Have been advised to start thinking about a c-section, any advice?

Pippa - posted on 12/09/2008

Hi Jennifer

I can speak from double experience as I've had one of each. My daughter was born naturally despite being OP (facing the wrong way) and it was a relatively easy labour of 7 hours, with episiotomy.

With my son 2 years later, I badly wanted another natural labour, as I was petrified of having an epidural. But after two inductions which put me into labour for a few hours then fizzled out, and a third induction which seemed to be progressing well, he suddenly went into distress, and I had to have an emergency c-section. Turns out the reason he was not coming out was that the cord was wrapped around his neck, and my doctor advised he would probably have suffocated or suffered severe brain damage, had I continued to try with natural birth.



So a few points I would like to make:

1) The recovery from the C-section was MUCH easier than recovery from the natural labour! Despite what everyone says, getting over a caesar scar is a lot easier than getting over an episiotomy. I was back up on my feet within a few days and have had no problems, and 2 years later you can hardly see the scar.

2) You already know the cord is round the neck, so why risk suffocating your child and causing brain damage by oxygen deprivation, when there is a safer way?

3) If you plan for your caesar now you can get you head around it and make peace with the fact that this is how your baby is going to be born - compared to trying natural birth, with the fear of endangering your baby, and then probably still having to go through the scary trauma of an emergency caesar.



Don't get me wrong, I am all for natural birth and think far too many women go for caesars when it is not called for - but in your case, it sounds like there are very valid medical reasons to go this route.



Whilst I recovered quickly from the phsycial trauma of the C-section, it took me weeks to get over the emotional roller-coaster I had been on with 3 inductions and then the emergency op. With hindsight, I should have gone straight to caesar after the first induction failed - my body was telling me something was wrong, and I wasn't listening to it. Silly me.





Whatever you decide, good luck, and enjoy your baby!

Samantha - posted on 12/08/2008

I had to have a c-section with both of my girls. I know that everyone says it takes longer to recover...but it really wasn't that bad. It's actually harder with the second one because you can't hold the oldest as much as they are used to. Also, the scar is really low and not that noticeable.

Noelle - posted on 12/08/2008

C-secs are not as bad as you would think or should even be scared about. I had to have both of my kids that way because I have three brain aneurisms which could bleed if I would have had natural birth. The only time that I was scared was when the lady in the bed next to me was taken to her c-sec and twenty minutes later rolled right back in with a baby on her stomach.

So a question for you (common sense), if you knew that the baby had the cord wrapped around its neck 2x's wouldn't you be more afraid of suffocating the baby when it came out, or would you deal with the pain/fear of a c-sec (which they have nice drugs for after)? I'd go with option #2.

Melissa - posted on 12/08/2008

I've had 2 c-sections as well. My first was an emergency b/c my daughter decided she needed to be born at 24 weeks! I was in active labor already dilated to 7 cm when I arrived in the ER, but DD was footling breech (the doctor could feel her itty bitty toes) and they were afraid if I delivered naturally my cervic could collapes and trap her head or the naturally delivery would be too rough for such a tiny baby. We agreed to the emergency c-section. Because they had to do a vertical uterine incision to get her out quickly, she ended up going in to distress, no doctor will allow me to deliver vaginally. We had a planned c-section w/my son 8 months ago and everything went smoothly.



I would agree that there can be an unreal feeling of detachment through the whole delivery, but our ob was great about showing me the baby right away. my husband got to cut the cord, and after our son was evaluated my husband took him. He sat next to my head with the baby until the doctors were done with me and was even allowed to carry him back to my hospital room.



I would say go with what your hearts says. C-sections aren't usually anyone's first choice, but also aren't as bad as most people think they will be. Make sure you let the doctor know your preferences too! If you want to, ask that the baby stay with you and not go to the nursery. Also, if you want to breastfeed, there is no reason you can't right away. As soon as I was in my room my son was placed at my side and a lactation consultant helped me get him started. He was less than 1 hr old, and I was numb from the armpits down, but he did a great job and has been stuck there ever since ;-)



Best of luck to you, which every route you choose!

Mae - posted on 12/08/2008

I wanted a natural birth so badly. But after beign a week and a half over due...and being induced with pitocin...and being in "labor" that I wasn't even FEELING for 18 hours....my dr. informed a C Sect. was going to be needed. He said I COULD wait if I wanted to....but there would be risks.



For the safety of my child...I went ahead and took the C Section, it was my own personal decision. I always felt bad though for NOT having the natural birth that I had wanted, but in the end...a healthy happy baby and mom is what matters the most.



If I were in your situation...I personally would probably go ahead and have the C Section. But that is what I would do.



I think you should sit down with your Dr. some more and discuss any questions or concerns that you have and gain some more insight on the situation before you make a final decison.



I was TERRIFIED when I went in to have my C Section because it was a surprise I hadn't expected. I think if I had known in advance...I would have been able to accept it a little more.



This time around I'm having twins. My Dr. has given me the option of trying for a VBAC, or a C Sect. There are a LOT of risks that are possible when having twins (regarding umbilical cords and all kinds of things). So for their safety...I'll probably go ahead and have a C Sect. this time too. That way they can be out quickly and get the help they need if they need anyway (which I hope they won't need any help!)



Good luck on your decision!

User - posted on 12/08/2008

I agree with Bethany. I had an unscheduled c-section because Saoirse wasn't handling the contractions well. I was terrified for about 5mins but the staff at W&I RI were so amazing it was quick and painless. I wanted and my Drs wanted to to try vaginal but Miss Saoirse was having none of it. Good Luck!

Katie - posted on 12/08/2008

I had an unplanned c-section. It was not so bad! Longer healing process, but if it is better for the baby then you should do it!

Deana - posted on 12/08/2008

i had emergency c-section after 11 hours of labor. my dr said my sons head was coning and he was not going to budge. i was exhausted .....c-section was my worst fear but i had to come to terms with that very quickly. now i am glad it turned out that way. i had an exceptional recovery and 3 years later the scar is basically gone. everyone is different but for me it was absolutly the way to go!

Darlene - posted on 12/08/2008

my first baby I was in active labor for 18 hrs pushed for 4 1/2 and then had a emergency c-section b/c baby went into distress. the recovery was no picnic having to push that long then having a c-section. my baby had nerve damage to his right arm b/c of the trauma of all the pushing. my second i had a planned c-section everything went smooth totally different recovery than the first one... there are all kinds of risks and things that can happen with low placenta and the cord being wrapped around the neck. i would consider the c-section.

Christi - posted on 12/08/2008

I have had two (planned by my doctor) c-sections, so I think I might be able to help! I just never contested what the doctor/midwife had told me I should do. If you let yourself go into labor and then end up having a section (and ask your midwife about this), you will be exhausted and also be more likely to have a harder, longer recovery from it. A doctor once told me that if you schedule a section before you actually go into labor the recovery would be so much better. From my experience, it is true. The hard part about making this decision, I think, is not going through the labor and feeling like you didn't essentially 'give birth.' This is also something very hard to deal with, but I thank God for doctors today being able to do what they do. My first had her cord wrapped, my second was just gigantic, and I don't want to think about if I hadn't had the sections. Of course I am bias because I've had two good sections, but follow your heart... this will be the first of many times you will need to listen to your gut as far as your new babe is concerned! Much luck and love!

Bethany - posted on 12/08/2008

Hi Jennifer...I am a mother of 2 (both of which were high risk pregnancies)...If I were you I wouldn't risk the health of your baby and just schedule a c-section. I am all for natural vagainal child birth (both of mine were) but I would have agonized over the decision if it were me too. I think you might want to ask more questions, maybe seek a second opinion. Remember - when it comes to healthcare you have to be your own advocate - no one is going to do it for you - I have learned this the hard way. If you have questions or concerns don't be afraid to be a pest and ask, ask, ask. I think it might be your best bet to seek another doctor's opinion. Someone gave me the best advice when I was pregnant -- Childbirth isn't about who can be the superhero and do it without drugs or medical intervention -- it IS about bringing a health baby into the world by whatever means necessary!! Good luck!

Keely - posted on 12/08/2008

Do whatever you think is best. I also wanted to try natural labor, but after 24 hours had not progressed past 5 cm dialation.i ended up going to the hospital and delivered 14 hours later. They wanted to C-section me and i said no and delivered fine. However, with the cord wrapped around your babe's neck i would seriously consider a c-section. Your baby and y our health is of utmost i mportance.