Hiya. Just wondering if anyone has opted for an elective c section and the reason behind it? I personally would love to give birth by a vaginal delivery, but being a first timer (and probably because of IVF as well), I just don't expect my body to go into labour on its own.I have therefore opted for an elective c section at 39 weeks (that's in 4 weeks time).
Would love to know if anyone has made a conscious choice about the mode of delivery and the reason behind it. Thanks!
Yes. With my first - from IVF - and I've asked for one this time (natural pregnancy). Reasons were numerous, mainly I've had gynae issues since I was very young including endometriosis and a pain condition which meant I could hardly even use tampons (making all the internal scans etc, very difficult with IVF). Years of pain, not being listened to, painful invasive investigations and surgery etc, left me terrified at the idea of vaginal delivery and given I can't even successfully manage an examination, I kind of ruled myself out early on. But let's face it vaginal is always going to be painful and many women manage it so I felt beings scared of pain wasn't enough some how. But I just didn't trust my body to be able to do it. The consultant was so understanding and didn't push me either way, but by the end of the consultation knowing which way I was going he said given the size of the baby (98th+ percentile!), my history and size, he said he thought it would end in an emergency section and in his view that was the worst option. In the end the baby got stuck even during the planned section as she was so large and wedged and they needed to pull her out with forceps anyway! So the surgeons said I would have had to have had a section. So I felt justified and not that I took the 'easy' route. Now that thinking and logic isn't right; birth is hard no matter what and it's your decision how you want to do it, then if it doesn't go that way, what's important is your and the baby's safety. This time the baby's much smaller and they've said I can do VBAC - not a chance. For a second I was on the fence then they started talking about risk of scar rupture (well, they said a lot of reassuring things about both options too, but that's what I focussed on) and I was firmly back to elective. I think once you've gone through infertility and IVF, and losses, there's a connflcit that you 'should' try vaginal if you can because everything's been 'unnatural' to that point, but vs the added anxiety and sad knowledge that things can and do go wrong, and the body has 'failed' before. I think I'm past both those, and more wanting a straightforward delivery, that I was very happy with previously and my recovery was great. I feel relaxed, and comfortable with my choice and it's one bit of worry out the window so I can try and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy.
MrsOrangejuice, thank you for the detailed reply. The feeling that body has failed, and it may do the same again is paramount in my decision. It does sound like a relief having a firm decision in hand and not doubting yourself. Thanks for sharing your reasons, and all the best ahead 😊
I had an elective c section at 39+5 (meant to be 39 weeks but then there was a doctor's strike) due to the size of my baby. At growth scans he was measuring very large and the consultant warned me of the risks of shoulder dystocia (not a high risk but still a risk) I just felt with everything I had been through to get to that point I wasn't going to take any risks. Because of IVF I was told that they would recommend delivery at 40 weeks max anyway. They offered induction but I declined and said I'd rather go for a c section. In the end my son was 9lbs so it was the right choice for me. I didn't have the best c section experience but that was just because of my reaction to the meds. I've heard a lot of very positive stories about planned c sections being very calm and controlled. It was definitely good to have some certainty over what was going to happen and when. I definitely didn't feel like I was going to go into labour naturally any time before the c section so I think he would have been late had I just let things take their own time.
Hi lovely,
Due to mine being an IVF pregnancy and me being 39 my consultant didn't want the pregnancy to go over 39 weeks. She said there was just no point risking still birth after such a traumatic time actually getting pregnant.
So I was offered a c-section or an induction at 39 weeks - I opted for c-section because it seemed the safer option for both me and the baby. It was such an amazing experience as I never went in to labour everything was so calm and chilled. When he was born they pulled him out halfway then allowed him to wriggle out a bit more himself - they also did delayed cord clamping to help him get every ounce of nutrients possible. I had a lovely playlist on too.
I could have gone for a vaginal birth without induction of course - but I just wanted him out safely.
xx
Hi Millbanks! That's lovely to hear such a positive experience. I am 39 on my due date as well, and a 1st timer, not taking risk is my main reason as well. Delayed cord clamping, and wriggling out are great points.. I will request for these. Thanks for your input😊
My first was an elective section, totally my choice as I was 40 so had a slightly higher risk of ending up as an emergency section. The consultant was very laid back about it and just viewed it as the best birth is the one that’s right for you. Similar to Millbanks, I never laboured so it was all very calm. Second birth was CS due to having one the first time, also very calm experience. Both times healing was very quick with minimal pain. My milk came in fast (2d); bear in mind delayed milk is a possibility with ELCS. I did antenatal colostrum harvesting and drank lots of hoppy alcohol free beer, which may have helped 🤷🏻♀️ Whatever you decide, just remember it’s YOUR birth so self advocate hard for what you want xx
I am currently 35+3 weeks. And yes I am planning on harvesting colostrum 37 weeks onwards. Thanks for replying 😊
I had an elective c section at 37.2 due to my age and ivf. Best decision I made, baby was delivered safely and that’s what mattered to me. I never had surgery before so can’t say if the recovery was better/worse but to me it was good. Complete experience was amazing. Currently pregnant with 2nd ivf miracle and plan the same delivery. Good luck
Hi! I thought about opting for an elective C section due to an allergy to local anaesthetics ruling out an epidural. In the end I was persuaded to try a vaginal delivery - like you, first pregnancy and the result of IVF treatment. I didn't want induction but ended up with a delayed induction due to shortage of staff on a bank holiday weekend, followed by an infection and a grade I emergency c section. In hindsight, I wish I had stuck to my initial instinct and had a straightforward planned c section.
Oh, that sounds like quite a few changes, I hope the end result was all worth it😊 (I quickly checked the calendar for any bank holidays near my due date😂)
She is totally worth it💗Good thinking re: bank holiday weekends😅
hi, for my second child I had an Elective due to a traumatic birth experience with my first. I’d really recommend, it’s so calm and such an amazing experience to meet your baby with everyone around you relaxed. The pain was not as bad as I had expected and my recovery has been so much better than my first too. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide x
I have elected for a c-section as I’m in my 40s and feel that it would be the better option after weighing up the pros and cons. Reading above how calm and nice people’s c-sections were, has just made me feel reassured. Good luck and would be great to hear your experience post-delivery xx
I’m also options out for a c section. I don’t want to have any more anxiety and want the birth to be a positive and calm experience and safe for the baby first of all.
This is my first baby and through IVF. I don’t feel any less worth of motherhood because of it! I know this topic can be quite sensitive for many…
Do what is right for you. ❤️
Agree 😊 I have my C-section booked for tomorrow. Did not want to take any chances with baby safety.
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