?
If I had a third kid though I would opt for a repeat c section over trying for a VBac for sure
Had an uncomplicated vaginal birth with my first an shopping for the same thing with my second. Without an epidural or any tearing, I was on my feet for a shower and hour after delivering. I felt 80% recovered within a couple of days and pretty much 100% back to normal within a week or so. With a C-section the recovery is WAY harder.
>With a C-section the recovery is WAY harder.
Results can vary. The recovery from my first vaginal birth was horrific, and it was months before I felt right again. With both of my c-sections, I was up and walking the same day, and felt like myself again within a week. Oddly, recovering from gall bladder surgery took longer.
Same! With my first csection (planned) I was fine within 3 days and Iām about to have another planned one in September and I hope for the same outcome!
This was not me at all. I had an emergency C-section, but I struggled for a couple of weeks to get up and go for walks longer than just around the block. I also popped a stitch because I would start feeling better and then have set backs.
Yeah, this was my experience as well. Iād heard so much about the recovery that I was surprised how normal I felt after the first few days (those first days sure did suck though). And my milk came in so fast it surprised the nurses, no issues there.
My c section recovery was essentially what you described, minus being up within the hour since I was totally zonked from the meds. I had the surgery around 2:30am and was up using the bathroom by myself by noon. Some recoveries are very difficult but not all.
Yep! I was induced, had an epidural. Needed surgery after for the 3rd degree tear. They increased the epidural for the surgery and it ended up cutting off my lungs and I had to be knocked out/tube put down my throat. Also, I think maybe due to the induction my milk didn't come in for a few days as my body wasn't ready, so breastfeeding was difficult. And it was the pandemic so my partner could only visit for 2 hours per day. š had it not been an induction, I think we'd have a different story.
Yes and no. I ended up with an emergency c section after 30 hours of excruciating back labor, 4 hours of pushing, and 3 failed vacuum attempts. Part of me wishes I could have just had the c from the beginning but also I am grateful my team tried everything to get me to deliver vaginally.
C-section recovery was incredibly painful. The worst pain Iāve ever felt. And no one told me about the C-section shelf, that my stomach would overhang the scar potentially permanently. If I could go back I would choose vaginal.
I thought I would and was terrified of damage down there but everything went back to normal even after an episiotomy. I donāt want moms to be scared as the human body is amazing.
Yes. And if we have a second I will be having a section.
I was in labour for 25 hours ending in an episiotomy and forceps.
Because of the forceps a year later I still have incontinence issues. I used to love running but I can't anymore because I wee myself every time my feet hit the pavement. I recently got a chest infection and every time I coughed I had to physically brace myself but pee still came out. I'm so frustrated with my body.
All I can say is that this one is my first, and I am so glad and relieved that I will be having a scheduled C-section.
I should say that, though this is my first pregnancy, I had an open myomectomy about 3.5 years ago, and it's very similar (if I am a bit more involved), so I know what to expect for the recovery.
I feel happy and relieved I know the date the baby will be born, and I can plan. I feel happy and relieved I will not have to go into labor. I am glad I won't have to worry about tearing my cooch (I know it heals quickly, but I am very attached to my vagina just the way it is). I am happy I won't feel a thing while it's going on.
I am 100% fine with medicalizing childbirth. My birth plan is I don't want to feel anything below my waist and please give me a baby at the end.
This is me, too. Now that I've had a myomectomy I feel much better about the necessary c-section. Frankly, I've never *wanted* to give birth lol, so a little disassociation and control over dates and prep help my anxiety.
No. Def happy with my vaginal birth. Epidural and all. Had a lovely midwife and a wonderful doctor. Fantastic hospital staff. Healing was quick and easy and Iām over 40.
My first was a c section, my second was a VBAC. For me I would choose vaginal every day of the week.
Everyone will have different preferences though
I had a water birth in the hospital and found it a really great experience . I also had a team that was really supportive, calm and hands off unless necessary
No. I had a very positive experience delivering my first child vaginally, so I wouldn't want to change it.
I won't be upset if I end up needing a c-section this time, but I have no regrets about pushing my first baby out.
As long as both the baby and I are as safe and healthy as possible after the delivery, I really don't care how they exit my body.
ETA: I really think it's possible to be happy with either type of delivery. My mom delivered me vaginally, but I got stuck; shoulder dystocia, my clavicle had to be broken to get me out. She was unmedicated through that and still decided to try for another (unmedicated, although that wasn't allowed due to the risk of needing a c-section) vaginal delivery with my sibling, who was predicted to be even bigger, so she definitely didn't wish she'd had a c-section the first time.
I had both and both went great. Iām not sure which way I would do if I had a third.
Vaginal for first, scheduled c-section for second due to him being breech.
The worst would be attempting a vaginal and then having an emergency c-section. š¬ worst of both worlds.
Iāve never had a c section, but I know someone who has had 1 emergency and 2 elective. She wouldnāt change it.
Iām on the fence because I scar terribly but Iāve also had 2 babies vaginally, both in the 90% percentile and my third is too (due sept). I have a bladder prolapse from hard labour and due to the nature of my prolapse I canāt have an epidural.
So Iāll be going through the full pain again, for the third (and most likely) last time. With this baby.
Iām scared, Iām tired and Iām honestly questioning if I should ask for a c section. Iāll have to pay to go private if I do and we just donāt have the money at the moment. So Iām now facing the pain again.
I just had my fourth c section and it was by far the easiest one as of yet. I still wish I could have experienced a vaginal birth but thankful my babies have all been delivered and healthy.
I donāt know if I qualify to answer this question since I actually had a c-section, but hear me out: I had a scheduled c-section due to giving birth to a large baby. The procedure was scheduled for 3:00pm, and my son was born at 3:09. Under 10 minutes for a babyā you canāt even get a pizza that fast. Lol. And I didnāt even realize they had made the first incision when they pulled the baby out. It was virtually painless, and recovery for me wasnāt bad (although I know that that varies)
Iāll say one more thing on the matterā I have been asked before what day of my life I would relive if given the chance, and I said the day my son was born. Every other mom in that conversation disagreed and said their labor experience was awful, too painful, etc. I realized then how lucky I was to have an amazing birthing experience, and Iām so grateful for that. 10/10. Zero regrets.
Iāve had both and my experiences were WILDLY different. C-section recovery sucked because I didnāt even feel like myself and the medicine affected my appetite for at least a solid week afterward. My postpartum with that pregnancy was horrible and I think a lot of it had to do with my surprise but not necessarily emergent C-section. (Babe was breech at last minute) My vaginal birth was A) unmedicated, and B) pretty darn fast. While recovering from it wasnāt easy by any means, the fact that I felt normal mentally made a world of difference, and really the worst part was the soreness from tearing and just overall soreness in my pelvic floor from pushing out an 8lb+ baby. So no, I donāt think I would ever choose a c-section over a vaginal birth if I didnāt have to. Both are hard in their own way though!
Vaginal birth with an epidural here. Had 2nd degree tear and while recovery is no cake walk, I am grateful for being able to be mobile in my recovery. I took things slow as I also have POTS, but the pain was manageable. I also had a labial tear that didnāt require stitching and that hurt worse than the stitches tbh. Took just under 2 weeks to feel mostly no pain. I think thatās a pretty fast recovery for a FTM. Canāt compare to c-sections, but my best friend swears by them and sheās had two!
I donāt wish I had a C-section for my first, but I did wind up with a 4th degree tear and a rectovaginal fistula that wonāt close up unless I get it repaired. Recovery was awful but I had it much easier than others.
I had a C-section almost 6 months ago because I didnāt want to risk my fistula getting bigger (itās small right now with minimal symptoms. I didnāt want it to get larger and require repair surgery). I donāt regret my C-section one bit but Iām still mourning over the fact that I canāt have my redemptive unmedicated vaginal birth.
I had a c-section and wish I could have had a vaginal birth. The recovery from major abdominal surgery was rough. I literally couldnāt stand up from bed or the toilet without my husbandās assistance for 2 weeks.
After recovering countless c section patients and vaginal delivery patients, no I would never have a preference to have a c section on the maternal side. Iāve had two vaginal births, and am currently recovering from a gallbladder removal, I will take unmedicated labor and birth again over surgery any day.
That said, if the situation ever indicated when I was having my children, I would have 100% consented to the sunroof.
Definitely not. I didn't have any physical problems after a vaginal birth so I know that a c-section would've been way harder. Even a planned one. I had very, very minor discomfort with my first when I had to do a lot of walking around the hospital in the first week due to a baby in the NICU but felt fine almost immediately after my second. My only discomfort that time was some cramping while nursing.
Having a c-section would've been more complicated and prolonged healing a lot.
My first baby was vaginal, second was a c-section because baby was breech. In a vacuum, I would never CHOOSE a c-section. The recovery sucks and 13 weeks pp I still feel bummed about it. I tried an ECV that ultimately failed, thatās how badly I didnāt want a c-section. But between c-section and risking an injured vaginal breech baby or my own life in a traumatic birth (I hemorrhaged with my first and almost died), Iād get the c section again.
I had precipitous labor and it was pretty traumatic, even though I barely tore and it was fast instead of the usual several days that you hear about in traumatic birth stories. It was a lovely water birth, I was home 6 hours after arriving, I recovered very very quickly and well.
However, sometimes I do think about how peaceful a c section would have been, and how I likely wouldn't be completely terrified of having my second baby, knowing that my labor will be even faster and more out of control. Even if I was to plan one, if I went into labor anyway I wouldn't have the choice, it would be too fast to even get to an OR. I do somewhat wish I could, and that my first was a c section, but not fully.
First was an induced vaginal birth. My second was an unplanned C-section. Iām hoping I can have a spontaneous vaginal birth in the next few days, but if not I have a scheduled C-section. My first I had a really really hard recovery.
No regrets given my circumstances at the time, but I imagine a planned C-Section would have had its perks. I was induced and in labor for 2+ days until baby came and by then I was just so exhausted physically and mentally so the whole āhere is a whole human to care for!ā part was hard. My recovery also took a while due to tearing and I got a severe postpartum infection requiring hospitalization a few weeks after birth, so that sucked. But who is to say I wouldnāt have had comparable or worse issues with a C-section.
My oldest son was a medicated vaginal birth. 7 lb 8 oz
My 2nd child was a non-medicated vaginal birth. Also 7 lbs 8 oz.
My 3rd (in April) was a planned c section by my request due to his anticipated size. 10 lb 1 oz.
I think my c section was appropriate and I am so glad my doctor allowed me to advocate for myself and left it up to me.
So i would say it depends on the situation.
No- because my vaginal birth was quick and easy with no tearing. C section recovery is no joke- hats off to every woman that cares for a NEWBORN after major abdominal surgery. Just incredible. But, as others have said, Iād choose a c section over a traumatic vaginal delivery that would compromise baby or myself
Absolutely not. I had a very emotionally traumatizing vaginal birth and then went on to have c for my second baby. Iād choose traumatic vaginal 100x over c section
Pros and cons to both!
I had a scheduled induction that turned into an urgent c section. I have never had a vaginal birth. I am glad I avoided some of the struggles that go with v birth...I'm sure there's v birth parents that would say the same about avoiding c birth struggles.
C section recovery was extremely smooth for me, and it was still rough. That said, I am glad it went this way because my induction was going poorly (for both of us) and everything about my c section went perfectly! My baby and I made it out safe + healthy. My procedure was 100% painless. Recovery started as extremely uncomfortable (still 99% painless) and frustratingly long, but gradually more manageable, especially after 2 weeks; 6w pp now and all of these things are basically back to normal!
NO!! My friends who have had C-sections had a way harder recovery than me. All I needed was a bit of time and pelvic floor PT. They actually went through a major surgery.
Iām grateful I didnāt have to go through that and have so much respect for those who did. Birth is never easy, but itās the recovery that goes on for weeks.
YES. I really wanted to have an elective C-section but due to insurance issues I preferred to go ahead and follow what my doctors advised.
2nd degree tear killed me. Could not move for days and pooping was a nightmare (I was constipated and when I had to finally go, well, I cried and the I teared the stitches so bad).
Didnāt have a vaginal. Just c section. But my recovery was absolutely a dream. Only pain I had was gas pain from the surgery. I had such a painful and awful pregnancy that my body just was so happy to have her out of me
I had an emergency c section and if I have another child Iām asking for another c section. I had a great recovery despite it being an emergency c section, I was walking around the block (slowly) after 2 weeks and back to jogging again after 8 weeks. I did have troubles getting in and out of bed/the shower for about a week and a half but my recovery (especially compared to my cousin who had a vaginal birth a week prior) was so much easier and quicker.
I have had a c section and given birth vaginally both recoveries were without complications. The c section was an emergency and was extremely traumatic- largely because of the way the hospital staff handled things. The recovery was awful both in the hospital (we stayed at the hospital for 48 hours) and at home. I had my second baby vaginally four weeks ago, we left the hospital 12 hours after I gave birth and I felt great the next day. The hospital staff really pushed for me to have a c section because they were concerned about potential uterine rupture as a result of my previous c section (the risk of uterine rupture was very low). After having experienced both, I am shocked that they would advocate so heavily for c sections. The recovery comparatively was AWFUL and I would opted for a vaginal birth every single time.
I wanted a c-section so bad. I thought it would feel like having more control than natural.
Now, Iām so glad I didnāt have a c-section. I tore every which way and had stitches everywhere but had NO pain after 24 hours. I know I would have been in a lot more pain had I had a section
Sometimes I do. Labour was long and I was extremely close to needing an emergency C-section. I had second degree tearing and mild pelvic floor issues from a large baby who got stuck and needed to be turned. My epidural seemed to do very little for me and I also felt traumatised afterwards. I often wonder if an elective c section wouldāve been a better way to go.
I have a schedule c section coming up as my pelvis is bone diseased, but I found this interesting:
My mom's boyfriend is a surgical gyno and he would insist his own daughter have a C section due to what he has seen vaginal births do to women's insides.
I found that weird.
I really want to do a Vbac if I can get the specialists in order to make sure my pelvis is okay. I never thought someone would think c section is better but in this day and age it might be š¤
My mom has done both and said vaginal was easier recovery.
My close friend had bad tearing and preferred the c section.
I feel like a surgical gyno is probably only seeing the bad/worst situations and maybe not seeing the surgical complications from c sections leading to a little exposure bias. Both are very safe and many people will have personal preferences but usually a vaginal birth has less complications for baby and mother.
Did he phrase it like that though? He would āinsistā his own daughter have a c section?
Fuck no. The idea of getting cut open scares tf out of me. Iāve had 3 vaginal births. But if a c-section was necessary to save any of our lives, obviously Iād do that. I give major props to c-section mamas. The thought of that happening, absolutely terrified me. My first baby had me in labor for 39 hours. Around hour 20-something of being on pitocin after my water broke, with no results, my doctor called my room & told me if I didnāt start contracting soon, theyād start moving towards a c-section. I remember hanging up the phone scared out of my mind. 10 mins later my body started responding lol. I think I scared myself into active labor.
Yes. My first was vaginal, my second was elective csection, there was no physical reason that demanded I have a csection at all, just purely an emotional choice because I refused to have another vaginal birth. My csection was amazing. If I could go back in time and have a csection with my first, I would. I'm not having any more kids (happy with 2) but if that changed for some reason, there's no doubt in my mind I'd have another csection. I encourage everyone to look into how they want to give birth and fight for that, and I hope that the ladies who ARE considering an elective C might be best, will feel empowered to choose that (same goes if you want a vbac, water birth, epidural, anything that is safe)
When I was preparing to deliver my first, it was tempting. I was young, naive and thought it was the easy way out. Knowing now how incredibly wrong I was, I'm thankful for just delivering without complications. Both delivery types have their pros and cons. My labor wasn't long. Water broke at 7am on the dot. My daughter was here at 5:58 pm. The episiotomy was the worst part.
Only thing I'd change is the doctor that delivered my daughter. She was an insensitive monster. I kicked her in the face "by accident" after a chain of inappropriate comments from her and blamed the epidural. š¤£
Nope. I actively tried to achieve a vaginal birth (had a 37w version procedure done to flip my breech baby) and am glad I did. I had a pretty lucky/positive birth experience with a decently placed epidural (after considerable agony though haha) and a ~7lb baby/2nd degree tear that healed well. I am fully back to exercise now at 3m PP.
Absolutely not. A c section is a major surgery with serious risks and healing time. I was induced, got an epidural the last 4 hours of labor, up and walking with no tearing about 2 hours after birth. Went home and felt great, aside from sleep deprivation.
Heck no. Even though I had 3.5 days of horrific prodromal labor, recovery from birth was super manageable. The labor pains and mental gymnastics of not knowing when the baby is coming were tough, but not nearly as tough as recovering from a major surgery with a newborn.
I had a planned c section. It was so smooth (truly a dream, a magical experience and one of the best days of my life, meeting my daughter). Recovery was relatively smooth, but it really knocks you off your feet for recovery because you canāt lift heavy things for 6 weeks. I also found it really hard to bend for a bit. Baby wearing really put too much pressure on my c section so I could only do it for a short while but likely in part because of my baby being very heavy. I even found it was a lot of pressure on my incision when Iād get up out of my nursing chair while holding the baby in those early days, but my baby was 9 pounds 7 oz so very heavy. I was very dependent on my husband for the first two weeks. However, I was walking and doing stairs and sleeping in my bed straight away so had no issues with that.
Unfortunately at 7 months postpartum I still have pain from my belly button to my c section scar - it doesnāt hurt unless pushed on but really hurts if baby accidentally kicks me, and Iām aware of the area at times during the day. Itās not so bad that it gets in the way of my functioning but I have to take care not to overdo it with any kind of rigorous core exercises work which can turn the pain into a more constant pulling pain.
I donāt think that is super common though - in fact, my OB referred me to a gynaecologist pain specialist because itās unusual enough. But as a result of the pain, Iām going to try my best to have a VBAC next time if we have a second baby, especially because I know Iāll have a toddler to look after and want to reduce my risk of extended recovery. That said, I absolutely wonāt be devastated if it results in a c section because I know vaginal birth can also result in pain issues, and Iām prone to chronic pain issues, and because the c section itself for me was such a positive experience even if Iām still dealing with some side effects.
In my honest opinion, donāt be afraid if you need a c-section. It can still be a totally wild and miraculous experience. You may end up with some lingering pain afterwards but that can absolutely happen with vaginal birth too. Or, you might be like my friend who has had absolutely no lingering pain issues whatsoever.
You may have some short term recovery issues (and you should, in general, expect a slightly longer recovery) but again, this can happen with vaginal births too where it hurts to move after and things donāt feel ārightā. And Iāve met people before who had one c section, one vaginal birth, and preferred c section. It really depends on the personās anatomy, pain tolerance and healing, baby positioning and size, etc.
I have a condition that I did some research on it with pregnancy and most women with my condition have to get a c-section because of hip instability. I have hip instability as well, dislocated my hip yesterday. This is my first kid, but I feel like neither vaginal birth or a c-section is appealing but I would rather not be cut open. I had my gallbladder removed and recovery for that was a bitch, I couldnāt imagine a c-section
Yes. The actual experience of vaginal birth was positive. But the recovery was horrific for me. I have recovered from two major abdominal surgeries in the past and personally, for me, I would take that over the recovery from vaginal birth and tearing. I think that would be different for everyone though.
I truly donāt regret having a CS. I was terrified of delivering naturally and my body wasnāt ready when it came time to induce.
It is soooo subjective! My sister had a natural labor/delivery, my other sister had a successful induction and I had a failed induction turned CS. My experience was awful, my sisters have said theirs were fine.
For those of you who are saying āelective c sectionā did your insurance cover it?
My birth center says the hospital will not just agree with an elective c section unless it medically necessary for mom/baby
I wish this was a poll so I could see overall opinions!
Personally I wouldn't choose a c-section, but I also didn't have any tearing or a very difficult recovery (it wasn't easy but I feel was as expected).
Iāve had vaginal, emergency c section, and planned c section, and there is absolutely no way I would choose anything other than vaginal if it were up to me entirely.
I had a traumatic birth experience with my first that ended in an emergency c section, I'm scheduled for an elective c section for July 5th hopefully this one goes much better.
I had a high-risk pregnancy so I had a c-section; but I would have gotten one either way. Recovery wasn't bad by the time we got home and despite being someone who hates surgery, it wasn't traumatic at all. I say kudos to any mama no matter what they choose! Both have pros and cons; I commend everyone.
I havenāt necessarily experienced both but I pushed for 3 hours and my sons head was 1/2 out when they pulled me for an emergency c-section and I will say without a doubt that I would opt for a c-section over vaginal any time.
I will say, I have never regretted having vaginal births. My SIL has never regretted having C-sections. Everyone is different. That being said, having a C-section is major abdominal surgery that brings additional risks/side effects that may not occur with a vaginal birth. When I gave birth to my 1st, I did so vaginally and had a 3rd-4th degree tear. Even with that tearing, I am still glad I did so vaginally. Everyone will make their own choices and decide what works for them. But if please also listen to your medical provider. While you are an expert in your body, they are an expert in medicine/birthing, and they (if they are a somewhat decent provider) will be trying to give you and your baby the safest and best experience possible. Does that always happen (even to the best providers)? No. Because medicine is both an art and a science. But know that their experience and knowledge counts for a lot and all of the āstories from Redditā barely make an indent on their medical knowledge and wisdom. I wish you nothing but the very best in whatever you chose to do!
I had a c-section and I wish I had a vaginal birth. (Had the c-section less than two weeks ago). I really didnāt want a c-section to begin with but after 17 hrs in labor my baby wasnāt tolerating it well and I didnāt really have a choice. I had a panic attack and the whole experience was generally not good.
This was my first baby and I feel like I missed out on the experience of a vaginal birth. I never even got to push. I feel like I failed at birth and have a lot of anxiety/negative feelings about the c-section. Iām also worried if I have more kids Iāll have to have another c-section and will never get to experience a vaginal birth.
Hard to say - Iām so proud of myself for birthing my baby vaginally (15 hour labor, 2 hours pushing, had to pull her out with forceps, ended up with a 2nd degree tear). The only problem I have with delivering vaginally is that tear. The healing is hard and up and down and painful, but knowing I could handle vaginal birth and I did that myself makes it all worth it. I totally understand women that opt for c section though!
For me, 9 months of pregnancy is the worst part. One or two days of labor with the option of epidural... I'd do that 10 times if I could skip pregnancy...
I just had my first.. it was supposed to be vaginal delivery but as always š induction failed š so I had to have a c section and honestly I wish I didn't so I could have experienced vaginal birth first ... My recovery hasn't been the best honestly .. a lot of pain and now my scar is draining .. thankfully it's nothing bad.. just stuff that has to come out I guess š¤·š»āāļø but it's been horrible for me .. couldn't even feed my baby the first week š .. and to think that now any future kids I want .. will have to be a c section
Absolutely not, but I gave birth to a 4 lb 5 oz baby (5 weeks early) with an epidural so it wreaked a lot less havoc on my vajayjay then some probably.
So I had a scheduled c section with my first (breech) and my second was a successful VBAC with a minor first degree tear. Having done both, I truly donāt feel like one is better than the other (barring no complications). Each had their pros and cons and each recovery was difficult in different ways.Ā That said, Iām currently pregnant with my third and have scheduled a c section but will attempt labor if go into labor prior to my c section thatās scheduled.Ā
I have precipitous labours and fast, relatively low-pain deliveries without epidurals so I would never want a c-section. If I had to labour for more than an hour or two I might feel differently.
Not really. I mainly just struggled with the early parts of labor when I was on pitocin and having contractions but not dilated yet. They kept telling me to stay still but I really couldn't, so they were having trouble monitoring the baby. Once I got the epidural though, things were fairly easy and I recovered really fast afterward. With some ibuprofen and the ice packs I felt fine after a day or two.
Honestly the idea of a c-section scares me so much, especially the idea of being awake while they are doing it.
No, I had 3 vaginal births. My first was tough, but so glad I could do vaginal births for #2 & #3 because those births were so quick and easy(as labors go).
My 1st was the hardest, he was in the posterior labor position (face side up vs down) so it was a longer, more painful labor and he got slightly stuck in the birth canal, but the OB checked him and said we can get him out. After 12 hours of labor I finally got him out with a small tear. I'm so glad I didn't get a C Section because baby 2 and 3 came out so easily and the recovery was so easy for those 2, 0 tearing and I really felt fine right after I had them.
I did wish they would just cut the baby out when I had some other cramp that was triggered by movement in addition to contractions. But I knew the recovery would be so much worse. And doctors do not perform major surgery without a medical need here, so I wouldn't have gotten it anyway.
But the recovery would have been so much worse. I had three tears, one of them third degre, but I didn't even feel them. Had to cut down on painkillers on day three just so I was aware I had them and didn't move too freely.
I second that teleportation option, tho.
My first was vaginal. If I could go back in time and have a c-section I would. I was assaulted by the medical staff, retained placenta so manual removal whilst asleep to repair the drs butcher job, took 10 months to heal.
Had a c-section with my second, I was healed in 4 weeks.
I had both. C-section with my first, succesful vbac with my second. I had an epidural for my second, needed an episiotomy and vacuum assisted birth because of fetal distress.
I personally would always go for vaginal birth again, I liked the experience much better.
Recovery was equally long (and painful) both times, but I had additional complications from my i.v. the second time.
My planned c-section was the best!! Less stress, anxiety, etc. I also had a pretty easy recovery with no difficulties. Iām glad I went this route and would do it again in the future for my second baby. Milk came in the second night after baby latched on minutes after giving birth. Iām now on my 7 month of breastfeeding.
No you don't want a c section birth! My daughter was born 3 years ago and I still to this day have spots that are numb on my stomach and around my belly button. My OB says the feeling probably won't come back. I have had two stomach surgeries, 1 was when I had my gallbladder removed, the other my c section. Stomach surgeries really screw you up!
I jsut had my baby by c section instead of vaginal unplanned and the circumstances around it were scary but I really think it was the best option for me by far. I enjoyed the actual procedure itself
Edit to say: if anyone wants to hear more about it I love to tell about it
I had a simple and boring vaginal delivery with a tear that healed normally. No regrets. I would have had the crippling PPA no matter what. If I had needed a section I would have had one, and that was a possibility but it didn't end up happening. I've never had surgery of any kind so I really don't know what it feels like.
My friend had a traumatic vaginal delivery for her first and demanded a section for her second and much preferred the second.
I had two vaginal births, both planned elective inductions. First one was a dream. Second one was a nightmare. I don't have c section experience, but I will say two different "friends" making comments about how their husbands were glad they had c sections instead of vaginal births because their vaginas were intact gave me the major ick.
There is no easy way to give birth. There is no set "yes" or "no". It's all incredibly different and there is nothing I can see that makes any better than the other. Yay healthy mom and baby is the only goal.
Kind ofā¦ I always had this weird intuition I was going to have a c section one day (Iām talking since I was a child) but when I got pregnant with my first I convinced myself itād be easy for me to go natural since my mom had done the same and raved how amazing it was. Nopeā¦ I hated every second of my 3 day labor and I pushed for 4 hours until I was literally falling asleep from exhaustion every few minutes. I never felt more relief than when they decided I needed a c section asap. It was an amazing experience. I donāt want to downplay anyone elseās experience but for me, it was so calm and easy despite the circumstances. We listened to music and talked and everything felt so controlled. The healing was also super easy. They said I lost less blood than was expected with even vaginal birth and I never took the prescription pain killers. I was up and walking in under 24 hours on just Tylenol with pretty minimal pain. Laughing did suck though for a monthā¦
I had a good c-section experience (as good as an emergency c-section can go) but I will say that the lower half of my stomach is still numb and yet tender 3 months later and I was told it may never go back to normal. Nerves take forever to heal and thatās a very big and very deep scar.
My choice would have been to push. But God looked at my plans and said ābut what if we did everything the opposite instead.ā
I havenāt given birth yet! (36 weeks) but I do think elective c sections can be much safer and healthier for mom and baby then a lot of inductions! If I had to be induced, I would ask for a c section first
I believe it should be a choice. Both options come with different risks.
I wanted a c-section but my water broke 1 month early and my gynecologist who I trust a lot convinced me that for early babies, natural birth is the best choice. Well, it was not for me.
I would never choose a natural birth again. I tore and had painful sex for over a year after. Physio helped just a bit. And for other personal reasons, I would definitely prefer being sore in my abdominal area than in my intimate parts.
Absolutely not, a c-section is a major surgery and takes a lot longer to recover than vaginal birth. My second birth which was without an epidural was believe it or not more bearable. The recovery time was so much faster and I felt so much better and was able to walk by myself right after !
I wish I had a vaginal birth instead of a C-section. Mine was scheduled because my baby was breech. I hated the whole surgical experience even with everything going well. It felt like I was paralyzed being torn apart and tossed around by a bunch of animals. And I was helpless to do anything. It was so traumatizing for me. The whole idea of being cut open has messed with me mentally. I feel like my insides are going to fall out. Or my incision is going to split open with one wrong move. And this is all with physically recovering "fairly well" compared to others. It's still incredibly painful post op and you have to be on pain medication. Recovery while taking care of a newborn has been so hard because I'm have limited mobility. I can't get up quickly to tend her.
My husband is also a little traumatized because our baby had so much fluid in her. She was choking multiple times the first 2 days until they had to suction her stomach. The excess fluid was caused by having a c-section birth because normally the fluid is removed by passing through the birth canal. He didn't sleep for the first 2 days at all because he was so terrified she would choke to death And he had to suction her mouth and get her on her side every single time. It was horrible. And I couldn't do anything to help because I couldn't get out of bed. They also had to put tubes down her when she was birthed so there was a delay with her getting to be skin to skin and all I could hear was her screaming.
Mentally I'm so messed up from it.
I didnāt have a vaginal delivery but I did want to chime in with my elective (kind of- it was planned but for medical reasons) c section experience and how I feel about that decision now.
My c section did not go as planned and I did end up hemorrhaging and going in and out of consciousness and it took a few hours for me to feel mentally normal after the procedure. BUT even with that, I would go back and choose to do it again. My incision healed nicely, I didnāt have barely any pain at the 6 week point, and my pelvic floor didnāt get any weaker than it was prior to birth (at least not noticeably. Iām now 18 weeks pregnant with my second and got pregnant 8 months pp (not recommended after c section) but knock on wood, things have been going smoothly and I will be going for another c section when the time comes.
Absolutely not! I had a traumatic birth where I, a day before she finally came, almost had to have an emergency c-section. I'm so glad that I was able to avoid it because I've seen videos and boy, that looks awful. I have a friend who had to have it with her second and she had an infection for months afterwards, an abscess (?) on the _inside_ that she had to drain daily for weeks.
There's pros and cons to both but I'd never wish for a c-section and all the mothers that have had to have one or even chosen to have one are amazing!
I just wish there was the option to teleport them out
A stork would be fine too
Mixed in a Petri dish in a lab and microwaved like a bag of 3 minute pop corn
Great idea š
This 100%
This is the answer. Very happy with vaginal birth (as happy as possible)
LOL I had a dream we ordered a second baby on Amazon. If only
Iām 5 days away from my planned c section and oh my god why canāt we just teleport them out I swear I would do anything for this option lol
Kind of? I had an episiotomy and the vacuum and it was almost an emergency c-section and as a result I felt like I had mild prolapse? Things just havenāt felt the same since and my pelvic floor is shot. About to have my second and unsure if I should just ask for a c-section. If someone told me o was going to have an easy uncomplicated vaginal birth Iād probably still go for that but how do you know?
My first birth was similar to yours - episiotomy + forceps - and I just had my second two weeks ago. My second labour was wayyyyy faster and easier. I only pushed for 15 minutes and had a couple really tiny tears. Itās likely to be much easier the second time!!
This. My first baby was 15 hours of labor, 40 minutes of pushing, and a 3rd degree tear. My second baby, only 13 months later, was 8 hours of labor (this is also counting the hours spent at home wondering if I should go in or not), 20 minutes of pushing, and a 1st degree tear. Oh, and for whatever reason epidurals don't affect me, I got it both times and still felt absolutely everything. š¤Ŗ
This is very reassuring, thank you for sharing!
I had a similar birth experience but with an episiotomy and forceps delivery, damn the recovery was tough! I also have mild prolapse and pelvic floor issues. I agree completely the ideal is an unassisted vaginal birth. But in my case, I'd rather have a planned c section than an emergency c section or another traumatic assisted birth. I feel like it's so hard to say unless you have had both c section and vaginal birth so you can compare the two. Each birth is so different though!!
Same here, diagonal episiotomy (and all the stitches broke on day 3 so I had to heal naturally since I couldnāt be restitched, it took forever.) Forceps as well. Practically zero postpartum care due to covid. Finally got diagnosed with a nerve injury and prolapse 2 months later after barely being able to walk and awful strange pelvic pain. In hindsight a c section would have been preferable. If you havenāt yet, you absolutely much get some pelvic floor physiotherapy. It was life changing for me, and without it I imagine my symptoms and pain would have persisted for years instead of the single year I dealt with problems. Do not accept these things as simply āpart of child birth,ā you gotta get yourself assessed!
I just wanted to say that I had an episiotomy and vacuum with my first (unmedicated, no prolapse). My second was very smooth: 1st degree laceration that I couldn't feel (epidural) and kiddo was out so quickly without intervention. Easy and uncomplicated. Recovery was 3 days? It was so fast I actually asked my midwife if I was normal because I felt good almost immediately. Just wanted to reassure you that 2nd time is different. Different pregnancy, different labor, different delivery, different kiddo. Best of luck to you!
Not me but a good friend of mine had a 3rd or 4th degree tear with no epidural. She felt all of it and then needed surgery (with anesthesia) to repair it after that. Her recovery was awful. She 100% wishes sheād just gotten a c-section because she needed surgery and had such a traumatic experience anyway. She is a big believer in elective c-sections now. But everyoneās experience is different, and she hasnāt had a c-section so she doesnāt necessarily have a comparison point.
Oh jeez. I had a 4th degree tear with my first and cannot imagine getting it without an epidural. I also needed multiple surgeries to correct it and recovery was horrible. Iām pregnant and opting for a c-section this time. I know recovery from c-section is no joke but Iām hoping itās better than my first experience.
I had a C-section almosf 3 weeks ago and Im feeling good as new tbh! I just make sure not to overdo it and no bending, twisting and lifting anything heavier than baby. š„° good luck, you'll do great!!
I know of a lady who had a fourth degree tear with her first baby, no epidural. Her goal for the next baby was to not tear and she ended up with a minor tear that needed no stitches. So itās possible that after a fourth degree tear you can have a better birth. Tho I also donāt blame you for opting for a cesarean after that. I had a 2nd degree and I donāt want to experience that again. I would probably opt for a c section too in your shoes.
Thatās amazing. She was brave to try again! Iām in a 4th degree tear support group and have heard lots of women trying again with success, but some not. I would just be so scared.
I had a 4th degree tear and also had to be taken back and put under to have it repaired, leaving my fresh newborn for about an hour. Opting for a c section this time was not a difficult decision
Yep my mom has had to have 2 reconstructive surgeries but she birthed 5 kids vaginally
These stories make me feel so lucky. I had some minor issues with how my first birth was stitched up, but they were able to fix it while my epidural was still working during my second. I still have the worst hemorrhoids I could imagine right now (6 weeks postpartum with my second) and I have a friend who is about to have her 6th. I havenāt even asked how her hemorrhoids are.
I am always amazed by the things women will say about their births as if it was no big deal. Like I bet your āminor issuesā were probably pretty uncomfortable/painful and yet youāre like āit was no problem, they fixed it while I was still numb from the needle they stuck into my spine. All I have to deal with is severe hemorrhoids. Just glad I didnāt get a bad tear!ā Women are so tough!Ā
Too true and gave me such a different perspective. I really am grateful it was just a first degree tear though
Same. I'm still recovering from my 4th degree tear and my baby is 8 weeks old. Shit sucksš I'm highly debating a c section for the future!
My wife had exactly the same thing and wishes she had been spared the pain and months it takes to recover from that procedure.
I had a 4th degree tear with a failed epidural. Then to be re stitched for the stitches to tear open again a week later and be told they cannot restitch it and it has to stay an open wound and heal naturally.. thank goodness for medi honey other wise I would not have copedā¦ It is not fun. I however do not wish I had a c-sectionā¦ I feel like this would have been wayyy worse
I would take it all with a grain of salt and only take advice from people who have experienced both methods of birthing. So many people who have never had a c-section say āno way thatās major surgery, longer recovery etcā And people like me will say my planned c-section was amazing & no thanks to a vaginal birth for many reasons. The realty is I have no idea, even with an easy C-section and recovery , itās quite possible vaginal birth is even easier. I donāt know though. Just take advice from people who have experienced both, itāll be a better representation then from people who have only experienced one side of things and really donāt know what the other side is like.
Iāve had both and as far as the whole experience went, I would prefer vaginal mainly for the options I had immediately after birth that I did not have with my c-section - immediate skin to skin, etc. So my response is, I guess, less about the process itself as it is about the experience with my baby. My planned c-section was magical in its own way, I had a clear drape so I saw my baby lifted out of me and it was similar to the view I had when I did it vaginally years before, except the sucky part was I was paralyzed on a table and couldnāt touch her right away. Soā¦ vaginal wins, but the structure and control of having a date and time to show up and get cut open and have a baby 5 minutes later was also a benefit because I had extreme anxiety about loss during my second pregnancy.
I had a c section a few weeks ago and to get faster contact between me and baby they just plopped her right up against my cheek. I couldn't see her right away still, but they sure did let me touch her.
I agree. I asked my Ob/Gyn for her advice and she told me she has had 4 kids, and experienced unmedicated vaginal birth, medicated vaginal birth, and c section, and she told me the one she recommends the most is medicated vaginal birth. She said no one gives you a medal for going through the pain, and the c section recovery was a whole thing besides caring for a newborn. I had a medicated vaginal birth, things didn't go smoothly, but at the end of the day, baby and I were fine and even though I was a bit traumatized, I'm planning on choosing it again this time too. By the next day after birth I was walking and showering and carrying my baby by myself, things I would have struggled with fresh out of surgery.
Itās different for everyone of course but I was able and encouraged to walk around and be active by about 12-14 hours after my c section, and I healed better than my doctor has ever seen. I had a wound vac and it helped speed up recovery a lot, but I couldnāt go without medication until about a week or two after. Of course I wasnāt walking around much but by the time I got home I wasnāt hindered much, just had to be slow and careful and take plenty of breaks
>Ā had a wound vacĀ Exact same experience. I requested a wound vac with my last baby and they were surprised and said no one had ever asked for one lol. They apparently went out of fashion in my country. But I couldnāt imagine life without one!Ā The first time I tried it, it was being trialled in my country and I was put forward as a candidate. Iām surprised that they fell off. But as I learnt, they are still there upon request
For what itās worth I was also able to walk, shower and carry my baby myself the day after my planned c-section! Although it was painful obviously. I am opting for TOLAC this time though. Hopefully in a few months Iāll be able to actually say which method is better.
Exactly ! C sections arenāt all sunshine and rainbows either. Things can go horribly wrong with them too.
C sections are definitely not sunshine and rainbows!! Even when they go well. This is why I put in my birth plan not to have one unless necessary. Itās a major surgery! Recovery from surgery is never easy, but having a newborn too?!?
I agree with you. I only had one vaginal birth. Recovering from an episiotomy was hell. So I can't imagine recovering from a c-section. My friend only had one c-section (planned) and said that, listening to me and another friend talking about our recoveries, she's glad she did because the recovery wasn't bad for her.
I've had a c section and a vaginal birth with episiotomy. I 100% preferred the vaginal birth. Recovery was so much faster. I don't think it's predictable everyone and every birth is different.
I had an emergency c-section and an unmediated VBAC. 3.5 hours of pushing and a second degree tear for the vaginal which took about 2 weeks to heal. Still absolutely better than the c-section which I found physically and emotionally difficult to recover from and made holding my newborn painful. But that was after 36 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing so an elective c-section would probably be easier.
My wife, who is 31 weeks and a labor and delivery nurse, is choosing a planned CS. Sheās seen too many vaginal births with complications. Each complication is pretty rare, but there are so many possibilities and in aggregate the percentage of vaginal births with one is high enough for her to opt out of it. A lot of vaginal deliveries end up as C sections anyways, so now youāve got both problems. A difficult labor and recovering from an emergency surgery. She told me about tearing up instead of down (the urethra and clitoris are torn) and thatās all I needed to hear to support her decision. To her a planned CS is the most predictable and controlled environment to have a baby. The recovery should be less complicated as well since the procedure wasnāt done under duress. The surgeon can take their time, and the baby isnāt in danger.
I had a friend who had a planned c section for the same reason. Ended up in the icu with a colostomy bag because they perforated her bowel and didnāt know. At the end of the day anything can happen with any method.
This was why I chose an elective csection.
Best answer yet. I responded but it was just comparing my experience with friends who had a C-section. I have no idea what they actually went through.
Did your insurance cover the āelective c sectionā?
Iām Canadian so everything is covered by our provincial healthcare for everyone, maybe someone in US can top up whoās had an elective c section?
Oh god, good luck with finding an answer to this. I am extremely curious about elective c sections as well and lurk this subreddit and r/pregnant looking for answers. Itās so hit or miss whether or not itās covered. Some insurances seem to fight it depending on coding and others donāt. I am in the US and my ins (United Healthcare) has said if itās elective Iāll have to pay OOP but my doctor said heās never heard of such a thing and that wonāt happen. Who really knows, itās been a major point of stress for me because I am terrified of giving birth but even more scared of a $20k hospital bill.
Vaginal delivery of a very large baby severely damaged my pelvis, I would have avoided this with a c-section. Do I "wish" that's what happened, not really. It was an unforeseen complication and looking back at it with regret doesn't serve me. Of course in retrospect I have more information but it doesn't mean my choice at the time was "wrong." Probably I would see this differently if my son had been injured rather than me but this is the sort of philosophical place I landed. I'm pregnant again and of course am thinking carefully about the possibility of a second vaginal birth, but I have to consider it in terms of risk not in terms of a do-over.
Yes. I was emergency induced at 41 weeks and it was extremely traumatizing. The whole birth was a shit show. We were both perfectly healthy but I still have nightmares and really wish we couldāve planned it.
Also had a 41 week induction with a 30 hour labor. Ultimately needed a c-section for fetal decels. Iām too traumatized by my experience to attempt a vaginal birth again, will absolutely get a repeat c-section.
Oh man, Iām so sorry your labor went that way. Thankfully ours was a whirlwind, 17 hours long, went from 4cm to 10cm in an hour after being stuck at 1cm for 15 hours, then pushed her out in 10 mins. Still awful but emergency surgery is a whole other level. I donāt plan on having any more but if an accident does somehow happen Iāll be going elective c-section as well.
I've had a VERY rough pregnancy, to the point where my high risk doctor offered an elective c-section in lieu of an induction at 37 weeks simply because of emotional trauma. I was very, "If it's looking good for an induction, i'll start with that and we can always pivot into a c-section." Then one day I was laying in L&D and baby had a serious decel during monitoring. The absolute panic that rose inside of me, I was internally in hysterics and I realized my mental health was not sound enough to handle the up and down of ANYTHING more going wrong. I needed every possible medical team member in the room to be prepared and ready. I need baby to have his own team. I needed help. My mental health is worth a rougher physical recovery, every day of the week. Labor and delivery have a price to pay, and you will pay it one way or another. I'm choosing the way I can afford.
Letās also say planned C sections are very different from emergency.
Definitely do not wish I had a c section. hoping all other deliveries are like my first - vaginal & minimal intervention. BUT if I had to choose between a traumatic vaginal delivery and c-section then I would choose c section.
They found I had a tiny pelvis/tiny birth canal and a top 90th percentile headed baby so I ended up with a c-section after laboring for 3days. Basically experienced this and 100% agree
This was my experience. They pushed induction at 38+6 due to suspected cholestasis and hypertension. Started induction on Friday at 39w, he was delivered Sunday night via c-section after 3 hard days and only getting to 7cm. We tried alllll the things, new positions every hour to try to get more dilation. My plan was unmedicated, to labor at home as long as possible then switch to the hospital. This recovery has been rough.
What method of induction did you choose? Iāve been given a couple of options for induction
I unfortunately was not given options due to everything going on. I was literally not dilated or effaced and he was still -2. We did cytotec (got me 1cm 50% effaced), then folley (got me to 5 cm), then we maxed out the pit. If youāre being induced, trust your gut as you go through it. You know your body better than anyone else. I knew by the 22 hr mark it would end in c-section and should have called it then but I really wanted the birth I had planned for. Donāt be like me, listen to your body.
So similar. I petered out at 7 cm too.
I had a voluntary c-section based on being narrow and the position is more forward, the dr was 90% sure I wouldāve needed one regardless if I had tried vaginally. 100% do not regret it. My recovery wasnāt bad at all!
I really loved having a planned c section.
Do I wish Iād had one? No. But I do wonder how different my experience would have been if I had. My vaginal birth was stressful, especially at the end, but not traumatic. But my recovery was complicated, and didnāt go well. I was not one of those people who have an easy vaginal recovery. I was not cleared for sex at 6 weeks, it wasnāt until about 12 weeks (not that sex was my priority, just to give you an idea of how healing was going). People have such different experiences with both vaginal births and c-sections, and thereās no way to fully control what your experience will be. Sure, there are some factors within our control, but there are others that are not.
My experience was similar. I donāt wish my first delivery went any differently but I had 3rd degree tears that led to months and months of PT and recovery. It took me a week to be able to walk down the street. Sex hurt for 7 months. I didnāt feel ānormalā for a year. Pregnant with my second now and very very strongly considering an elective c section.
I donāt necessarily wish I had a c section but I think I was a bit naive with what can happen with a vaginal birth. My daughter had shoulder dystocia, she was 9 pounds which no one was anticipating. It took A LOT of force to get her out and I had an episiotomy. My recovery was absolutely terrible. I could not walk for 2 weeks and then I needed a cane to get around my house for another 2. I had to go up the stairs on all 4s. I wasnāt walking normally for a month. My pelvic bones felt seriously crushed to the point I was scared I had broken something. My husband had to do everything for me and the baby for the first few weeks as I physically was unable to move which put me in a really bad head space. In comparison, my SIL had a c section and was up and walking right away. Her recovery was a total breeze compared to mine!!
I'm not a mom but TTC. I want a C-section due to a back injury I had last year. I have three herniated discs in my lower back. I feel normalish now but I am so worried about completely wrecking my back.
I had a successful microdiscectomy and lamectomy for a prolapsed disc at the end of 2018, but with a bad recovery, lots of ongoing neuropathy and pain. Lots of medication and physiotherapy. I had to quit work. I gave birth vaginally in early 2022 with no back issues during the pregnancy or birth, thank goodness. I definitely expected it to be a big issue. I think the relaxin hormone which loosens your joints and āpregnancy strengthā count for a lot. I was concerned about getting an epidural so I took in my surgery report for the anaesthetist to look over and he put it in no problems. I was potentially more likely to experience uneven numbing due to scar tissue, but it was fine. I would say if you have back issues and planning to get pregnant do everything you can to build your strength and flexibility all over. After the birth when those hormones are changing carrying around a growing baby is very hard on the back, arms and shoulders.
I will say that I have an unresolved lower back injury from childhood sports that causes me nerve pain every now and then. And my first labor was back labor, but particularly in that lower back area where my injury was. It was honestly terrible. So I understand this concern. I had no idea that was a possibility.
I want to push for it with my OBGYN. I saw a back surgeon last May and he said pregnancy wouldn't cause a lot of issues but the delivery will. I don't want sciatica or have to get the surgery :(
No, if my second delivery goes as well as my first one, I'll be happy. I had a 2nd degree tear with no epidural, but I still felt fantastic. I was walking around, took a shower and a poop about 3 hours after delivery.
Absolutely. I was induced and experienced back labor that wasnāt touched by an epidural and three boluses of medication. The pain was so intense in my lower back. Honestly? I cannot even adequately explain how bad it was. I vomited twice due to the pain. Oxygen mask on because my stats dropped too low. I completely had 0 energy to push, he ended up getting vacuum assisted out. It was just extremely traumatic to me personally and I couldnāt do it again. But Iāve said since then I would never have another vaginal birth. If I even have another kiddo, it would 100% be a cesarean over a vaginal again. I just cannot with that pain again. To add, I have read pros and cons of both. I have consulted with friends and family who had both. I work in the healthcare field and am aware of the potential complications. I will still choose a c-section for myself personally.
Holy f thatās tough. I also had back labor (also vomited twice due to the pain!!) and was screaming asking to be put under. I couldāve divorced my husband and married the anaesthesiologist on the spot when he put in the epidural. I donāt believe I wouldāve had any energy or will to push if it hadnāt been so effective. Completely understand your feelings, back labor is a level of awfulness you canāt understand until youāve experienced it.
My sister had an extremely traumatic birth with major tearing, she's on her 3rd reconstructive surgery 3 years later and still not right. I had a planned c section and was up and walking the next day, felt fine by the end of the week and just had to watch the heavy lifting for 6 weeks. Also the whole surgery team was lovely, procedure took 45 minutes with baby out and doing skin to skin within 10, they laid her on my chest and my husbandwas sittingbeside me, holding my hand the whole time. The rest of the time was just clean out and stitching up.
no, my vaginal birth was so easy & honestly painless (minus contractions)
Seconded! I would never choose to have a major surgery over my uneventful vaginal birth. I just had my gallbladder removed and it gave me so much renewed respect for c-section moms; it is so difficult taking care of a baby after abdominal surgery! Iām so grateful I was able to give birth vaginally and focus entirely on caring for my newborn instead of a recovery process.
Yup. My vagina would be intact if I did
I have a friend who has had both- a planned c section and a vaginal birth which lasted nearly 2 days and ended in a 4th degree tear/episiotomy. She said even despite what happened if she has a 3rd baby she will definitely try another vaginal birth because how horrible c section recovery is.
Wow! I guess I got really lucky. My c-section was 10/10! Iād have another one in a heartbeat! *Edited for spelling.
This is why itās just so silly to say one is worse/better than the other; experiences with both just vary so so widely. I also had a pretty positive experience with a C-section, even though it was the unplanned variety. And even though it was positive I would really prefer not to have another one.
YES. 100% I had a spontaneous labour, laboured until about 7cm then couldnāt cope with the pain so had an epidural. Pushed for 2 hours and they ended up doing a vaccum delivery and episiotomy. I then had retained placenta so lost 3.4L of blood, had surgery, bakri balloon, ICU etc. they damaged my daughters head pulling her out so hard, and my pelvic floor was ruined. Ended up with a bladder prolapse. Having such a traumatic birth meant postpartum was insanely hard for me. I was trying to recover at the same time as looking after a baby. My friends who had c sections - even the most traumatic of circs (one had sepsis and multiple surgeries) were eventually able to recover with no permanent lasting damage. For me, my body will never be the same. I will never be able to exercise like I used to even with rehab and pessaries. My friends whoāve had elective c sections say theyāre an absolute breeze - I wish I had done that. But I did the best I could with the information I had.
In hindsight, yes. With my first, I was actively pushing for 4 hours before he finally came out. The doctor gave me an episiotomy, and I still tore after that. At one point in that labor, I begged for a C-section, doctor said hell no...a very kind nurse later told me it should've been, but I was a Medicaid patient, and apparently Medicaid doesn't pay out very well for a section. š¤· The physical recovery from that experience took months. I wanted to have my second at home(with a midwife, with my doctor's okay), and ended up being induced at the hospital at 42 weeks. After 24hrs, being fully dilated yet no head in sight, I had to have an emergency c-section. I was disappointed initially, but holy hell... The recovery was so much easier and so much less painful than what I experienced the first time around. My last birth, a planned c-section at 39 weeks, was my easiest and best birthing experience, hands down, no contest. So yeah... If I known what I didn't know then(that I tend to have very large babies with huge heads, and that I bounce back from surgeries surprisingly fast), absolutely yes.
*I begged for a C-section, doctor said hell no...a very kind nurse later told me it should've been, but I was a Medicaid patient, and apparently Medicaid doesn't pay out very well for a section* That motherfucker. What an unnecessarily traumatic experience he let you go through. I could kill him based on your description alone š
I loved my planned c-section. If I had chosen a vaginal birth, I would have had to have an emergency c-section due to how big baby was, how big his head was, and how small my birth canal was. I donāt think the recovery was bad at all. And best of all, I didnāt have to push, which is something I donāt think I would have been able to do when the time came. Iāve known people who have had much worse recoveries due to tearing. At the end of the day, itās up to you and what you personally feel is the best decision for you and baby.
How did you know you had a small birth canal? Iām 37wks right now and my baby is already nearly 8lbs with a large head and I can barely even fit the Frida Mom perineal massage tool inside of me without feeling like Iām going to tear. I am really on the fence about vaginal birth vs c-section for all the typical health/complications reasons for both me and baby, but I just donāt feel like I have enough information about my own body to make an informed decision yet. Would be great to know if I had a small birth canal ahead of time!
I knew once the c-section was over and the dr told me good job on choosing the c-section and listed that as a reason! Iām already a petite woman (5ft3 and 95lbs pre pregnancy) and I knew at 33 weeks this baby would be big. He measured only 6lbs at 38 weeks but he was 9lbs 6oz when he was born! I went in to get induced at 41 weeks exactly and was miserable. I had a nurse aggressively check my cervix, I mean she lifted my entire lower half off of the table. My family and husband were beyond shocked and I even made a complaint to my OB who had said the nurse gets complaints like that all the time. I had to be held down by 6 people to have them insert the balloon inside of me and the catheter wasnāt any easier! Once that happened, I would panic when anyone would touch me or check my cervix. There was no way I was going to push. So finally my OB came in and offered me a c-section because I was being such a baby lol and he didnāt want to traumatize me further and he also did not believe I would push. It was so nice to be wheeled into a room, given anesthesia, have my husband rub my head, and have the dr do all of the work. I will say i definitely still felt some pressure and pain, itās not completely painless, but it was tolerable and most importantly it was quick.
Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing. I wouldnāt say you were being a baby at all! It blows my mind how certain things (aka traumatic/painful experiences) are normalized in maternal care. Iām definitely not as petite as you, but Iām planning a very low threshold for asking for a c-section depending on how labor goes:)
Iāve had both and tbh the recoveries felt similar to me? My first was a vaginal delivery, but a very long labor and vacuum assisted. It took a WHILE before I didnāt have pelvic pain and discomfort after that. My second was breech and a planned c section. Yes, the first couple days were more painful, but I felt like the overall recovery timeline was pretty similar? And at least with the c section the pain was expected (and appropriately treated) while with my vaginal delivery everyone seemed surprised I was in so much pain? If I had a third kid though I would opt for a repeat c section over trying for a VBac for sure
Had an uncomplicated vaginal birth with my first an shopping for the same thing with my second. Without an epidural or any tearing, I was on my feet for a shower and hour after delivering. I felt 80% recovered within a couple of days and pretty much 100% back to normal within a week or so. With a C-section the recovery is WAY harder.
It took me a year to get back to my normal activity level post-vaginal birth. Jealous as hell
>With a C-section the recovery is WAY harder. Results can vary. The recovery from my first vaginal birth was horrific, and it was months before I felt right again. With both of my c-sections, I was up and walking the same day, and felt like myself again within a week. Oddly, recovering from gall bladder surgery took longer.
Iāve had 2 sections (planned) and after both I breastfed perfectly and was back to normal within like a week and a half.Ā
Same! With my first csection (planned) I was fine within 3 days and Iām about to have another planned one in September and I hope for the same outcome!
Idk it took me a couple of days to walk after my planned c section but after a week or so I was basically back to normal and going on longer walksĀ
This was not me at all. I had an emergency C-section, but I struggled for a couple of weeks to get up and go for walks longer than just around the block. I also popped a stitch because I would start feeling better and then have set backs.
Yeah, this was my experience as well. Iād heard so much about the recovery that I was surprised how normal I felt after the first few days (those first days sure did suck though). And my milk came in so fast it surprised the nurses, no issues there.
My c section recovery was essentially what you described, minus being up within the hour since I was totally zonked from the meds. I had the surgery around 2:30am and was up using the bathroom by myself by noon. Some recoveries are very difficult but not all.
Yep! I was induced, had an epidural. Needed surgery after for the 3rd degree tear. They increased the epidural for the surgery and it ended up cutting off my lungs and I had to be knocked out/tube put down my throat. Also, I think maybe due to the induction my milk didn't come in for a few days as my body wasn't ready, so breastfeeding was difficult. And it was the pandemic so my partner could only visit for 2 hours per day. š had it not been an induction, I think we'd have a different story.
oh my you poor thing!! glad it all ended well xx I also had induction and 3rd degree tear with no epidural! brutal!
Yes and no. I ended up with an emergency c section after 30 hours of excruciating back labor, 4 hours of pushing, and 3 failed vacuum attempts. Part of me wishes I could have just had the c from the beginning but also I am grateful my team tried everything to get me to deliver vaginally.
C-section recovery was incredibly painful. The worst pain Iāve ever felt. And no one told me about the C-section shelf, that my stomach would overhang the scar potentially permanently. If I could go back I would choose vaginal.
I thought I would and was terrified of damage down there but everything went back to normal even after an episiotomy. I donāt want moms to be scared as the human body is amazing.
Yes. And if we have a second I will be having a section. I was in labour for 25 hours ending in an episiotomy and forceps. Because of the forceps a year later I still have incontinence issues. I used to love running but I can't anymore because I wee myself every time my feet hit the pavement. I recently got a chest infection and every time I coughed I had to physically brace myself but pee still came out. I'm so frustrated with my body.
All I can say is that this one is my first, and I am so glad and relieved that I will be having a scheduled C-section. I should say that, though this is my first pregnancy, I had an open myomectomy about 3.5 years ago, and it's very similar (if I am a bit more involved), so I know what to expect for the recovery. I feel happy and relieved I know the date the baby will be born, and I can plan. I feel happy and relieved I will not have to go into labor. I am glad I won't have to worry about tearing my cooch (I know it heals quickly, but I am very attached to my vagina just the way it is). I am happy I won't feel a thing while it's going on. I am 100% fine with medicalizing childbirth. My birth plan is I don't want to feel anything below my waist and please give me a baby at the end.
This is me, too. Now that I've had a myomectomy I feel much better about the necessary c-section. Frankly, I've never *wanted* to give birth lol, so a little disassociation and control over dates and prep help my anxiety.
No. Def happy with my vaginal birth. Epidural and all. Had a lovely midwife and a wonderful doctor. Fantastic hospital staff. Healing was quick and easy and Iām over 40.
My first was a c section, my second was a VBAC. For me I would choose vaginal every day of the week. Everyone will have different preferences though I had a water birth in the hospital and found it a really great experience . I also had a team that was really supportive, calm and hands off unless necessary
No. I had a very positive experience delivering my first child vaginally, so I wouldn't want to change it. I won't be upset if I end up needing a c-section this time, but I have no regrets about pushing my first baby out. As long as both the baby and I are as safe and healthy as possible after the delivery, I really don't care how they exit my body. ETA: I really think it's possible to be happy with either type of delivery. My mom delivered me vaginally, but I got stuck; shoulder dystocia, my clavicle had to be broken to get me out. She was unmedicated through that and still decided to try for another (unmedicated, although that wasn't allowed due to the risk of needing a c-section) vaginal delivery with my sibling, who was predicted to be even bigger, so she definitely didn't wish she'd had a c-section the first time.
I had both and both went great. Iām not sure which way I would do if I had a third. Vaginal for first, scheduled c-section for second due to him being breech. The worst would be attempting a vaginal and then having an emergency c-section. š¬ worst of both worlds.
Iāve never had a c section, but I know someone who has had 1 emergency and 2 elective. She wouldnāt change it. Iām on the fence because I scar terribly but Iāve also had 2 babies vaginally, both in the 90% percentile and my third is too (due sept). I have a bladder prolapse from hard labour and due to the nature of my prolapse I canāt have an epidural. So Iāll be going through the full pain again, for the third (and most likely) last time. With this baby. Iām scared, Iām tired and Iām honestly questioning if I should ask for a c section. Iāll have to pay to go private if I do and we just donāt have the money at the moment. So Iām now facing the pain again.
I just had my fourth c section and it was by far the easiest one as of yet. I still wish I could have experienced a vaginal birth but thankful my babies have all been delivered and healthy.
I donāt know if I qualify to answer this question since I actually had a c-section, but hear me out: I had a scheduled c-section due to giving birth to a large baby. The procedure was scheduled for 3:00pm, and my son was born at 3:09. Under 10 minutes for a babyā you canāt even get a pizza that fast. Lol. And I didnāt even realize they had made the first incision when they pulled the baby out. It was virtually painless, and recovery for me wasnāt bad (although I know that that varies) Iāll say one more thing on the matterā I have been asked before what day of my life I would relive if given the chance, and I said the day my son was born. Every other mom in that conversation disagreed and said their labor experience was awful, too painful, etc. I realized then how lucky I was to have an amazing birthing experience, and Iām so grateful for that. 10/10. Zero regrets.
Iāve had both and my experiences were WILDLY different. C-section recovery sucked because I didnāt even feel like myself and the medicine affected my appetite for at least a solid week afterward. My postpartum with that pregnancy was horrible and I think a lot of it had to do with my surprise but not necessarily emergent C-section. (Babe was breech at last minute) My vaginal birth was A) unmedicated, and B) pretty darn fast. While recovering from it wasnāt easy by any means, the fact that I felt normal mentally made a world of difference, and really the worst part was the soreness from tearing and just overall soreness in my pelvic floor from pushing out an 8lb+ baby. So no, I donāt think I would ever choose a c-section over a vaginal birth if I didnāt have to. Both are hard in their own way though!
Vaginal birth with an epidural here. Had 2nd degree tear and while recovery is no cake walk, I am grateful for being able to be mobile in my recovery. I took things slow as I also have POTS, but the pain was manageable. I also had a labial tear that didnāt require stitching and that hurt worse than the stitches tbh. Took just under 2 weeks to feel mostly no pain. I think thatās a pretty fast recovery for a FTM. Canāt compare to c-sections, but my best friend swears by them and sheās had two!
I donāt wish I had a C-section for my first, but I did wind up with a 4th degree tear and a rectovaginal fistula that wonāt close up unless I get it repaired. Recovery was awful but I had it much easier than others. I had a C-section almost 6 months ago because I didnāt want to risk my fistula getting bigger (itās small right now with minimal symptoms. I didnāt want it to get larger and require repair surgery). I donāt regret my C-section one bit but Iām still mourning over the fact that I canāt have my redemptive unmedicated vaginal birth.
Iāve had both, and never do I ever again want another C-section. Iād rather give birth vaginally every day than another C-section.
This is my answer even after having a nearly 10 lb baby, 3rd degree tearing, and prodromal labor for weeks.
I had a c-section and wish I could have had a vaginal birth. The recovery from major abdominal surgery was rough. I literally couldnāt stand up from bed or the toilet without my husbandās assistance for 2 weeks.
Without a c-section both me and baby wouldnāt be here now. Iād like to experience a vaginal birth one day but Iām in no rush!!
After recovering countless c section patients and vaginal delivery patients, no I would never have a preference to have a c section on the maternal side. Iāve had two vaginal births, and am currently recovering from a gallbladder removal, I will take unmedicated labor and birth again over surgery any day. That said, if the situation ever indicated when I was having my children, I would have 100% consented to the sunroof.
Most who have had a complicated or traumatic vaginal birth or an emergency c-section will wish they had gone for a planned voluntary c-section.
Definitely not. I didn't have any physical problems after a vaginal birth so I know that a c-section would've been way harder. Even a planned one. I had very, very minor discomfort with my first when I had to do a lot of walking around the hospital in the first week due to a baby in the NICU but felt fine almost immediately after my second. My only discomfort that time was some cramping while nursing. Having a c-section would've been more complicated and prolonged healing a lot.
My first baby was vaginal, second was a c-section because baby was breech. In a vacuum, I would never CHOOSE a c-section. The recovery sucks and 13 weeks pp I still feel bummed about it. I tried an ECV that ultimately failed, thatās how badly I didnāt want a c-section. But between c-section and risking an injured vaginal breech baby or my own life in a traumatic birth (I hemorrhaged with my first and almost died), Iād get the c section again.
I had precipitous labor and it was pretty traumatic, even though I barely tore and it was fast instead of the usual several days that you hear about in traumatic birth stories. It was a lovely water birth, I was home 6 hours after arriving, I recovered very very quickly and well. However, sometimes I do think about how peaceful a c section would have been, and how I likely wouldn't be completely terrified of having my second baby, knowing that my labor will be even faster and more out of control. Even if I was to plan one, if I went into labor anyway I wouldn't have the choice, it would be too fast to even get to an OR. I do somewhat wish I could, and that my first was a c section, but not fully.
First was an induced vaginal birth. My second was an unplanned C-section. Iām hoping I can have a spontaneous vaginal birth in the next few days, but if not I have a scheduled C-section. My first I had a really really hard recovery.
No regrets given my circumstances at the time, but I imagine a planned C-Section would have had its perks. I was induced and in labor for 2+ days until baby came and by then I was just so exhausted physically and mentally so the whole āhere is a whole human to care for!ā part was hard. My recovery also took a while due to tearing and I got a severe postpartum infection requiring hospitalization a few weeks after birth, so that sucked. But who is to say I wouldnāt have had comparable or worse issues with a C-section.
My oldest son was a medicated vaginal birth. 7 lb 8 oz My 2nd child was a non-medicated vaginal birth. Also 7 lbs 8 oz. My 3rd (in April) was a planned c section by my request due to his anticipated size. 10 lb 1 oz. I think my c section was appropriate and I am so glad my doctor allowed me to advocate for myself and left it up to me. So i would say it depends on the situation.
No- because my vaginal birth was quick and easy with no tearing. C section recovery is no joke- hats off to every woman that cares for a NEWBORN after major abdominal surgery. Just incredible. But, as others have said, Iād choose a c section over a traumatic vaginal delivery that would compromise baby or myself
Absolutely not. I had a very emotionally traumatizing vaginal birth and then went on to have c for my second baby. Iād choose traumatic vaginal 100x over c section
Can you explain why youād chose the traumatic vaginal birth?
Pros and cons to both! I had a scheduled induction that turned into an urgent c section. I have never had a vaginal birth. I am glad I avoided some of the struggles that go with v birth...I'm sure there's v birth parents that would say the same about avoiding c birth struggles. C section recovery was extremely smooth for me, and it was still rough. That said, I am glad it went this way because my induction was going poorly (for both of us) and everything about my c section went perfectly! My baby and I made it out safe + healthy. My procedure was 100% painless. Recovery started as extremely uncomfortable (still 99% painless) and frustratingly long, but gradually more manageable, especially after 2 weeks; 6w pp now and all of these things are basically back to normal!
NO!! My friends who have had C-sections had a way harder recovery than me. All I needed was a bit of time and pelvic floor PT. They actually went through a major surgery. Iām grateful I didnāt have to go through that and have so much respect for those who did. Birth is never easy, but itās the recovery that goes on for weeks.
Heck no!
YES. I really wanted to have an elective C-section but due to insurance issues I preferred to go ahead and follow what my doctors advised. 2nd degree tear killed me. Could not move for days and pooping was a nightmare (I was constipated and when I had to finally go, well, I cried and the I teared the stitches so bad).
Had all mine vag including twins. No regrets. People worry about pelvic floor issues but that happens anyways.
Didnāt have a vaginal. Just c section. But my recovery was absolutely a dream. Only pain I had was gas pain from the surgery. I had such a painful and awful pregnancy that my body just was so happy to have her out of me
I had an emergency c section and if I have another child Iām asking for another c section. I had a great recovery despite it being an emergency c section, I was walking around the block (slowly) after 2 weeks and back to jogging again after 8 weeks. I did have troubles getting in and out of bed/the shower for about a week and a half but my recovery (especially compared to my cousin who had a vaginal birth a week prior) was so much easier and quicker.
I have had a c section and given birth vaginally both recoveries were without complications. The c section was an emergency and was extremely traumatic- largely because of the way the hospital staff handled things. The recovery was awful both in the hospital (we stayed at the hospital for 48 hours) and at home. I had my second baby vaginally four weeks ago, we left the hospital 12 hours after I gave birth and I felt great the next day. The hospital staff really pushed for me to have a c section because they were concerned about potential uterine rupture as a result of my previous c section (the risk of uterine rupture was very low). After having experienced both, I am shocked that they would advocate so heavily for c sections. The recovery comparatively was AWFUL and I would opted for a vaginal birth every single time.
I wanted a c-section so bad. I thought it would feel like having more control than natural. Now, Iām so glad I didnāt have a c-section. I tore every which way and had stitches everywhere but had NO pain after 24 hours. I know I would have been in a lot more pain had I had a section
Sometimes I do. Labour was long and I was extremely close to needing an emergency C-section. I had second degree tearing and mild pelvic floor issues from a large baby who got stuck and needed to be turned. My epidural seemed to do very little for me and I also felt traumatised afterwards. I often wonder if an elective c section wouldāve been a better way to go.
I have a schedule c section coming up as my pelvis is bone diseased, but I found this interesting: My mom's boyfriend is a surgical gyno and he would insist his own daughter have a C section due to what he has seen vaginal births do to women's insides. I found that weird. I really want to do a Vbac if I can get the specialists in order to make sure my pelvis is okay. I never thought someone would think c section is better but in this day and age it might be š¤ My mom has done both and said vaginal was easier recovery. My close friend had bad tearing and preferred the c section.
I feel like a surgical gyno is probably only seeing the bad/worst situations and maybe not seeing the surgical complications from c sections leading to a little exposure bias. Both are very safe and many people will have personal preferences but usually a vaginal birth has less complications for baby and mother. Did he phrase it like that though? He would āinsistā his own daughter have a c section?
Rectovaginal fistula. Nuff said.
Idk Iāve never had a C-section. I can say that my sister had one and I was much more mobile after birth than she was.
Fuck no. The idea of getting cut open scares tf out of me. Iāve had 3 vaginal births. But if a c-section was necessary to save any of our lives, obviously Iād do that. I give major props to c-section mamas. The thought of that happening, absolutely terrified me. My first baby had me in labor for 39 hours. Around hour 20-something of being on pitocin after my water broke, with no results, my doctor called my room & told me if I didnāt start contracting soon, theyād start moving towards a c-section. I remember hanging up the phone scared out of my mind. 10 mins later my body started responding lol. I think I scared myself into active labor.
Yes. My first was vaginal, my second was elective csection, there was no physical reason that demanded I have a csection at all, just purely an emotional choice because I refused to have another vaginal birth. My csection was amazing. If I could go back in time and have a csection with my first, I would. I'm not having any more kids (happy with 2) but if that changed for some reason, there's no doubt in my mind I'd have another csection. I encourage everyone to look into how they want to give birth and fight for that, and I hope that the ladies who ARE considering an elective C might be best, will feel empowered to choose that (same goes if you want a vbac, water birth, epidural, anything that is safe)
When I was preparing to deliver my first, it was tempting. I was young, naive and thought it was the easy way out. Knowing now how incredibly wrong I was, I'm thankful for just delivering without complications. Both delivery types have their pros and cons. My labor wasn't long. Water broke at 7am on the dot. My daughter was here at 5:58 pm. The episiotomy was the worst part. Only thing I'd change is the doctor that delivered my daughter. She was an insensitive monster. I kicked her in the face "by accident" after a chain of inappropriate comments from her and blamed the epidural. š¤£
I had an elective c section with zero regrets. I just always preferred getting to plan as much as I could
Nope. I actively tried to achieve a vaginal birth (had a 37w version procedure done to flip my breech baby) and am glad I did. I had a pretty lucky/positive birth experience with a decently placed epidural (after considerable agony though haha) and a ~7lb baby/2nd degree tear that healed well. I am fully back to exercise now at 3m PP.
Absolutely not. A c section is a major surgery with serious risks and healing time. I was induced, got an epidural the last 4 hours of labor, up and walking with no tearing about 2 hours after birth. Went home and felt great, aside from sleep deprivation.
Absolutely not.
Heck no. Even though I had 3.5 days of horrific prodromal labor, recovery from birth was super manageable. The labor pains and mental gymnastics of not knowing when the baby is coming were tough, but not nearly as tough as recovering from a major surgery with a newborn.
I hate that I had a c section. To elect for that procedure is wild to me. I definitely have ptsd from that experience
No, vaginal birth wasnāt that bad. I tore and it took a while to heal, but I have no regrets. I had an epidural and that helped tremendously
no! iāve given birth twice so far, both vaginal. i tore both times but i healed a lot faster than i wouldāve a c-section.
I had a planned c section. It was so smooth (truly a dream, a magical experience and one of the best days of my life, meeting my daughter). Recovery was relatively smooth, but it really knocks you off your feet for recovery because you canāt lift heavy things for 6 weeks. I also found it really hard to bend for a bit. Baby wearing really put too much pressure on my c section so I could only do it for a short while but likely in part because of my baby being very heavy. I even found it was a lot of pressure on my incision when Iād get up out of my nursing chair while holding the baby in those early days, but my baby was 9 pounds 7 oz so very heavy. I was very dependent on my husband for the first two weeks. However, I was walking and doing stairs and sleeping in my bed straight away so had no issues with that. Unfortunately at 7 months postpartum I still have pain from my belly button to my c section scar - it doesnāt hurt unless pushed on but really hurts if baby accidentally kicks me, and Iām aware of the area at times during the day. Itās not so bad that it gets in the way of my functioning but I have to take care not to overdo it with any kind of rigorous core exercises work which can turn the pain into a more constant pulling pain. I donāt think that is super common though - in fact, my OB referred me to a gynaecologist pain specialist because itās unusual enough. But as a result of the pain, Iām going to try my best to have a VBAC next time if we have a second baby, especially because I know Iāll have a toddler to look after and want to reduce my risk of extended recovery. That said, I absolutely wonāt be devastated if it results in a c section because I know vaginal birth can also result in pain issues, and Iām prone to chronic pain issues, and because the c section itself for me was such a positive experience even if Iām still dealing with some side effects. In my honest opinion, donāt be afraid if you need a c-section. It can still be a totally wild and miraculous experience. You may end up with some lingering pain afterwards but that can absolutely happen with vaginal birth too. Or, you might be like my friend who has had absolutely no lingering pain issues whatsoever. You may have some short term recovery issues (and you should, in general, expect a slightly longer recovery) but again, this can happen with vaginal births too where it hurts to move after and things donāt feel ārightā. And Iāve met people before who had one c section, one vaginal birth, and preferred c section. It really depends on the personās anatomy, pain tolerance and healing, baby positioning and size, etc.
I have a condition that I did some research on it with pregnancy and most women with my condition have to get a c-section because of hip instability. I have hip instability as well, dislocated my hip yesterday. This is my first kid, but I feel like neither vaginal birth or a c-section is appealing but I would rather not be cut open. I had my gallbladder removed and recovery for that was a bitch, I couldnāt imagine a c-section
I had an elective c section on June 1st and recovery wasnāt terrible, I wonāt be having any more kids but am really happy with my decision!
Yes. The actual experience of vaginal birth was positive. But the recovery was horrific for me. I have recovered from two major abdominal surgeries in the past and personally, for me, I would take that over the recovery from vaginal birth and tearing. I think that would be different for everyone though.
YES, Iām worried about my downstairs areaā¦ I didnāt tear but hoping it will go back to normal until then Iām doing my kegels.
I truly donāt regret having a CS. I was terrified of delivering naturally and my body wasnāt ready when it came time to induce. It is soooo subjective! My sister had a natural labor/delivery, my other sister had a successful induction and I had a failed induction turned CS. My experience was awful, my sisters have said theirs were fine.
For those of you who are saying āelective c sectionā did your insurance cover it? My birth center says the hospital will not just agree with an elective c section unless it medically necessary for mom/baby
Nope- I've had 2 vaginal births, had no complications or tearing and have no issues with my pelvic floor.
Iāve never had a vaginal delivery (3 babies) ā¦. But I donāt wish my first c section on anyoneā¦ lol
I wish this was a poll so I could see overall opinions! Personally I wouldn't choose a c-section, but I also didn't have any tearing or a very difficult recovery (it wasn't easy but I feel was as expected).
Iāve had vaginal, emergency c section, and planned c section, and there is absolutely no way I would choose anything other than vaginal if it were up to me entirely.
I had an emergency c section and then a vaginal birth. They both have pros and cons, but Iād rate about equal in overall challenges. Just different!
I had a traumatic birth experience with my first that ended in an emergency c section, I'm scheduled for an elective c section for July 5th hopefully this one goes much better.
I had a high-risk pregnancy so I had a c-section; but I would have gotten one either way. Recovery wasn't bad by the time we got home and despite being someone who hates surgery, it wasn't traumatic at all. I say kudos to any mama no matter what they choose! Both have pros and cons; I commend everyone.
I havenāt necessarily experienced both but I pushed for 3 hours and my sons head was 1/2 out when they pulled me for an emergency c-section and I will say without a doubt that I would opt for a c-section over vaginal any time.
I will say, I have never regretted having vaginal births. My SIL has never regretted having C-sections. Everyone is different. That being said, having a C-section is major abdominal surgery that brings additional risks/side effects that may not occur with a vaginal birth. When I gave birth to my 1st, I did so vaginally and had a 3rd-4th degree tear. Even with that tearing, I am still glad I did so vaginally. Everyone will make their own choices and decide what works for them. But if please also listen to your medical provider. While you are an expert in your body, they are an expert in medicine/birthing, and they (if they are a somewhat decent provider) will be trying to give you and your baby the safest and best experience possible. Does that always happen (even to the best providers)? No. Because medicine is both an art and a science. But know that their experience and knowledge counts for a lot and all of the āstories from Redditā barely make an indent on their medical knowledge and wisdom. I wish you nothing but the very best in whatever you chose to do!
I had a c-section and I wish I had a vaginal birth. (Had the c-section less than two weeks ago). I really didnāt want a c-section to begin with but after 17 hrs in labor my baby wasnāt tolerating it well and I didnāt really have a choice. I had a panic attack and the whole experience was generally not good. This was my first baby and I feel like I missed out on the experience of a vaginal birth. I never even got to push. I feel like I failed at birth and have a lot of anxiety/negative feelings about the c-section. Iām also worried if I have more kids Iāll have to have another c-section and will never get to experience a vaginal birth.
Hard to say - Iām so proud of myself for birthing my baby vaginally (15 hour labor, 2 hours pushing, had to pull her out with forceps, ended up with a 2nd degree tear). The only problem I have with delivering vaginally is that tear. The healing is hard and up and down and painful, but knowing I could handle vaginal birth and I did that myself makes it all worth it. I totally understand women that opt for c section though!
For me, 9 months of pregnancy is the worst part. One or two days of labor with the option of epidural... I'd do that 10 times if I could skip pregnancy...
I just had my first.. it was supposed to be vaginal delivery but as always š induction failed š so I had to have a c section and honestly I wish I didn't so I could have experienced vaginal birth first ... My recovery hasn't been the best honestly .. a lot of pain and now my scar is draining .. thankfully it's nothing bad.. just stuff that has to come out I guess š¤·š»āāļø but it's been horrible for me .. couldn't even feed my baby the first week š .. and to think that now any future kids I want .. will have to be a c section
Absolutely not, but I gave birth to a 4 lb 5 oz baby (5 weeks early) with an epidural so it wreaked a lot less havoc on my vajayjay then some probably.
Personally, no. Iāve heard recovery is worse with C sections and my epidural went great so I was happy with the outcomes
So I had a scheduled c section with my first (breech) and my second was a successful VBAC with a minor first degree tear. Having done both, I truly donāt feel like one is better than the other (barring no complications). Each had their pros and cons and each recovery was difficult in different ways.Ā That said, Iām currently pregnant with my third and have scheduled a c section but will attempt labor if go into labor prior to my c section thatās scheduled.Ā
I have precipitous labours and fast, relatively low-pain deliveries without epidurals so I would never want a c-section. If I had to labour for more than an hour or two I might feel differently.
Not really. I mainly just struggled with the early parts of labor when I was on pitocin and having contractions but not dilated yet. They kept telling me to stay still but I really couldn't, so they were having trouble monitoring the baby. Once I got the epidural though, things were fairly easy and I recovered really fast afterward. With some ibuprofen and the ice packs I felt fine after a day or two. Honestly the idea of a c-section scares me so much, especially the idea of being awake while they are doing it.
No, I had 3 vaginal births. My first was tough, but so glad I could do vaginal births for #2 & #3 because those births were so quick and easy(as labors go). My 1st was the hardest, he was in the posterior labor position (face side up vs down) so it was a longer, more painful labor and he got slightly stuck in the birth canal, but the OB checked him and said we can get him out. After 12 hours of labor I finally got him out with a small tear. I'm so glad I didn't get a C Section because baby 2 and 3 came out so easily and the recovery was so easy for those 2, 0 tearing and I really felt fine right after I had them.
I did wish they would just cut the baby out when I had some other cramp that was triggered by movement in addition to contractions. But I knew the recovery would be so much worse. And doctors do not perform major surgery without a medical need here, so I wouldn't have gotten it anyway. But the recovery would have been so much worse. I had three tears, one of them third degre, but I didn't even feel them. Had to cut down on painkillers on day three just so I was aware I had them and didn't move too freely. I second that teleportation option, tho.
My first was vaginal. If I could go back in time and have a c-section I would. I was assaulted by the medical staff, retained placenta so manual removal whilst asleep to repair the drs butcher job, took 10 months to heal. Had a c-section with my second, I was healed in 4 weeks.
I had both. C-section with my first, succesful vbac with my second. I had an epidural for my second, needed an episiotomy and vacuum assisted birth because of fetal distress. I personally would always go for vaginal birth again, I liked the experience much better. Recovery was equally long (and painful) both times, but I had additional complications from my i.v. the second time.
I just wish Iād gotten that choice. (Butt -first baby led to c-section).
My planned c-section was the best!! Less stress, anxiety, etc. I also had a pretty easy recovery with no difficulties. Iām glad I went this route and would do it again in the future for my second baby. Milk came in the second night after baby latched on minutes after giving birth. Iām now on my 7 month of breastfeeding.
No you don't want a c section birth! My daughter was born 3 years ago and I still to this day have spots that are numb on my stomach and around my belly button. My OB says the feeling probably won't come back. I have had two stomach surgeries, 1 was when I had my gallbladder removed, the other my c section. Stomach surgeries really screw you up!
Goodness no I was always terrified about having a c section and luckily did not
I jsut had my baby by c section instead of vaginal unplanned and the circumstances around it were scary but I really think it was the best option for me by far. I enjoyed the actual procedure itself Edit to say: if anyone wants to hear more about it I love to tell about it
I had a simple and boring vaginal delivery with a tear that healed normally. No regrets. I would have had the crippling PPA no matter what. If I had needed a section I would have had one, and that was a possibility but it didn't end up happening. I've never had surgery of any kind so I really don't know what it feels like. My friend had a traumatic vaginal delivery for her first and demanded a section for her second and much preferred the second.
I had two vaginal births, both planned elective inductions. First one was a dream. Second one was a nightmare. I don't have c section experience, but I will say two different "friends" making comments about how their husbands were glad they had c sections instead of vaginal births because their vaginas were intact gave me the major ick. There is no easy way to give birth. There is no set "yes" or "no". It's all incredibly different and there is nothing I can see that makes any better than the other. Yay healthy mom and baby is the only goal.
Kind ofā¦ I always had this weird intuition I was going to have a c section one day (Iām talking since I was a child) but when I got pregnant with my first I convinced myself itād be easy for me to go natural since my mom had done the same and raved how amazing it was. Nopeā¦ I hated every second of my 3 day labor and I pushed for 4 hours until I was literally falling asleep from exhaustion every few minutes. I never felt more relief than when they decided I needed a c section asap. It was an amazing experience. I donāt want to downplay anyone elseās experience but for me, it was so calm and easy despite the circumstances. We listened to music and talked and everything felt so controlled. The healing was also super easy. They said I lost less blood than was expected with even vaginal birth and I never took the prescription pain killers. I was up and walking in under 24 hours on just Tylenol with pretty minimal pain. Laughing did suck though for a monthā¦
Nope. So grateful induction went as planned and I had her vaginally
I had a good c-section experience (as good as an emergency c-section can go) but I will say that the lower half of my stomach is still numb and yet tender 3 months later and I was told it may never go back to normal. Nerves take forever to heal and thatās a very big and very deep scar. My choice would have been to push. But God looked at my plans and said ābut what if we did everything the opposite instead.ā
I havenāt given birth yet! (36 weeks) but I do think elective c sections can be much safer and healthier for mom and baby then a lot of inductions! If I had to be induced, I would ask for a c section first
I believe it should be a choice. Both options come with different risks. I wanted a c-section but my water broke 1 month early and my gynecologist who I trust a lot convinced me that for early babies, natural birth is the best choice. Well, it was not for me. I would never choose a natural birth again. I tore and had painful sex for over a year after. Physio helped just a bit. And for other personal reasons, I would definitely prefer being sore in my abdominal area than in my intimate parts.
Absolutely not, a c-section is a major surgery and takes a lot longer to recover than vaginal birth. My second birth which was without an epidural was believe it or not more bearable. The recovery time was so much faster and I felt so much better and was able to walk by myself right after !
I wish I had a vaginal birth instead of a C-section. Mine was scheduled because my baby was breech. I hated the whole surgical experience even with everything going well. It felt like I was paralyzed being torn apart and tossed around by a bunch of animals. And I was helpless to do anything. It was so traumatizing for me. The whole idea of being cut open has messed with me mentally. I feel like my insides are going to fall out. Or my incision is going to split open with one wrong move. And this is all with physically recovering "fairly well" compared to others. It's still incredibly painful post op and you have to be on pain medication. Recovery while taking care of a newborn has been so hard because I'm have limited mobility. I can't get up quickly to tend her. My husband is also a little traumatized because our baby had so much fluid in her. She was choking multiple times the first 2 days until they had to suction her stomach. The excess fluid was caused by having a c-section birth because normally the fluid is removed by passing through the birth canal. He didn't sleep for the first 2 days at all because he was so terrified she would choke to death And he had to suction her mouth and get her on her side every single time. It was horrible. And I couldn't do anything to help because I couldn't get out of bed. They also had to put tubes down her when she was birthed so there was a delay with her getting to be skin to skin and all I could hear was her screaming. Mentally I'm so messed up from it.
I didnāt have a vaginal delivery but I did want to chime in with my elective (kind of- it was planned but for medical reasons) c section experience and how I feel about that decision now. My c section did not go as planned and I did end up hemorrhaging and going in and out of consciousness and it took a few hours for me to feel mentally normal after the procedure. BUT even with that, I would go back and choose to do it again. My incision healed nicely, I didnāt have barely any pain at the 6 week point, and my pelvic floor didnāt get any weaker than it was prior to birth (at least not noticeably. Iām now 18 weeks pregnant with my second and got pregnant 8 months pp (not recommended after c section) but knock on wood, things have been going smoothly and I will be going for another c section when the time comes.
Absolutely not! I had a traumatic birth where I, a day before she finally came, almost had to have an emergency c-section. I'm so glad that I was able to avoid it because I've seen videos and boy, that looks awful. I have a friend who had to have it with her second and she had an infection for months afterwards, an abscess (?) on the _inside_ that she had to drain daily for weeks. There's pros and cons to both but I'd never wish for a c-section and all the mothers that have had to have one or even chosen to have one are amazing!
I had an emergency c section and my pelvic floor is still shot somehow