42 year old first time mom - should I do C Section?

Ginny - posted on 02/15/2013

I would do a vaginal birth if the pregancy goes good. If you and baby are fine and healthy at the time of delivery, there should be no reason for a c-section. Since you've (obviously) never had a c-section before and if you don't have any life threatening issues (like hypertension), it should be okay to deliver vaginally. I would get a second opinion. Why would a history of miscarriages be a concern?

Mary - posted on 02/09/2013

I had my first child at 44 years of age. I, too, am healthy. I gave birth vaginally, healthy and normal. My baby was and is healthy and normal. The doctors were actually shocked that I did not have a c-section because I am so small, but I wanted to try having a vaginal birth. I'm glad I did!

Mary - posted on 02/08/2013

I am happy for you. I have seven kids 6 boys and a girl. My first pregnancy I had a miscarriage. I thought I could not have kids, so my husband and I adopted our first son. Then I got pregnant 6 more times. I had to have a c section with 6 my kids. My first one was an emergency because his heart rate dropped. I tried a v-bac which is try to have it normal not c section. I did not dilate. I had my last 4 year old at age girl at 43. I so much wanted to have them regular without c sec. But the out come is the same A BEAUTIFUL baby. I say do what your heart tells you. I had high blood pressure before I got pregnant and was on medication as soon as I learned I was pregnant I stopped taking everything. Every time I went to the Doc my blood pressure was fine??? Crazy?? Good luck with your decision, Don't let it stress you.. Enjoy your blessing.

Sharon - posted on 02/07/2013

I was 47 when I delivered my daughter used a ob that specialized in high risk deliveries as a precausion. Delivery was naturaln without meds ( I had just spent 9mo.avoiding all drugs except prenatal so it didn't make sense to take any now to.avoid a few hrs. of discomfort) .Although this was not my first it had been 20yrs. since i had last delivered .I would suggest that u go to prenatal classes, stay in shape n go for it ...if complications arise a c can be done at that time .Many are unnecessary n for the convience of the
Doc.not the safety of the new mom.Recovery after a vaginal delivery is
quite fast n usually w/o complicationsNot so w c s ..Most hospitals r cutting way back on c-sections for a reason.

Sandy - posted on 02/07/2013

I agree with Lacye... You should get a second opinion. It sounds like you are active which makes a big difference when you labor... exercise during your pregnancy can make labor go faster.

Bukky - posted on 02/07/2013

Pray and follow what God says

Anna - posted on 02/07/2013

What exactly does he/she think is "risky"? They were miscarriages, right, not stillbirths? No hypertension or diabetes in you at this time, right? I had my first baby at 38, second at 41, both vaginal (7 pounds 16 oz for # 1 and a 9 pounder for #2!). I thought I had a high tolerance for pain but ended up needing that blessed epidural (both were induced - those pitocin contractions are just not the same as natural contractions)... but still had normal vaginal delivery. I turn 42 in 2 weeks and we are trying for #3 (was pregnant again but miscarried a few weeks ago). If we do have #3, no c-section unless someone can give me a valid, scientifically-backed reason. Do your research - there's a good book out there about the top OB myths - be informed. I don't think anyone has shown age alone to be an indication for C-section...

Crystal - posted on 02/06/2013

I very highly recommend having a normal delivery!!!! I had my first child at the age of 42 via c-section. I regret so very much being pushed by the doctor and various nurses into being administered Pitocin which ended up putting stress on the baby and then I had no choice but to have a c-section. My beautiful baby was fine and I recovered just fine but the disappointment of not having a natural delivery still to this day bothers me as I believe both my baby and I would have benefited in every way from a normal delivery.

I was 45 when I had my second child and was lucky enough to live in London where they allowed me to have a normal (VBAC - vaginal birth after c-section). A far superior and completely less invasive experience. It was the most empowering and wonderful experience of my life and I am so grateful in making that decision.

That's what it was like for me. No matter what your decision you will have a wonderful baby at the end of it all. All the best.

Lisa - posted on 02/06/2013

I am 42 and had my first child at 37. Both my children were planned C Sections. I am 5'2" and weigh 98 lbs. There was no way I was going to risk my baby getting stuck in the birth canal or being sucked out with a vacuum. So, the C Sections were a great experience for me, but C Sections do have risks as well. Talk it over with your OB/GYN and your hubby, informed and well thought out choices are best. What is right for one person may not be right for another.

Good luck, and if you're not sure you can always plan the C Section and not go through with it. :)

Marcy - posted on 02/06/2013

Only you know your own body. Weigh out the pros and cons of having your baby by SC. Then maybe it will be an easier decision.

Jenn - posted on 02/05/2013

Agree with you on the recovery process. I didn't have any difficulty at all, was walking around on the 2nd day after my emergency CS, and I didn't even take any painkillers at that rate.

Margo - posted on 02/05/2013

I had my first and only child at 43.
Due to things not at all age related I had miscarried 6 times previously. I got gestational diabetes at about 30 weeks and then developed high blood pressure at 34 weeks, so spent the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy in hospital so they could monitor me very closely.
From the moment they discovered the GD they insisted on inducing me at 38 weeks but then when it came to induction date I was only 1cm dilated and my consultant did his absolute best to convince me to have a planned CS a few days later... I was determined to attempt natural child birth and decided that if I ended up needing an emergency C section so be it.
I'm not the most athletic person on this earth and 4 weeks bed rest hadnt helped with my fitness levels but 17 hours after the first pessary I delivered my perfect son without any further interventions.
You can most definately can do a normal delivery if you so wish.
Wishing you the best of luck and every joy x

Kirsten - posted on 02/05/2013

I completely agree with a previous post: too many women are afraid of c-sections. It's not as frightening as people think. I've had three girls. All c-section. I was very young with the first two, but nearly 40 with the third--that time, they wouldn't put me under because there are too many possible complications. Your health will determine your recovery so don't allow anyone to get you worked up about that.
It's perfectly fine to get a second opinion about a c-section vs vag delivery. Listen carefully to your doctor and his/her reasons for doing the surgery then do your own research on both sides of the issue. So many women swear that doctors are quacks if they even suggest a c-sec, then they make other women feel inferior if they have to have one. It's simply not worth your well being or the health of your baby. If you can skip a surgery, that's great! Any surgery will have more complications, after all. My concern for you is whether you feel there's something wrong with you if you don't force a vaginal delivery into your circumstance. If you've always been able to trust your doctor, then have a frank talk with him/her. The very best thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to be educated and well informed. Opinions are just that...opinion. They don't constitute facts. Please put the both of you first. Be well. :)

Susan - posted on 02/05/2013

Hi Michelle that sounds great, but also I Hope your doctor is giving you calcium Tablets 2000 mg, Plus your prenatal Vitamines, telling you to walk 5-8 miles a day for the fastest, and easiest Birth like My Lauren had with her son L.J. who was premature, but that was because she wasn't eating well enought. Also stay away from all Sugars, Sodas, because the Sugars don't give nutrician, and the Sodium deoxigenate the Babies blood, and Lungs which makes it hard for the Baby to get enough oxigen to his or her tiny brain as it is developing. Also remember to stay away from all Honey while during pregnancy and one year afterwards for the enzyme in the Honey can kill the fetus, and for the First year afterwards, because that enzyme can cause unusual Mental toxicosis in the blood, brain, and developement. A baby's body is developing alot in his or her first year till they start walking. Then after they have walked on their own for at least a month, then give it to them in tiny amounts of only 1/2 tspn, till their second year per day. In this way their body can get used to it, and if there is anything that they can't accept the amount won't hurt him or her. Best of Luck on your new birth Michelle

Rebecca - posted on 02/05/2013

My first child was by c section after pushing for 2 1/2 hrs because the doctor said my "pelvis was to small" then I got pregnant with the 2nd and I was really wanting to try it vaginal with him and everyone was so aginst it but my instinct said to not schedule a c section and i ended up going in to the hospital and in 45 mins had him vaginal with no pain meds AT ALL and from both if my experiences I would say vaginally... You just feel so much better about yourself and what you did and you can actualy take care of the baby... With the c section I couldn't even take care of my self much less my new baby /: and vaginal is so much faster recovery!! I needed no pain meds or anything. And if you say you have a high tolerance for pain "natural was best for me anyway" but go with what your body says and what you feel like!! Your the only one who really knows! My doctor said I should schedule another c section and I did it natural so don't always listen unless it's really serious!!! But that's my opinion and I wish you much luck and congratulations mommy!!! There is nothing in the world better!!!

Christina - posted on 02/05/2013

I would do it normal it's a wonderful experience

Tshering - posted on 02/05/2013

Do not take any in this case take doc advice

Jack - posted on 02/05/2013

I think the doctors have you and your babys interest as a priority, the decision must always be yours, but I really think you should listen to the advice of the experts xx

Mariya - posted on 02/05/2013

Try going for a natural birth like you want it. Talk to a midwife instead of OB/GYN and see for second opinion. Also check sources such as Cochrane Library, watch The Business of Being Born, etc., to understand where your doc is coming from and what his philosophy of practice is. If it is any different from yours, you can switch providers (it's not that late yet!). Then, find a provider that supports YOUR decision and is ready to work with you. Good luck :)

Magda - posted on 02/05/2013

Would continue to pray about it, and deliver the birth process into the hands of God. However given all the stats, c section is a safer option. In the end the way your baby comes into the world has nothing to do with how he will be the rest of his life. So be absolutely sure that natural birth sits right with you, and have the doc be ready for an emergency c section. But like I said, do not ignore the stats, its a miracle enough that you are pregnant at age 42!!!

Best of luck!

Tasha - posted on 02/05/2013

Hello Michelle,
My name is Tasha I am a 32 year old mother of 6. I read your concerns but I also read when you gave God thanksgiving. Michelle I am a faith believer. I stand and believe of the power of the almighty Jesus Christ. If you believe in the power of God and his ability to bring you through a vaginal delivery without complications then do it. I am a witness of his faithfulness, My first delivery was C section because of complications, my second and third single births were by V back despite what the doctors advised. I believed God and he came through he will do the same for you if you trust in him, it takes faith. Without faith its impossible to please God! Michelle are you again, have you accept Jesus as your savoir. Do you believe in Jesus the savior and what he did for you? Jesus took thirtynine stripes and was pined on the cross and died for your sins,for you to have eternal life, salvation, great health,and so much more. If you dont know him as savior and you believe Read Romes 10:8! Just call on him and invit in your heart and confess your sins, establish a relationship with Jesus and get into a church so you can grow. MOST IMPORTANT PRAY,PRAY,PRAY! It's just a simple conversation,tell him the truth he's knows anyway. If you need prayer message me back.Ill pray for you,got blessed you and the vaginal birth of your child.

Ericka - posted on 02/05/2013

no i would do it natural without drugs because you won't have side effects or anything. and you won't be out of it after you have your baby and you can enjoy spending time with your baby after you deliver.

Amy - posted on 02/05/2013

Your doctor didn't recommend it because he though you couldn't take the pain or weren't physically fit enough. Because of your family background and health history he is trying to avoid an emergency c-section. Emergency C's have higher risk and can have more complications because the doctors are rushing more than if the c is planned. This is according to my internal med doc, who as we were talking about my emergency c, described them as "intense".

I didn't think recovering from a csection was a big deal at all. I had an emergency c section and a girlfriend of mine had a natural delivery two days later. I didn't see much difference in our recoveries. There are issues with recovering from either just different issues. We started exercising at the same time etc, she had pain and I had pain albeit in different areas, it just didn't seem to be much different.

You will get thousands of horror stories when posting questions like this. But only you and your doctor know all of your health history. The decisions is yours and the input from boards like these is secondary to advice from your doc. I bet you can find horror stories on the Internet about splinters but that doesn't mean you shouldn't walk on a wood deck. Try and keep your head about you and don't succumb to paranoia and horror stories.

Michele - posted on 02/05/2013

I had a c-section at 41 because I have a protracted pelvic bone (essentially my pelvic bone doesn't arch and thus no room for a baby to pass). I was told that by me previous doctor years before I got pregnant, so when the second dr. told me the same, I believed them. However, if you do not feel there is a compelling reason to have the CS, then stand your ground. But what I want to get across to you is that I too was in great shape and was an avid exerciser, etc. so the CS was NOT difficult for me. I've read some of the other comments about how long the recovery was, how horrible it is and how you have limitations for months after, I had NONE of that. In fact, I often times don't understand why women fear a CS so much. Now that I've had one myself, it REALLY isn't that big of a deal. Everyone is different so you may have a different experience. I just didn't want you to think that a CS is so horrible because it's NOT at all. If you're doctor can show you valid reasons why a CS is better for your or the baby's health & healthy delivery than you should give it serious consideration. Your doctor is ceratinly more educated in this area. Good luck.

Stephanie - posted on 02/05/2013

I'm sorry your doctor is recommending C-section. I was 43 when I delivered and assumed I would need C-section, but my ob said vaginal birth is best if possible. That's what we did and it was a simple birth.

Stephanie - posted on 02/05/2013

I would find out if age is only reason. If your not having any problems just wonder what reason is. Alot of drs steer away from c section unless absolutely necassary. I would talk with him more. I generally respect my drs advice but if im not sure I would ask alot of questions.

Mariflor - posted on 02/05/2013

I don't understand why your doctor would try to convince you to have a C section. I was in the same situation as you as far as miscarriages, age, hypertension, and I had my baby with a vaginal delivery Three years ago.

I got pregnant again when my baby was only three months old, and everything went perfectly normal. I have VERY large fibroids and even then, I had no problems that required a c-section.

Your doctor should at least let you try to have a normal delivery and just be prepared for a c-section if it becomes absolutely necessary when the time comes.

Nickie - posted on 02/05/2013

You could see if it were possible to have an epidural and then if you couldn't have a vaginal birth you could still be awake to hold your babe if you had to have a CS. Not sure if that appeals or if that's a vaible option but all things to discuss with your doctors

Theresa - posted on 02/05/2013

Personally go with how you feel! Giving birth naturally is the best feeling in the world and your in control of your body! All I will say there are plenty people around to assist if needed and if you needed a c's... But personally give it a go if you feel up to it... Good luck x

Ruth - posted on 02/05/2013

You can consult your physician to see if you can try a natural delivery first. Then if there are complications with that, they can always switch to an emergency c section. If he thinks you should do c section only from the begining, it might be better to do that. He is the medical expert. You don't want anything to happen to the baby, that you could have prevented. Natural is not the best anyway, you may tear, which requires stitching. I've know cases where the stitching was done uneven and sex was painful for that female for years.

Mary Kate - posted on 02/05/2013

Its really your choice and whatever is better for the baby. I went in on my due date to have my baby induced. I was in labor for 14 hours and I was still at a four. So they told me about the CS. I really wouldn't recommend it. I was scared out of my mind. And I had so much medicine in me that it is all kind of blurry. I really wish I could remember more about having my son but I don't. And one thing that made it worse was that the medicine that they give you after the CS to relax you kept making me shake really bad. And I had to wait to hold him. It sucked....

LISA - posted on 02/05/2013

I am a mom of 2 by c-section due to last minute complications. Technically with my second child they wanted to try to force me to do a c-section but seeing as the only reason I had the first C was because the babe flipped last minute. my second pregnancy was super healthy and i want to do a normal birth. unfortunately Lily had wrapped herself in the cord and it started to slow her heart beat so I was thrown into another one. my point is that if you feel like you want to do a normal pregnancy try it. They may want you to agree to an epidural just so if anything goes wrong they can skip that step and rush you into surgery. Do what you think is right and healthiest for you and the babe. If you are healthy I see no reason to do a c-section. You are the mother and you will know what is best for you and the babe.

Marisa - posted on 02/05/2013

Congratulations! On one hand, I think there is nothing wrong with questioning your dr when it goes against how you feel or what you believe. On the other hand, they are the dr & don't we continue to go to them because we trust their expertise? Maybe you should get a second opinion. If you want to deliver naturally, it would be a shame not to be able to if you can. You only get to have your first baby once & it should be the experience that you want. Lots of luck to you!

Jean - posted on 02/05/2013

Don't schedule a C-Section just know it is a possibility.

Sheila - posted on 02/05/2013

You should only go through a c-section delivery if you have medical conditions which 'necessitate' this type of delivery.

If your pregnancy has been ok, go with your instinct, afterall it's your body and you know what you're capable of.

I went through a c-section delivery with my first child at the age of almost 40 - sadly I 'HAD' to have a c-section delivery for a number of reasons, ie previous uterine surgery (I have also suffered miscarriage, but this was never mentioned as being an added risk). My baby was also breech...as well as measuring above average in size....

In my experience, drs are only too willing to put us older first time Mams (I'm in the UK!) on the scrap heap .... but IF you do enter the latter stages of pregnancy and physically become diabetic, maybe it's worth taking your dr's advice on board.... but for him to nail you down to a section delivery just because of a 'family background' of symptoms.... I think he's erring on the side of caution.

Talk over your feelings with him, agree a birthing plan.... and look forward to meeting your baby....I would never have chosen a section delivery, but for me, it was a wonderful experience, difficult to recover from, but wonderful.

Best of luck

Marina - posted on 02/04/2013

I think you should attempt to have a normal delivery unless, God forbid, you NEED a CS. If you and baby are healthy and you're fit for it, there's no reason to automatically do a CS.

Sara - posted on 02/04/2013

Far too often, it seems that the risks of actually performing a c-section (abdominal surgery!) are underplayed compared to the risks the doctor is suggesting are there if it is not performed. Given that you are experiencing a normal pregnancy, your previous miscarriages and a family history of diseases are not likely to complicate your birth, especially because you are an athletic, active individual. C-sections should only be performed when there is a clear risk to the mother or baby, and I would highly recommend that you research the complications that can occur as a result of c-section. Also keep in mind how much longer your recovery would be, as well as how much more difficult things like nursing your new baby will be immediately afterward. If you decide you want to try to deliver your baby naturally, I would respectfully insist to your doctor that your labour be treated as normal and be allowed to proceed naturally until there are indications otherwise (or find another doctor who is willing to do so.) There are many benefits to mom and to baby of letting nature take its course.

Elaine - posted on 02/04/2013

I would truly encourage you to listen to your intuition. A mother knows what is best for herself and the baby. Don't doubt yourself. Besides, they can do an emergency C section if that was necessary. I would turn all my fear over to God and trust it will go beautifully.

Tiffany - posted on 02/04/2013

If you are perfectly healthy and the baby is doing fine, I see no reason to do a C-section. Speaking as a mother of 2 and having 2 c-sections, I have to say, I hate them. But no one can really tell you what a c-section is like. I know people who loved having them. They said it made the whole process easier for them. But coming from me, it was horrible. Personally, I say if everything is fine, then just do vaginal birth, if something goes wrong in labor/delivery and you have to end up having one- like what happened to me- then that's that, but otherwise, I would say vaginal birth all the way. For a couple of main reasons: It makes your stay in the hospital a lot shorter, the pain is more temporary than c-section, and you get to spend more time with your new bundle of joy a lot sooner. But, int he end it's up to you. Good luck!

Nickie - posted on 02/04/2013

I had my first child at 44 so I completely understand the pressures, worries and joy too. Like you I had the tests and all seemed normal and I had my baby without the need for a C section. It wasn't entirely plain sailing, contractions started, became very strong a quite erratic and then stopped so I was induced (intraveneously) and was recommended an epidural as the drugs to induce can mean your body does not have time to build to the pain. Apart from that all went well.HOWEVER each case is different so I would advise you keep an open mind, get at least one other opinion, talk to your midwife etc. I think it's important to feel like you've covered all options and if C section is the best then the main thing is to have it done in a way that suits you. You don't want it playing on your mind afterwards. It's a powerful and vunerable time and you need to feel you can trust the doctors, midwives etc to value your wishes even if they can't be met exactly as you hope. Mostly good luck to you , congratulations and the birth is only the part of your journey through mother hood

Alicia - posted on 02/04/2013

If everything is going good physically and health wise a c-section is not medically needed. Those originated for emergencies!! God did not bring you this far to leave you. If you do some research you will find that in the past five years or so doctors are being pressured to perform the procedure even when not medically needed. It's all about the money. My mom gave birth to my almost 17 year old sister at 40, they never asked her to have a c-section. And she was not in shape! Do the research and if needed find a new doctor. Trust your instincts and don't let them pressure you with fear!!

Barbara - posted on 02/04/2013

Hi Michele

I on't care how old ur,it seems like ur doing great in ur preg,give it a try to go natural child birth,u won't be sorry,to b alert,and knowing everything that is going on,yes there is a lot of pain,but once u hold ur baby,u no longer think of what u just went thru,i had 4 natural chld births,and i'm now 65,but i would do it all over again,just for the greatest experience u could ever have,GL in what ever decision u make.

Catherine - posted on 02/04/2013

My mother had me at 38 years old 37 years ago. She was a recent immigrant from another country. Doctors told her the same thing. At 6 months pregnant she went home to her mother country to have me there. I was delivered vaginally and safely.

Miscarriages have nothing to do with delivery. I have had 3 miscarriages and 6 safe vaginal deliveries.

The short answer is no. A vaginal delivery is the best option for recuperation time for you, for bonding with baby, for the health of baby etc. Certain hormones are released during a normal delivery that can't be during a c-section. I have many friends who have had both deliveries for varying circumstances and without exception, all have said they would never choose to do a cesarian, EVER! If you try to deliver and there is a major complication, then so be it. Are there any midwives in your area that deliver in the hospital? I have had everything from completely natural deliveries to complete inductions with an epidural, all with a midwife. The only thing they can't do is a C-section. They will not push a cesarian.
I had my first with a Dr., wonderful woman. The last 5 with a midwife in a hospital.

Rae - posted on 02/04/2013

I personally say: - "go with whatever feels right to you"

I just wish I had been able to give birth to any one of my 3 daughters naturally, but due to emergencies in the first 2 pregnancies, I had to have my 3rd daughter by planned c-section - much to my disappointment,

My first daughter had stopped growing very much and her movements became very sluggish so she was delivered by emergency c-section at 30 weeks - she is 19 now and absolutely fine. (I was 24 at the time)

My second daughter developed fine though I did have problems with very high blood pressure in the 2nd half of my pregnancy; she was 2 days late when I felt the very first twinges of early labour (I was having a 'trial of scar' - basically trying for normal delivery but being watched for any signs that the scars from my previous c-section were holding up to the rigours of labour) - luckily I was already in hospital and being closely monitored due to my blood pressure as the monitor showed that with every tiny contraction her heart was stopping; so again it was an emergency c-section, she was delivered covered with meconium and had inhaled some; but she too is absolutely fine and at 18 is getting ready to go to university. (I was 25 at the time)

My 3rd daughter was delivered at 38 weeks as a planned c-section as my obstetrician felt that after 2 emergency c-section it would be too dangerous to myself and my baby for me to have a 'trial of scar' as the scars most likely would not hold up to the rigours of labour; the delivery was planned for 2 weeks early as they felt it would be too dangerous to even risk the scars being able to cope with even very early labour. my daughter is 13 now and, apart from some learning disabilities that are totally unconnected to the delivery, she too is absolutely fine. (I was 30 when she was born)

Although I don't regret for 1 second going along with my obstetrician's decision, I do wish that I had been able to experience natural childbirth with at least 1 of my daughters.

Basically, what I am saying (despite all the waffling - which unfortunately I am prone to), I don't think your age necessarily comes in to it; I think you should go by what your body is telling you and what you think is right. Try for natural delivery, but be aware that things may change and that you might need to change to a c-section; if you opt for c-section, you can't change to natural delivery half-way through.

Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy the experience of birth and that you baby is born healthy and well. And I wish you and your new family many years of joy and love.

Rae
xxx

Erika - posted on 02/04/2013

I agree with Kelly. Why endure a serious surgery without at least having tried the less invasive way? If something goes wrong, then the C-section is always there as a back-up plan.

Also, don't know if the doctor is recommending that you get induced, but try to avoid induction if at all possible. There are more risks associated with being induced, both for you and baby. It's a domino effect of medical interventions once they start with that. (I know from first-hand experience.)

Whatever you decide (and it is YOUR decision), I wish you well! Enjoy motherhood!

Kelly - posted on 02/04/2013

What?! The reasons you listed to have a c/s are not ones that would trigger me to think you should just have a c/s. At this point of your pregancy it is your choice. I just don't see why he feels you don't deserve a trial of labor. Your body is going to feel a little worse than your average 25 year old which is exactly why I wouldn't want major abdominal surgery. Do some research & like I said at this moment it is your choice. Once in labor, if things occur where he is recommending c/s that could be a whole different situation. Good luck!
Kelly
Labor & Delivery RN

Joan - posted on 02/04/2013

Every birth is different.... do what you are most comfortable with, here is my story: I had my first (and only) baby at 39 years old only 2 months before my 40th birthday, if I had it all to do over again, I would go through with a C-Section or at least have an epidural. I was in okay shape and don't have a high pain tolerance, although my sisters who have had children and were in the room with me said that I did really well and they won't ever say that I don't have high pain tolerance again. Because I had diabetes they induced me on my due date, or attempted to, although they gave me large doses of Pitocin - my contractions never came how they were supposed to which would have enabled me to give birth with no assistance. My daughter was also facing up which apparently calls for the whole head to come out straight as opposed to coming out with the crown of the head sort of easing the way for the rest of it. I would push, she would move forward 2 inches, I would relax and she would move back 1.5 inches. After 24 hours of labor they finally brought in a Dr. and he assisted with a vacuum to help pull her out. After experiencing that I wish that I had opted for the C-Section. My daughter was delivered perfectly healthy and has had no problems. I have a cousin who gave birth at 42, healthy, in good shape, had no problems what so ever. Trust your body if you think you want to do it naturally, then go for it.

Amanda - posted on 02/04/2013

Hi! I understand your worry, but our bodies were designed for this! If you're going to be giving birth in a hospital, I would try vaginal first (my first two were vaginal with epidural - *awful* wouldn't do that ever again) and my third was vaginal with no pain killers. Honestly? My third birth was the best. I felt AMAZING and was ready to jump off the bed and take my baby home afterward. When I did go home, I cleaned the house and made dinner. I've had friends who've had c-sections and their recoveries were horrendous. Birth is one of the most natural things in the world- it would be a shame to turn it over to a major surgery and painful recovery if you don't have to :) . You'll be giving birth in a hospital and if anything goes wrong, they can have your baby out in a couple of minutes via c-section. I personally feel like it's pushed way too much and should only be a last resort in emergencies. Why not see what you're capable of first?

Michelle - posted on 02/04/2013

Childbirth Connection publishes some really helpful information. They list out the risks and benefits in great detail for both cesarean and vaginal birth.
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs...
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs...
If you decide that a vaginal birth is right for you, you might want to consider changing obstetric providers, and find someone (doctor or midwife) who is more supportive of vaginal birth.

Jenn - posted on 02/04/2013

If like you said, your doctor has been with you through your previous miscarriage, then maybe he does know what he's talking about. If you have doubts and questions about his suggested CS, you should raise these with your doctor so he can make you understand some more why you would need a CS and he can also see your side of things.

I had two CS births myself after very normal, uneventful pregnancies. Both were emergency operations as my babies just had to come out already but my body wasn't responding. I was so adamant at the beginning to push for an all-natural birth, but what can I do, it was mine and my babies' healths at risk on both times. Sometimes things just happen and you have to let go of your beliefs.

So my suggestion to you is to talk to your doctor about wanting a vaginal birth and trying to go for it. But be open to the possibility of eventually going through a CS at the last minute just in case something unexpected and unfortunate comes up.