Advice needed please -C section or not?

[CertainTurton]

Hi ladies,

Sorry its long!

I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice on what you think I should do.

A bit of background - I have various slight heath issues, 1) I have a history of Lupus but it is dormant at the moment, 2) I had a proplapsed disc in my lower back 3 years ago and still have nerve damage from that (causes pain but not all the time) and 3) I have something called a chiari, this is basically that a bit of my brain protudes down near my spine and means that when I strain or push (e.g. coughing hard or when constipated) I get a pounding headache and sliver tadoples and feel like im going to faint until I breathe deeply (but i havent yet fainted). The chiari doesnt really affect me any other way or cause any problems.
So basically I do have health issues but not major ones. The problem is that there has been discussions about how I will cope with the pushing stage of labour - as it is going to be 10x more pushing and forceful than a cough/constipation etc. Im worried I may pass out and not be able to do it.

I have now seen the obes twice who has spoken to my consultants and they have said that they want me to decide if I try for a natural (vaginal) labour or if I go for an elective C sec. the consultants have said that they dont want to say I 'have' to have one, but that I have to decide if the risks of a vaginal labour are worth it...

Im so stuck - I really cant decide what to do. In some ways a C sec seems the best option e.g safe for LO and calm, less worry for me and no problems with pressure and passing out. But obviously it is major surgery!

So I would really appreciate ANY advice or opinions you may have (even if you think I wont like it)

Thanks for reading!

 

[mtnprotracy]

Wow....that's a tough decision. It'd be easier if the doctors would tell or recommend what to do....lol.

I've pretty much done it all with deliveries---epidural, natural, and c-section---and survived. You know your body best, so trust your judgement .

The placement of the spinal or epidural might come into play with your spinal issues. I would ask about that.....wish I had more words of wisdom!!

Best of luck to you .

 

[CalliesMOM]

I too have an auto immune disease...it's like lupus..Scleroderma. I had a C-Section with my first and am planning to have one this time around too. The recovery for me wasn't too bad.

I think giving your medical issues I would think a C-Section is the best route. If you're like me I get tired very easily and the thought of pushing made me glad I ended up with a section.

 

[rjm09]

As much as i didn't want even an epidural, let alone a c-sect, I had one. The first 3 days in the hospital were horrendous! Even the first day home, i felt like i could barely walk. every day later, i felt a bit of improvement, and i'd say by the 8th day after, i felt fine. Barely any pain at all, or least nothing even Tylenol couldn't help.

With your issues, well, if I had them, i'd opt for the c-sect.

 

[CertainTurton]

Thank you for replying! and for giving your advice.

mtn - I know, I was hoping they would either say 'you have to have this..' or 'no way you can have a C..' but I guess it is good that there is choice these days. Makes it much harder though! I am seeing an anesanesthatist next week but I have had 2 cordal epidurals before for the back pain (they are more for specific nerves than a general block but should be the same sort of thing) so hopefully it wont be an issue - I really cant face the idea of a general!

Calliesmom- yes, i do get tired easily and i must admit it did worry me. its good to know you had a good recovery and that you would do it again!

I think deep down I know that a C sec is the best option and reading some of the other threads on here has really helped too. I have a really supportive DH who will help in the first few days and im not adverse to taking pain killers when necessary (as long as i can still bf).

So in that case it looks like i will be having my LO at 39+2 on 26/3! Very exciting!

 

[Jims_Girl]

Dilemma!
After having one of each birth I would never chose a c-section unless either mine or babies life is at risk.... For so many reasons!
The "pushing" stage can be overcome by simply not pushing.... I didn't push my daughter out, I breathed her down, resulting in a calmer, less tiring, no pain and no rips or stitches....
Google or YouTube "j breathing" used in hypnobirthing.....

 

[CertainTurton]

Hi Jimsgirl - thank you for responding. Its great you were able to use such a natural technique. However since I last posted Ive had a mw appointment and my cheeky LO has decided to stay transverse/oblique so its now pretty def it will be a c sec. I am trying to turn her though!

 

[Ozzieshunni]

I have lupus antibodies (not lupus though) and my son ended up with a condition called heart block (diagnosed when I was 25 weeks pregnant).

I would go with the advice of your doctor. If it's feasible to do a natural birth, do it, but if it's going to be dangerous for your health, go with a c-section.

 

[Jims_Girl]

Awww... You have to do what you feel is right in your heart you don't need the added stress of trying to make tough decisions.... Go with your instincts....
All the best x