Elective c-section

[Skittles11]

Hello, I am considering an elective c section for various reasons, following discussion with my consultant. Did anyone else go down this avenue? At which week did you have it? Thank you all x

[Backagain987]

hey Skittles, I had one due to some risks on my side, she was born at 38+5 x

[Skittles11 in reply to Backagain987]

Thank you lovely x x

[butterfliez]

Hi lovely how are you ? I hope you’ve been managing as best as you can throughout the last few months of pregnancy. How many weeks are you now ?

Yes I had an elective C-section I’d asked from the start due to my history. I just felt like I had that bit of control with all the worry & anxiety knowing a date really helped me to focus on. It was booked for 37 weeks but ended up going in 35+6. They usually won’t take you in earlier than 37 weeks if alls going well.

It can feel daunting the thought of a c section but you must do what feels right for your personal situation. after having a previous emergency c section the elective one was a much calmer & controlled environment and all round good birth experience.

Take care X

[Skittles11 in reply to butterfliez]

Thank you 😊 I've sent you a DM I hope that's okay x x

[Allotmenteer16]

Hi Skittles, I'm planning an elective C-section as ended up with an emergency one under general anaesthetic last time (height of covid in 2020). It was a bit traumatic for my partner and I and I just want a bit more certainty over the situation, especially as I can be quite an anxious person. I've been told they would plan it for 39 weeks and if I go into labour before I can just go straight to the C-section hopefully. I still have a small thought of trying VBAC in my mind, but overall happier with the decision to go elective C-section. I had a relatively uncomplicated recovery, so fingers crossed it's similar this time.Do spend time talking about your concerns/questions with your midwife or consultant though.

[Jonesy84]

Hi Skittles, I ended up having an elective as towards the end baby was measuring big etc. the doctor was lovely and it was totally my option of what i done but after asking a few more questions that was the route I took. My gorgeous boy was born at 39 weeks

Having done that I am definitely glad I did. It was a very positive experience for me and both me and my little boy were just fine.

Happy to answer any questions about it

All the best in whatever decision you make. There no right or wrong just make sure it what feels right for you and baby xxx

[Positive20]

Hi Skittles. I didn’t have an elective C section - in fact it was on my medical notes as a last resort for c section but I needed an emergency one under general anaesthetic. Everything went amazing considering the urgency of it.

In the future I would 100% op for one given what happened to me and what was discussed regarding why an emergency one was required. I’ve made a fantastic full recovery. It’s a personal decision. My cousin had an elective and I think she went in hospital at 39 weeks. Good luck with your decision xx

[Rjfguitfg]

Hi there! I didn’t exactly have an elective c section but we talked about it early on as I carried twins (rate of c section with identical twins is 80%). I ended up going into labor early (cervix issues) and my doc did a c section before it became an emergency situation, which I am so thankful for.

If I have another pregnancy, I would probably opt for the elective given my history and not wanting to tempt a vbac. I had a vaginal birth with my loss a couple years ago and the pain of it was very traumatic. With the c section recovery is harder but not having the painful trauma of vaginal birth worked well for me. It’s a very personal decision. All the best with whatever route you decide!

[leo1980]

hello I did! 10 days ago. It’s pretty uncomfortable but I got up the next day had a shower etc. buy comfy pants that don’t sit on the cut. I had mine at week 39 and 4 days. So just a few days before my due date. You will need some help for the first few days to pass you the baby etc depending on fund how long they keep the catheter in. Mine was taken out the next day….

[Aquaharmony]

Hi Skittles11,

I was told I needed to have a c-section due to a previous surgery. I had mine at 38 +5 as 39 fell on a weekend and they didn't want to wait until 39 + 1.

I would make you aware that breastfeeding, if this is something you want to do, can be more challenging with a c-section. I wish I had prepared better for breastfeeding as a result. There are some great resources but I came to the information a little late and it has made the transition from the pregnancy to parent harder than it needed to be.

I think unless there are good reasons they generally aim for week 39 or close to it. If you go into labour early there is generally enough time to follow your birth plan still so your planned c - section would generally not be affected.

Hope it all goes well.

💜🤗

[Rainbow2023]

Hi, my baby had to be delivered early at 37 weeks due to me developing preeclampsia.

I opted for an elective c-section as the other option was to be induced which I was totally against having not heard one positive story about it from family & friends.

Having a c-section was the best decision for me. The whole procedure was calm and quick and my scar healed really well which meant I was up and about in no time.

Despite the need for an early delivery, I had always planned to have a C-section had I not gone into labour naturally.

All the best with whichever you decide on / happens x

[Wishinandahopin]

I had one, not completely elective as I had medical issues but it was that or induction and I knew that nearly always early inductions result in c-sections anyway so that’s why I chose it. I also felt there was a lot more control around it. And once the baby is here you are just so glad they’ve made it so it doesn’t matter how they came. I will definitely do that again if I have another.

[CXCYCZ]

Yes I had an elective c-section at 39 weeks. For various reasons, age, previous myomectomy, Ivf, protein a deficiency. It actually turned out to be a good call as he was 9 pounds 14 ounces so I do wonder if it had not already been decided if I would have ended up that way regardless due to his size.

Can’t fault the procedure. You can feel pulling but no pain. It is a strange feeling. Recovery was OK. Took it easy to start with, you need some help, I had a doula come in post birth for a few hours every other day for a few weeks (but I am single). I had had a myomectomy previously so was prepared for the physical post surgery recovery.

In a way it was easier, you knew when it was happening so planning maternity leave was easy and I could maximise time with him him afterwards as my mat leave started the day of the c-section. Drove after a few weeks, checked with insurance company first, but there is no law about when, it’s when you feel ready.

Did struggle with breast feeding, slow milk plus tongue tie. That was fixed on day 5. I have never managed to supply all he needs so it’s been a combination of formula and breast as prescribed when we were sent back to hospital as his weight dropped. Fought it but just could not get supply up. Don’t know the reason for that. Age, c-section, the poor latch and his weight or just because! No-one can tell me why. I had expressed colostrum before the c-section. I believe I did everything I could have. I also have cysts in my breasts and had to have one drained as it grew but again no-one will tell me whether that is a factor. I think like many things in ivf it’s an unknown. Something we just get used to. I am still breast feeding at 8.5 months but it’s more of a top up to solids and formula rather than his main source of food. I just figured some is better than none. I would have loved to exclusively breast feed but was not able to.

I would have another c-section if I became pregnant again. Of my NCT group no-one had a fully natural birth without complications. With the elective c-section I had the easiest, less painful and safest birth. The others had forceps, tears, haemorrhage and emergency surgery and an emergency c-section. We could just have been an unlucky group of course.

I’m so glad you are both doing well and wishing you the best for the birth. You have waited so long for this.

[Tamaa]

Hi. I had an elective c section at 37 weeks as my baby was not gaining weight inside. I was 38 years when I had the c section. But if that were not the case, I would have gone for an elective c section as I wanted a calm and controlled environment. Good luck 👍

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely Skittles,

I'm so happy to see that this is your next post - I had an elective c-section for a few reasons.

1) I was placenta previa until about week 36 so we had always planned it

2) They didn't want me to go over 39 weeks so I was offered induction or elective c

3) It was safer to get the baby out earlier (38+6) than go over and after everything we had been through this was my number 1 priority

It was actually such an amazing experience. I found it incredibly overwhelming and emotional, it was weird knowing exactly when he would arrive - but I am so glad we did it that way. They did delayed cord clamping and a gentle c-section where he was allowed to wriggle out a bit himself. All very surreal!

The c-section itself was absolutely painless and the spinal blocker was fine - I was worried about it as I still hate needles but it was over in a flash. I had my stitch out after 5 days and was out and about after a week xxx

[NemoFish]

I can only imagine an elective section is vastly different to an emergency one! If I could turn back time I would’ve gone down the elective route 100%. I desperately didn’t want a section, but having one with about 5 minutes notice and no one explaining what was happening is going to stay with me the rest of my life. If you want it- ask for it. Knowing what to expect from the recovery and understanding the procedure in a calm environment would be amazing! Hope all is going well xx

[CJohns]

I’ve had both an elective and an emergency. Believe it or not I preferred the emergency as I found there was a lot less explaining and they just cracked on (although I think there are different levels of emergency).

After the first section (emergency), I felt a bit meh when people used to talk about birth stories, but now I feel proud to have had two sections and recovered so well. And being the control freak that I am, it meant I had a lot more control to organise my life (my 2 year old and pets) with the elective.

There are A LOT of staff in the room for a section, but from both experiences the staff have been ever so friendly and chatty, and actually it was the best experience about being in at the hospital.

I couldnt have the elective before 39 weeks (our NHS policy) and the consultant explained that a risk of neonatal care heightens if they perform sections earlier.

My worst part about both sections was the after care in the wards (Cornwall hospital). There is a clear shortage of midwifes and it seems the staffing levels after baby is born are reduced.

1st time round I had baby at 10am and didn’t get discharged until 7.30pm the next day, and they didn’t have the staff to do the 24 hour check so I had to go into a community hospital the next day (which my community midwife was horrified about after having had surgery).

2nd time round they forgot to feed me even after I asked for dinner 3 times (baffling after having major surgery and breastfeeding); they noted me down as having been given pain killers but never received them (you aren’t supposed to administer your own). Generally the care you receive is really meeeeh. It was incredibly daunting the first time for me as a new mum and not knowing what the hell I was doing, and having not bonded with my baby I felt so out of my depth.

And sharing a ward with 3 other mums and other babies is never going to be fun!

That being said, I don’t regret the sections, but if you do have one… bring a lot of snacks, painkillers, earplugs and put your foot down if you want to go home! Xx

[Keggles36]

Hi Skittles!

Lots of answers here ❤️

I've never had an elective section, but am a midwife and have been present at loads of them so feel free to dm me with any questions I might be able to help with.

I've seen some absolutely beautiful caesarean births ❤️

Lots of love xx

[Beacon78]

I opted to have an elective c-section. I was told this would take place at 39 weeks. I had it at 39+1. It was best thing I did. My experience was positive. I didn’t have the best aftercare because there weren’t enough midwives and weren’t always responsive but nevertheless I made a full recovery and was doing most things 48 hours later and even went to see friends 5 days later and for a short walk 6 days later. I took pain relief for a few days and then only at night and completely stopped by day 10. I had my stitches removed at day 5. My scar healed without any complications. It can be a bit tricky breastfeeding if you have an elective c-section but I harvested colostrum from 37 weeks and that was a game changer for me. My boy had no difficulties breastfeeding and I also think it might have helped with my supply. He’s nearly two and I’m still giving breastmilk along with solids and exclusively breastfed him until he was 6.5 months. I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck x

[Hockey112]

Hi Skittles.

I had a C section in July. Not pre-planned- I had been induced at 37 weeks and labour wasn’t progressing.

I was so relieved when the doctors agreed to give me a section as my mental health took a serious nosedive during labour. I don’t think I realised how traumatised I was over my previous 3 losses and it really hit me hard. In comparison though the section was so calm and positive, the medical team were incredible. I didn’t find the recovery too bad either.

As with all choices there are pros and cons to both but whatever you choose I hope it all goes well for you. You’re so nearly there and it is going to be amazing ❤️

[JenRow7]

Hi I had 2 for big babies. They chose the date but was 1 week early for both. Found everything so negative around c sections until you get down to theatre and there just like oh Big baby OK cool. I don't know any different for recovery but as long as you have help for first 2 weeks it's fine. Sometimes harder to start breast feeding.

My endo is so bad on my womb I don't think my contractions would've worked my consultant said afterwards.

[JenRow7 in reply to JenRow7]

I got the shivers in theatre the first time but not the second. Other than that all good. I'm used to having surgeries though!