C-Section or Episiotomy?

[Anonymous]

I pushed for very long time and had between 2nd and 3rd degree tears with no epi for an almost-nine-pound baby. It was painful for a few weeks afterward, but I don't think a C would be without its pain, either. Based on my experience and watching a number of women close to me recover from their sections, I would go through my long labor and tearing again for sure. But that's just my opinion, based on my experience. I know the idea of tearing--natural or not--is not pleasant, but it's a definite possibility. So is winding up with a C. But try not to worry about all the possibilities so much right now--sorry your OB is bitchy and not helpful, I hope you find someone who can help you with these questions. I think it's good to decide in advance what you would prefer to happen, but there are some aspect of birth that may not go according to "plan"--and that's OK if it means you and baby wind up healthy.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I had a c-section and I healed very well. It is still something I hope to not have to go through again. I deliver again next spring and I have made it very clear to my OBGYN that I want a V-BAC. I won't go into all the specifics but I don't want to be cut open again. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and I hope you find a doctor you like.

[Anonymous]

I had an unplanned c/s due to failure to descend (after a long labor and 2+ hours of pushing). Even though I had a relatively good recovery, I would definitely prefer an episiotomy over a c/s. One thing you have to remember about sections is that once you've had one, having a vaginal delivery for a subsequent birth becomes more of an issue. Some doctors don't do VBACs at all, and going into labor increases risk of rupture, not to mention that a prior c/s also increases certain risks during pregnancy such as placental problems and ectopic pregnancy.

As far as incontinence, I've read that it's more due to pregnancy itself than method of delivery, i.e. you are just as likely to have problems with that after having a c/s as you are after a vaginal birth.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Had an unplanned C-section after prolonged unproductive labor.
No problems with recovery, and I was not in great physical shape to begin with AND gained too much weight while pregnant. Moved around as soon as they let me, and didn't really use a lot of pain meds (maybe a few tylenols with codeine and a bunch of motrin).

Just looked at the scar for the first time in a while, and it's barely noticeable! I'll have a scheduled C-section next time, thank you!

[Anonymous]

I had this same question when I was pregnant (ended up having a vaginal birth with an episiotomy). Just as one factor in your decision, my OB told me that the average recovery time from an episiotomy is 7-10 days, while average recovery time from a c-section is usually around 6-9 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can only speak from my own experience but I would chose the vaginal delivery over a C-section any time! A C-section is a major procedure, takes time to recover from and leaves a scar.
If you're stitched properly it will only be irritating the first day or two when you pee but after that you wouldn't know you had the ep.

Actually, I had a c-section (unplanned) and my recovery was very fast. My scar is not visible at all, even in a bikini bottom. That is just my experience but I know others who have had no problems recovering either.

[Anonymous]

Birth plans are a bad idea. They get you thinking that you are in control of the situation - that the hospital, doctors and nurses should abide by what you want.

I'm here to tell you - it doesn't work that way most of the time.

Find a doctor you like and TRUST and then discuss options with the doctor, but understand that when the baby comes, everything is really up in the air and the important thing is that the baby is healthy (and that you are ok!)

I know many people won't like this post, but I'm saying it anyway. I know from experience and it literally kills me when I hear women talking about "hospitals abiding by their wishes" and their carefully prepared and thought out "birth plans."

Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

OP Here. I appreciate everyone's replies, but I do have to say, I am not into the whole birth plan thing. My doc's a bitchy type, but she is highly qualified and I trust her to do everything she can to make sure the baby (and I) are ok, but other than that, I think the jury's out.

Both C-Sections and Episiotomies sound horrific in their own ways, and I have to get this baby out one way or another. We'll see what happens.

Either way, it sounds like everyone got out without (too much) trauma and the babies and mommies are all thriving.

So here's to us mommies and mommies-to-be!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

[maynie]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. I appreciate everyone's replies, but I do have to say, I am not into the whole birth plan thing. My doc's a bitchy type, but she is highly qualified and I trust her to do everything she can to make sure the baby (and I) are ok, but other than that, I think the jury's out.

Both C-Sections and Episiotomies sound horrific in their own ways, and I have to get this baby out one way or another. We'll see what happens.

Either way, it sounds like everyone got out without (too much) trauma and the babies and mommies are all thriving.

So here's to us mommies and mommies-to-be!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Honestly, I think the idea of going through all this stuff is, generally, worse than the reality. I was kind of nervous and scared, but once you're in labor, in the hospital, it won't be nearly so bad.

[Anonymous]

I think a birth plan is great if you have a provider that will actually take it seriously. My originial doctor would have abided by one, but she retired due to malpractice insurance rates during my pregnancy. After I figured out the second was a bit of a control freak, I wasn't up for searching for another doc. I said that I didn't want an episiotomy at the last minute because she couldn't claim she forgot and there were plenty of other staff to hear it, too.

[Anonymous]

"Birth plans are a bad idea. They get you thinking that you are in control of the situation - that the hospital, doctors and nurses should abide by what you want. "

Don't agree with this one. Birth plans are a great way to engage your doctor in a discussion of what may happen and what the different decision paths could be. Since ob appointments tend to be rushed it provides a way to slow down and learn about things that your doctor may never tell you about it. Your doctor's reaction to a birth plan is a good indicator of whether they respect your rights as a patient to be informed and participate in your care.

There is a wide range of practices within the ob/gyn field. Its nice to find out if your doctor is more conservative or progressive before the big day. Nurses play a big role in your experience as well. If your doctor signs off on a birth plan, a nurse who may not respect your desires will think twice.

My doctor signed off that it was fine for me to drink water. The nurse tried to disallow it but then saw that the doctor had signed and then all of sudden changed her mind as if the policy she had been quoting never existed. Its a small issue but I was happy to be able to drink water during a long labor.

Things that were useful to discuss were episiotomies, induction protocals and what defines failure to progress. Again there is a wide variance on how nurses manage pitocin. Directions on managing your baby are also important for some nurses. Of course, if your baby is in distress the NICU takes over. If this is not necessary, there is no reason why you can't delay the eye drops for a few minutes to make eye contact, breastfeed right after delivery, room in etc. Remember nurses are busy and its nt a crime but sometimes there approach is more about managing their own time and logistics not you.

[Anonymous]

OP -- why do you think you'll need an episiotomy? This town has many extraordinarily skilled maternity providers who WILL NOT cut you. In fact, they know how to keep you from tearing in the first place. You don't need to stay with your bitchy, episiotomy-happy OB just because she's "good." There are plenty of other great providers out there! Find a doctor or midwife you tells you upfront that they do everything they can to avoid episiotomy's. A good provider with have an episiotomy rate (yes, even in first time mom's) of less than 10%.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, 13:39. OP here. I'm generally wigged out about the whole labor and delivery thing. My OB hasn't even discussed options yet. Perhaps she will when I see her next week. Meanwhile, all the reading and talking to people has scared me a bit.

Nobody at the OB's has mentioned episiotomies. I just wonder about tearing and related epis since my last sono revealed that the baby was on the larger side.

Then, I have friends who were so afraid of tearing that they opted out of induction and went directly for the C-Section. They seem to be recovering fine, too.

I think I'll end up going with the flow (no pun intended!).

Thanks for the info, though. I am in the process of changing OBs while staying with the same hospital.

[Anonymous]

Weight based on sonograms are notoriously inaccurate. Beware of any OB who puts too much stock in them.

[Anonymous]

That's good to know. Thanks!!!