Advice needed ???? Natural birth or c section ? Possible complications !

[Hopefulholly]

Hi

Wondering if you could give me some advice. I am pregnant with my second ivf child but I’m really concerned over the birth. On my DS I was only in labour 3 hours 2 hours of that he was stuck so ended up having a episiotomy which I had a major hemorrhage, needed blood transfusions and had a nasty infection as all the stitching came out needing physio to fix the damage. He was born a week early.

So as you can imagine this is causing me a lot of anxiety that it will happen again plus this time I have severe endometriosis which I’m worried may cause more complication.

So my question is which Would I be better doing c section or trying a natural birth again?

[Annh17]

I can’t really help with your decision making, but I had to have a c section, so if you want any information, please ask.

I would definitely say, go for what is the safest for you and baby and c section is definitely not the easy way out, but I can 100% understand why you are thinking of having one x

[Kata89 in reply to Annh17]

I’d agree what what Annh17 says. I had an elective c-section as that was safest for us both. I’ve been told that an elective one easier to recover from than an emergency one. However, I’d discuss it with your midwife/consultant.

[spidermum]

Hi, totally understand lot of anxiety- have you thought about about hypnobirthing, can really help to reduce anxiety and yes useful if you decide to have c section as good at keeping you calm. Waterbirth at hospital? Being in a pool great pain relief and again more relaxing less chance of tearing. I had c-section as un-diagnosed breech baby, but wanted to avoid one for 2nd time as knew it would be harder recovery for me looking after baby and toddler- BUT talk it over with midwife and get birth that you feel happy with- birthtraumaassociation.org.uk/

great website lots of useful stuff

Also tellmeagoodbirthstory.com/

[Elynn]

Oh you poor girl what a rotten time. My sister had 4th degree tear, it was torture for her but baby No2 popped out not one stitch needed. Talk to your midwife, let her know your concerns. Maybe she can recommend some perineal soaks pre and during labor to help stretching. Wishing you a safe delivery.

[Hopefulholly]

Thank you for all your advice. I’ve decided to list all my questions for the midwife and consultant for their advice ! xXx

[amazed]

As a mum of four, I can definitely say that every birth is different so just because you had a traumatic time the first time doesn't mean that this one will go that way.

It sounds like your body has this birthing thing nailed with such a short labour but fast dilation and waters breaking early could've resulted in baby getting stuck because he didn't have time to get in the right position. You don't give any details but with my eldest the midwife broke my waters and he dropped into my pelvis with his fist across his chin stuck for hours until they finally hoiked him ot with forceps. my stitches luckily stayed in but I think they were infected and I know that waiting for them to heal was torturous. but number 2 was a much smoother hospital birth and then number 3I had at home. my fourth was the most difficult but she was in a funny position with the cord round her neck- luckily she was born in the caul (in the water after many hours) so I think she was perfectly happy throughout as she wriggled this way and that even during contractions🤦‍♀️)

Maybe thinking about a water birth and positions which can take the pressure off your cervix would be helpful for you, as well as talking to someone about your trauma but please don't put yourself through a caesarean because of last time. You can do this. Caesareans are much riskier for Mums and babies in low risk pregnancies and although it sounds like your antenatal care may have left something to be desired last time- and that your body likes to get on with things- please trust that you can do this.

If you can afford a doula then the right person could certainly help you to explore options for slowing things down if things progress too quickly and will hopefully give you some reassurance and support. certainly being in a birthing pool will help to soften any scar tissue and often slows labour down naturally.

Sending love to you, you can do this. And this time, once you hold your LO in your arms the worst bit will be over. You don't want to put yourself in a position where you're going to have all that extra healing to do. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, remember.

Good luck with making your choice, and talk to doula uk xx

[Mifkipi]

Hello, I had an elective cs due to complications...like most other have suggested, each pregnancy is different. CS doesn't come without problems. I had hemorrhage from it and I also needed transfusions. The good thing is I didn't know about it (was under general anaesthesia) but I definitely paid back afterwards and the recovery took very long. I'm sure your midwife and consultant will advise you of the best choice to take xx