Purely elective caesarean - Page 2

iow_bird · Mar 6th, 2012, 02:43 AM

I had an emcs with my first and it was traumatic to say the least. I will definately be opting for an elective this time as I feel the situation will be more in my control. I had a hideous experience with my last labour, luckily both me and bubba were fine, but I can't go through that again purely because I can't mentally handle the idea of it. I had post traumatic stress and nightmares.

Good luck with your deliveries ladies

x xx

arj · Mar 6th, 2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by purple_kiwi

I had and emcs with my daughter and because of it i decided to go with a planned c-section this time. I have had a few comments from people but my doctor gave me the choice to choose and supports my decision. It was just to stressful to go through labor then almost having my daughter die to repeat it again and i don't trust my body to try again as it failed me the first time. I believe any well informed person should be allowed to choose a c-section if they want.

Amen!

sunshinegal · Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:52 PM

Hi ladies,

I realise this thread is a few weeks old, but I was wondering, at what stage did you ask for an elective c-section? I am only in the early stages of pregnancy but after witnessing a very traumatic birth I feel sure that a c-section is the right choice for me.
Who did you first bring it up with and at what stage?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions! x

April2012 · Mar 22nd, 2012, 14:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunshinegal

Hi ladies,

I realise this thread is a few weeks old, but I was wondering, at what stage did you ask for an elective c-section? I am only in the early stages of pregnancy but after witnessing a very traumatic birth I feel sure that a c-section is the right choice for me.
Who did you first bring it up with and at what stage?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions! x

I found that 32-34 weeks was a good time to make a request. it is about the time birth plans are discussed with the doctor. it gives your doctor time to schedule the caesarean with the hospital and for you to register with the hospital. it is also far enough along that the doctor can tell if your due date is on track so he/she will know when an appropriate time is to schedule the surgery. my doctor said that it is good to schedule the c-section at around 39 weeks in order to avoid possibly going into labor first. I am scheduled for the 10th of April and my due date is the 15th.

If you are thinking about a c-section for a specific medical reason known to you, it is possible you or your doctor will discuss that much earlier.

chuck · Mar 22nd, 2012, 16:47 PM

This is a great read
http://childbirthconnection.org/arti...166#systematic
it compares CS to VB after a systemiatic review of numerous studies and here are some of the highlights...

Quote:

33 areas where cesarean section was found to involve more risk than vaginal birth, and
4 areas where vaginal birth was found to involve more risk than cesarean section.

Extra risks associated with cesarean section: Current research suggests that cesarean section has the following disadvantages in comparison with vaginal birth:

Physical problems in mothers: Compared with vaginal birth, cesarean section increases a woman's risk for a number of physical problems. These range from less common but potentially life-threatening problems, including hemorrhage (severe bleeding), blood clots, and bowel obstruction, to much more common concerns such as longer-lasting and more severe pain and infection. Even after recovery from surgery, scarring and adhesion tissue increase risk for ongoing pelvic pain and for twisted bowel.

Hospitalization of mothers: If a woman has a cesarean, she is more likely to stay in the hospital longer and is at greater risk of being re-hospitalized.

Emotional well-being of mothers: A woman who has a cesarean section may be at greater risk for poorer overall mental health and some emotional problems. She is also more likely to rate her birth experience poorer than a woman who has had a vaginal birth.

Early contact with, feelings toward babies: A woman who has a cesarean usually has less early contact with her baby and is more likely to have initial negative feelings about her baby.

Breastfeeding: Recovery from surgery poses challenges for getting breastfeeding under way, and a baby who was born by cesarean is less likely to be breastfed and get the benefits of breastfeeding.

Health of babies: Babies born by cesarean are more likely to:
be cut during the surgery (usually minor)
have breathing difficulties around the time of birth and experience asthma in childhood and in adulthood.

Future reproductive problems for mothers: A cesarean section in this pregnancy puts a woman at risk for future reproductive problems in comparison with a woman who has a vaginal birth. These problems may involve serious complications and medical emergencies. The likelihood of experiencing some of these conditions goes up sharply as the number of previous cesareans increases. These problems include:
ectopic pregnancy: pregnancies that develop outside her uterus or within the scar
reduced fertility, due to either less ability to become pregnant again or less desire to do so

placenta previa: the placenta attaches near or over the opening to her cervix

placenta accreta: the placenta grows through the lining of the uterus and into or through the muscle of the uterus

placental abruption: the placenta detaches from the uterus before the baby is born

rupture of the uterus: the uterine scar gives way during pregnancy or labor.

Concerns about babies in future pregnancies: A cesarean section in this pregnancy can affect the babies of future pregnancies.

Studies have found that they are more likely to:
be born too early (preterm)
weigh less than they should (low birthweight)
have a physical abnormality or injury to their brain or spinal cord
die before or shortly after the birth

Planned cesarean compared with unplanned cesarean: A planned cesarean offers some advantages over an unplanned cesarean (a cesarean that occurs after labor is under way). For example, there may be fewer surgical injuries and fewer infections. The emotional impact of a cesarean that is planned in advance appears to be similar to or somewhat worse than a vaginal birth. By contrast, unplanned cesareans can take a greater emotional toll.

Planned cesarean compared with vaginal birth: A planned cesarean still involves the risks associated with major surgery. And both planned and unplanned cesareans result in a uterine scar and internal scarring and adhesions. This means women with planned and unplanned cesareans face similar risks in future pregnancies and for problems related to scarring and adhesions at any time

Extra risks associated with vaginal birth: In a few areas, mothers or babies with vaginal birth have poorer outcomes in comparison with cesarean birth.

Perineal pain: While a woman with a cesarean birth is more likely to experience more intense and longer-lasting pain overall, a woman with a vaginal birth is more likely to experience pain in the vaginal area in the weeks and months after birth.
Incontinence: A woman with a vaginal birth is more likely to leak urine (urinary incontinence) and to leak gas or, more rarely, feces (bowel incontinence). Pregnancy itself and other factors such as the woman's weight play a role in these problems. Few women experience troubling symptoms beyond the recovery period in the weeks and months after birth.

Nerve injury in babies: In comparison with a baby born by cesarean section, a baby who is born vaginally is more likely to have a nerve injury that affects the shoulder, arm or hand.

I would never choose to increase so many risk for an illusion of control.

BUT that said you have to do what is right for you.

Winks · Mar 23rd, 2012, 00:39 AM

Interesting stats. But stats can usually be read either way. It would be interesting if emergency vs elective stats were included. My doctor indicated that an elective c-section was far safer than an emergency one.

My first pregnancy ended in an elective C-section due to pre-eclampsia. I didn't go into labour at all. Had the best experience. Think the drugs made me feel completely in love with everyone - especially my baby. Great recovery, can't see my scar unless you really stare down there.... Breastfeed easily. Ofcourse it didn't change the sleepless nights!

Each to their own - my plan is to have another C-section this time too

chuck · Mar 23rd, 2012, 01:53 AM

Winks if you read the article it does include some EMCS vs. ELCS info.

But all of those risks for mother and baby are apparent in EMCS and ELCS, without going through it now (its far too early LOL) I think an EMCS give a higher risk of hysterectomy.

littleblonde · Mar 23rd, 2012, 09:59 AM

I have had 2 sections. My 1st section was due to a breach baby. So was taken out of my hands. This went like a dream and i had no complications and was perfect. i then wanted a vbac for my 2nd but i had a failed sweep so i went for section number 2. I won't go into to much detail but i almost lost my daughter. I just want to get out there that people (me included) had no idea that a section can be just as complicated and have just as many risks as a normal birth. By daughter got stuck coming out which is something i never expected, the decision is between you and your dr but if i have another i will once again push for a vbac x

Scuba · Mar 24th, 2012, 13:47 PM

Hi ladies, I have tested positive for having GBS infection - not carrying it, actually having the infection - in a high vaginal swab a couple of weeks ago.. I'm now really worried and want a c section as I feel from what I've read online that having a normal delivery would increase babies chances of contracting the infection as they pass through the birth canal.
I'm in the uk, what ate my chances of being able to get a c sec?xx

momofone08 · Mar 24th, 2012, 13:55 PM

I personally had a c-section because my daughter was breech. I am opting for a vbac this time. I personally would not decide to do a c-section for my first if I don't have a history of complications and if baby is okay. However, this is 100% your decision and I hope you get the experience you are hoping for.

Mar 6th, 2012, 02:43 AM	#11
iow_bird Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Auckland, NZ Posts: 849	I had an emcs with my first and it was traumatic to say the least. I will definately be opting for an elective this time as I feel the situation will be more in my control. I had a hideous experience with my last labour, luckily both me and bubba were fine, but I can't go through that again purely because I can't mentally handle the idea of it. I had post traumatic stress and nightmares. Good luck with your deliveries ladies x xx

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Mar 22nd, 2012, 12:52 PM	#13
sunshinegal Pregnant (Expecting) New BnB member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 1	Hi ladies, I realise this thread is a few weeks old, but I was wondering, at what stage did you ask for an elective c-section? I am only in the early stages of pregnancy but after witnessing a very traumatic birth I feel sure that a c-section is the right choice for me. Who did you first bring it up with and at what stage? Thanks in advance for any suggestions! x

Status: Offline

Mar 23rd, 2012, 00:39 AM	#16
Winks Other Active BnB Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 141	Interesting stats. But stats can usually be read either way. It would be interesting if emergency vs elective stats were included. My doctor indicated that an elective c-section was far safer than an emergency one. My first pregnancy ended in an elective C-section due to pre-eclampsia. I didn't go into labour at all. Had the best experience. Think the drugs made me feel completely in love with everyone - especially my baby. Great recovery, can't see my scar unless you really stare down there.... Breastfeed easily. Ofcourse it didn't change the sleepless nights! Each to their own - my plan is to have another C-section this time too

Status: Offline

Mar 23rd, 2012, 01:53 AM	#17
chuck Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: May 2009 Location: Kent Posts: 7,700	Winks if you read the article it does include some EMCS vs. ELCS info. But all of those risks for mother and baby are apparent in EMCS and ELCS, without going through it now (its far too early LOL) I think an EMCS give a higher risk of hysterectomy.

Status: Offline

Mar 23rd, 2012, 09:59 AM	#18
littleblonde Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: shropshire Posts: 7,230	I have had 2 sections. My 1st section was due to a breach baby. So was taken out of my hands. This went like a dream and i had no complications and was perfect. i then wanted a vbac for my 2nd but i had a failed sweep so i went for section number 2. I won't go into to much detail but i almost lost my daughter. I just want to get out there that people (me included) had no idea that a section can be just as complicated and have just as many risks as a normal birth. By daughter got stuck coming out which is something i never expected, the decision is between you and your dr but if i have another i will once again push for a vbac x

Status: Offline

Mar 24th, 2012, 13:47 PM	#19
Scuba Pregnant (Expecting) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 1,908	Hi ladies, I have tested positive for having GBS infection - not carrying it, actually having the infection - in a high vaginal swab a couple of weeks ago.. I'm now really worried and want a c section as I feel from what I've read online that having a normal delivery would increase babies chances of contracting the infection as they pass through the birth canal. I'm in the uk, what ate my chances of being able to get a c sec?xx

Status: Offline

Mar 24th, 2012, 13:55 PM	#20
momofone08 Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,568	I personally had a c-section because my daughter was breech. I am opting for a vbac this time. I personally would not decide to do a c-section for my first if I don't have a history of complications and if baby is okay. However, this is 100% your decision and I hope you get the experience you are hoping for.

Status: Offline

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