Opting for a C-Section

Five_letter · June 2011

So my doctor just called and informed me that I have an above average risk of the baby getting her shoulders stuck in the birth canal due to something about my bone structure and her size.

He WILL NOT attempt to use forcepts or a vacuum. If she does get stuck, we'll get immediately taken into an emergency C Section.

Or

I can just schedule the C Section now and avoid laboring for possibly hours and then having an emergency C Section.

I'm leaning to just scheduling the darn thing.

Thoughts? Opinions?

burkems · June 2011

Well. I think it has a lot to do with your view on medical intervention, natural birth, etc. Personally, for me, I would prefer a scheduled C-section to an emergency, and would schedule it if I know the risk was high.

Things to consider: longer recovery time, restrictions post-birth, possibility of infection...of course, these are all still chances you are taking trying to labor on your own.

Vikki2pay · June 2011

burkems:

Well. I think it has a lot to do with your view on medical intervention, natural birth, etc. Personally, for me, I would prefer a scheduled C-section to an emergency, and would schedule it if I know the risk was high.

Things to consider: longer recovery time, restrictions post-birth, possibility of infection...of course, these are all still chances you are taking trying to labor on your own.

I totally agree!!

I think if I knew I wouldn't be able to deliver I would rather have the scheduled C-section over an emergency C-section, but if there is a chance that I could deliver, I would want to at least try given the fact that recovery time is so much easier and less with the natural delivery over the CS.

xnickerx · June 2011

I am the most "push it out" favored person on the planet, but in your shoes I would do the scheduled c-section. Avoiding an emergency of any kind is what I am thinking. Imagine the trauma of the baby getting stuck in the canal, loss of oxygen, race to the ER before any brain damage.... yeah in this case it is what is best for baby. Oh, I am also the most paranoid person on the planet. Can you tell?

tonesq · June 2011

burkems:
Well. I think it has a lot to do with your view on medical intervention, natural birth, etc. Personally, for me, I would prefer a scheduled C-section to an emergency, and would schedule it if I know the risk was high.
Things to consider: longer recovery time, restrictions post-birth, possibility of infection...of course, these are all still chances you are taking trying to labor on your own.

This. I will come cook and clean for you and Greg if you need help.

justrachet · June 2011

I would go the scheduled route, too.

OSUWifey09 · June 2011

Yup - me, too. I'd get anxious knowing that if I labored and tried to push on my own, something could happen. Keep us updated mama!

iheartcutepuppies · June 2011

I agree with everyone else, also.

I like knowing the known, not the unknown.

At least knowing the c section is scheduled you have it in your back pocket.

alyssa44 · June 2011

I would not schedule. My bf had this happen to her-baby got stuck and she ended in csection. Even after this her Dr still has said she is a candidate for a vbac. Also you keep saying you want to go back to work 2 weeks after delivery and I don't know if that will be at all possible. If you really need a csection they can have the baby out in a matter of minutes. I'm also a big advocate for pushing so take my opinion for what it is worth. I was literally in the OR and ready to go. I'd do some own research via the internet and come to the best decision for you.

KSMILEY 77 · June 2011

An "above average risk" is not something that would make me schedule a csection, personally. It's not like he's saying she won't fit. The end.... And realistically, the percentage of babies that really don't fit is super low. Babies are super flexible at that stage, so that they can make it through the canal... And all types of canals. My doula has attended over 400 births - many were VBACs where they had a CS because their Dr told them the baby wouldnt fit. Almost all of these women delivered successful VBACs - some with babies larger than their first child. Doctors take a lot of woman into csections saying the baby doesn't fit or calling it failure to progress because they like to put a time limit on labor for some reason, which throws the percentage up. Also, I hate to say this, but keep in mind that doctors get paid more for CS and it takes them WAY less time. Not to say all doctors think this way, but a lot do and we all know that our medical system is screwed up. Also, if you go with the scheduled CS your recovery is way more painful than labor itself (I watched my sister recover - it was not pretty), you'll be in the hospital longer, and yes it is routine, but still a very major surgery where things can go wrong, higher risk if infection, etc. Its just not something that I would risk unnecessarily. And maybe you would end up with a CS afterall, but I would want to try first. They can get you in the OR super fast if you do need one. However, take what I say with a grain of salt because, as you know, I'm sort of a naturalist in that respect and had a totally natural birth. I know I'm pretty one sided in that respect and am no expert, but I read a ton of books and will say that I learned a lot from research and my doula in the process. Good luck with your decision!! BTW, I hold no judgement with whatever decision you make - that is something that is very personal and only you know what is best for you in the end. The main thing is that you have a healthy baby in the end

... And I can't wait to "meet her"!!

aligator423uf · June 2011

Hmm, tricky. I'm in the same boat as you with regard to returning to work. So I wouldn't want all the extra pain and recovery from the C-section.

But then I totally get what Tupp is saying about the risks of having to get an emergency C-section. That being said, emergency c-sections happen every day. Every Day. I trust my doctor and medical facility to know when to make the decision and do it safely.

Unless he gave you hard numbers, like there is a 2% chance that she can come out via VBAC successfully, then I think that I'd want to try it on my own.

janda309 · June 2011

That's a tough decision. Obviously that's not something I'll be facing anytime soon but I think I'm the kind of person who want want to try labor first because I'll always wonder if I could have done it later on. Maybe it's a silly reason but I'm hard headed like that. I also watched my SIL have c-section's with both of their kids. Recovery was not awesome.

Where does G stand on it all?

Five_letter · June 2011

janda309:
That's a tough decision. Obviously that's not something I'll be facing anytime soon but I think I'm the kind of person who want want to try labor first because I'll always wonder if I could have done it later on. Maybe it's a silly reason but I'm hard headed like that. I also watched my SIL have c-section's with both of their kids. Recovery was not awesome.
Where does G stand on it all?

Greg supports me in whatever decision I make, he doesn't really think it's his place to have an opinion on this one. PLUS, he's too lazy to do the research to make an informed decision, so he knows better than to just E-knee-Me-knee-My-knee-Mo it.

Opting for a C-Section

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