Debating Planned C-Section v. Vaginal Birth (1st child)

[Anonymous]

I am 40 and pregnant with my first. Might want to have a second.

In a conversation with a family friend who is a Labor & Delivery nurse, she said something like “I’m absolutely going to do a planned C-section when I have kids.”

I asked her why and she had a bunch of tear horror stories. Needless to say I was spooked.

I’m now considering a planned c-section. Curious to hear about the experiences of women who had planned Cs. It seems like the range of experiences vary broadly from great to awful. Appreciate any guidance.

[Anonymous]

I had a vaginal delivery with my first and a fairly serious (but not atypical) tear. Sex hurt for over a year.

I had a planned c-section with my 2nd (twins). I loved it. Recovery for me was not a picnic but was easier than with the vaginal delivery. Emergency c-sections are a whole different animal from what I understand.

Generally speaking, statistically and controlling for pre-existing issues, outcomes for baby are slightly better with c-section. Outcomes for moms are slightly worse. So any additional risk with a c-section is to you, not the baby.

Either way, plan to schedule physical therapy for after you recover. It’ll focus on different things depending on your delivery type but will be super helpful either way.

[Anonymous]

I think a c-section does create risks for the next pregnancy so I probably wouldn’t plan one. But I also would be fine if I had one.

[Anonymous]

My friends who asked for planned csections in recent years were denied. I wouldn’t assume it will be offered.

[Anonymous]

PP here again. I was very pragmatic about both my deliveries. The birth plan was “healthy mom and baby” and I wanted pain relief. I thought of birth as a really tough day with a baby at the end of it, not the height of womanly experience, etc. I am not at all crunchy.

If you have a lot invested in a certain kind of “natural” birth I can imagine that a vaginal delivery would be worth the risk of tearing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friends who asked for planned csections in recent years were denied. I wouldn’t assume it will be offered.

+1. This is not best practice for a first birth. Have you discussed a planned c-section with your OB? I asked and was turned down 20 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friends who asked for planned csections in recent years were denied. I wouldn’t assume it will be offered.

+1 unfortunate but true, they are discouraged even though it should b your choice. I had one th first time for a medical reason. I chose it the second time. I wouldn't go into the surgery and recovery lightly, but it was manageable. 2nd recovery much easier.

A lot of OBs go this route due to what they've seen (like your L&D friend) and they have colleagues who will do it for them.

[Anonymous]

OBs push for C-section because it's easy for them (schedule and financial wise).
Once you had your first C-section, it's very likely you will do the same one for your second pregnancy.
Most OBs don't like VBAC, even if they accept you, they will find a way to make you do a C-section (example: baby measurement is not good enough for their liking).
C-section recovery is a pain especially when you're older (40+).
There are a lot of scare tactics, and because you don't want to take a chance with your baby, you're more likely to follow their recommendations.
Do what you think best.

[Anonymous]

I asked my OB about this due to my fear of child birth. He agreed. I had 2 planned c-sections. Recovery was pretty easy.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for all of this feedback. My OB said she would schedule a C-section if I want one. Curious to hear more from women who had planned c’s on recovery time, level of pain, complications, etc.

I am not wrapped up in the “v birth” badge of honor or “natural way,” really I just want the best long term outcome for my pelvic floor and sex life after delivery.

[Anonymous]

I had an elective, planned c-section with my first, partially due to concerns about tearing. My OB and I both knew going in that I’d likely try for two more kids, and I understood that those would have to be c-sections too.

The surgeries themselves were fine. Everything was calm, predictable, and I had no complications. I found the insertion of the iv needle and spinal (I think that’s the term?) to be the most uncomfortable. I did shake a lot during my first c-section, which apparently is not unusual, but it wasn’t a big deal.

Recovery was tougher each time, but I didn’t really do much bed rest and went back to driving/stairs/cleaning/picking up toddlers far too soon. In retrospect I didn’t really have decent support in place. I recommend avoiding those pitfalls if you go the c-section route, and staying on top of the pain meds they give you.

[Anonymous]

I had a planned c-section in my late 30s for medical reasons. I felt the recovery went about as smooth as possible. The first day was rough, but I started walking around on day 2, taking it slow but a little longer each time. I felt pretty good after 5 days, then even better around 2 weeks post-op. But after that I sort of plateaued and any more improvement was very gradual. I didn’t feel 100% until many months later.

Like PP, I would also suggest staying on top of your meds! Also look into a belly binder. I wore them when walking around and thought it helped to hold everything together.

We’re TTC for #2 now and seeing a RE. They saw a c-section scar when I had my HSG. It’s unclear at the moment if that is contributing to us having trouble conceiving again.

[Anonymous]

I had 2 planned c-sections. My first was for medical reasons (marginal cord insertion and transverse breach) and it was so easy that it was a no-brainer choice for my 2nd. In both cases, I was down to Advil after 2 days and very comfortable moving around ahead of schedule.

I will say that I have a pretty high pain threshold and I tend to heal quickly. Not everyone has my experience!! But for me it was very easy.

[Anonymous]

I would avoid surgery if possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for all of this feedback. My OB said she would schedule a C-section if I want one. Curious to hear more from women who had planned c’s on recovery time, level of pain, complications, etc.

I am not wrapped up in the “v birth” badge of honor or “natural way,” really I just want the best long term outcome for my pelvic floor and sex life after delivery.

Plan to have pelvic floor therapy no matter how your child is born is your best bet. Not due to an express need but for best recovery outcomes. Carrying a pregnancy is often as much the issue with post partum pelvic floor as any pushing. Plus pelvic floor PT can help with surgical birth healing - uterine incision healing as well as all the other layers. It’s really important for all pregnancies and often overlooked. Also important of you plan for additional pregnancies.