Second guessing my options...advice please!

[LizziesMama]

I posted a similar thread in third tri, but I wanted to post here, as I may get more response, and from people with experience.

Long story short, I'm scheduled for an ELCS due to the unpredictability of labor. If I have a smooth labor, then a c-section would have been overkill. But if I end up with another 9 pound, face first, back to back baby and have to push good and hard for 2 hours, I'm facing problems that could potentially be serious, thus the offer of a c-section this time. I feel like I need to clarify with my OB whether she is actually recommending the section, or offering it as my choice. I'm afraid with as much fear as I displayed, about the birthing process going wrong, she might have just offered me what she thought I wanted.

To be clear, my labor with DD was long and hard, but I had no complications really. I did have an episiotomy and then tore some in addition to that, but it healed up well, and very quickly. I wouldn't describe it as traumatic, just that the labor was long, pushing felt long and it was extremely painful in spite of an epidural (that didn't work I guess, because I felt everything). And with her being face first, it was just really hard to get her head out!

The c-section is really being offered because we can't know if the worst case scenario will really happen. I mean yes, it might, but there's a great chance it won't. It's unpredictable and a c-section is planned and controlled.

Recovery on the other hand (with a section) is not. And that's what has be second guessing this.

I'm thinking of proposing another option to my OB and seeing what her feelings are. I'm thinking instead of outright PLANNING a c-section, that we keep it in the forefront of our minds in the final weeks of my pregnancy. And rather, do scans to check size and position, to see if we're going to be dealing with another 9 pounder positioned in the same way.

I mean, if he's head down, anterior and 7 pounds, I'm seriously thinking I might rather an elective induction. She had already stated an induction would probably be offered due to DD's size (and she was 9 lbs. at 39 weeks), so my OB was not in favor of me carrying to 40 if we're looking at a 10 pounder this time.

I guess my thought is, when I go in the day before for my regular checkup, we could do an ultrasound. If things look questionable, stick to the section the next day. If things look favorable for the outcome of a vaginal birth, induce while he's still on the smaller side and in a good position.

And of course, I'd like to know if things get rough in the pushing stage, will she be ready to call it and do the section.

Any advice here? I just want to make sure I'm not having major surgery for no reason. I mean, it's a reason, but we might be trying to prevent something that wouldn't happen anyway, ya know? So do I really want to be cut half open if there's a chance it's not really necessary?

 

[Babybee5]

Hi i had 2 natural and then a c section and would go natural any day if possible although longer and harder at the time you heal a millon time faster and in so much less pain than i was from my c section. plus with the c section i didn't get to see my daughter for over a day nearly after as she needed to go tot he neonataul unit and they would not let me out of bed cause of the surgery .
my advice would be to talk to you OB and if possible have a natural birth

 

[LizziesMama]

Hi i had 2 natural and then a c section and would go natural any day if possible although longer and harder at the time you heal a millon time faster and in so much less pain than i was from my c section. plus with the c section i didn't get to see my daughter for over a day nearly after as she needed to go tot he neonataul unit and they would not let me out of bed cause of the surgery .
my advice would be to talk to you OB and if possible have a natural birth

These are the reasons I'm having second thoughts. I won't get to hold him until recovery, maybe not even then if he's not maintaining his temp. They are going to bathe him while I'm in recovery also, which I'm not really happy about. It could actually be up to 4 hours before I really get to see and spend time with him!

And what you mentioned about recovery and pain. Yes, labor was AWFUL, but recovery was nothing! If I have the "worst case scenario birth" again, then that could make my recovery theory come back to haunt me, but I guess I'm wanting to at least know his size/position before I assume it's going to be the nightmare I fear!

 

[KrissyB]

I'm looking at having elective cesarean as well (She's already 2 weeks bigger than average for her age, I have a marginal previa they need to keep an eye on, and I've got a congential hip issue that I'm a bit afraid to try to make it through labor with). This is my first, so I don't have anything to compare it to, and from what I've read, some of this may differ from hospital to hospital - but here's what I've been told by doctors:
My hospital won't even schedule a c-section until week 39. At that point the baby is fully mature, even her lungs (which is the last part to 100% develop, and the reason why a lot of c-s babies end up needing some time in the NICU). By that time, they expect no complications during the cesarean, and once she's cleaned up and measured, she should be able to stay by my side until I leave the hospital. One little disappointment is that I won't be able to hold her instantly. They'll still need to do some stitching up and finish the surgery on me, but my DH will be able to hold her as soon as she's measured, and he'll be right by me. (I see the silver lining on this, that he gets to hold her first - so then I won't feel as greedy wanting to hold her for the rest of the hospital stay lol).
From what I understand (at my hospital at least) the only time there's really a problem, is if you want cesarean no matter what, and go into labor before that 39 week mark. Then the baby may be more likely to have some breathing issues that would need to be addressed before we'd get to hold her.

 

[LizziesMama]

I was in l&d tonight with preterm labor and I was in triage with the c section recoveries. It took a long time for many of them to see their babies and most of them had family coming in who had been watching them thru the nursery window, telling the mom's what the baby looked like. I heard one mom say, I kissed his cheek but couldn't really see him. She was in for about 2 hours before they brought him in. And I could hear another mother down the hall keep asking to see her baby. Same scenario, there was no rush to bring them into recovery with mom. Both were apparently healthy full term babies too.

Mine is scheduled for 39 weeks, but after tonight I'm wondering of he's going to make an early appearance. The nurses talked to me a lot and liked my suggestion of deciding based on weight and position the day before. Also that if ob checks me and feels another face first that it is totally doable to then wheel me in for a section last minute.

Going to talk to my doc about it in the morning. That and my preterm labor issues.

 

[littleANDlost]

i wouldn't recommend to anyone to have a c-section unless it really was an emergency or baby would be in danger to do it naturally. I'm still recovering from mine now (3 and a half months on).
Keep it as an option if things do go wrong, Mine was an emergency as my DD wouldn't come out, stopped moving and her heart beat dropped. She was also face up and just got herself stuck. I've found the recovery really hard and it has lead to some post natal depression.

 

[scotmum35]

im 2 weeks 5 days post c-section and i thik im doing pretty well.having the c-section was my worst nitemare cause im operation phobic and while recovering i have had some anxiety and i had a wee infection probably from the catheter so it hurt to pee for 9 days. im over that ,my wound is healing well and i have to travel for 2 hours to see my baby in scbu cause he was born early.the pain for the first few days was hard especially since i had to go to a diff floor to see my baby,but i also think having to walk about a lot also helped me recover quicker ( although i still need to try to remember im not even 3 weks post op yet)
they did wheel me in my bed to see the baby a few hours after birth before they took me up to the labour ward, but i guess not all hosps do that.
it's deffo not something u would do if u could avoid it so im glad u are weighin your options nearer the time.

 

[LizziesMama]

C-section is now plan B. Going to try for a vaginal delivery as long as he's small and in a good position. Still keeping it on the schedule, but it could change to an induction if I don't go into labor sooner. If I have the slightest bit of trouble we'll do an emergency section. Hoping for an uncomplicated vaginal birth, which would be an easier recovery.

 

[Debbie82]

I think as you say c-section recoveries are unpredictable.

I was up and about hours after mine and felt fine within a couple of days - just slight aching and by 1 week was off all painkillers and felt totally normal. However I know I was lucky in my recovery.

Before we knew both boys were breach I too had the choice of vaginal or c section. All I can say is go with your gut instinct then if things don't go so well you're less likely to have regrets.

 

[LizziesMama]

I think as you say c-section recoveries are unpredictable.

I was up and about hours after mine and felt fine within a couple of days - just slight aching and by 1 week was off all painkillers and felt totally normal. However I know I was lucky in my recoverKky.

Before we knew both boys were breach I too had the choice of vaginal or c section. All I can say is go with your gut instinct then if things don't go so well you're less likely to have regrets.

I think you're right! I have been really doubting my decision to opt for the section and I feel so much better knowing I can try for a vaginal, pending his size/position. I'm prepared to go for the section if anything looks questionable, but I'm glad we've decided not to rule it out before we even know what to expect!