Has anyone already decided to have a c section?

Been talking to my mum today, who told me that both her and my aunt ended up having emergency c sections for their first children and planned c sections for their second as both of them failed to contract enough, my mum says she was in labour with me for nearly 48 hours and only ever got to 2cm at which point they decided to have a c section, similar story for my aunt. She was very much encouraging me to go for a planned c section for my first in March. I had been hoping for natural originally but I'm now concerned that if my mum and aunt both had this issue that I might too (I'm the first of my generation to have a child so nobody else to compare to). I've also had some issues with high blood pressure so I'm wondering if I'll be encouraged to have a c section or better off having one. I'd originally really wanted natural but now feeling conflicted. Has anyone already chosen?

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I'm having a section. My first was an emergency c section and caused trauma so a second section is what's recommended for me. Also, just found out I have a low laying placenta so I don't think I can birth naturally this time 😅 Do whatever feels right for you. Everyone's experiences of birth are so different. You could end up with a very beautiful natural birth. Just make sure you look in to the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed choice

@Naomi thank you, i would rather have a calm planned section than an emergency. I had a growth scan last week and they're expecting the baby to be over 8lbs and I'm fairly small (5'6) so I'm wondering whether I'll struggle to push out a larger baby too......not seeing the midwife for another couple of weeks so I'll bring it up then (and hopefully have a clearer idea of what I want!!)

It is not hereditary so please do not worry that just because they had c-sections, that you will require one. It is so multi-factual! Vaginal births have sooo many benefits for both the mum and the baby. C-sections have risks including increased chance of post partum depression/anxiety, not bonding with the babe straight away, the drugs from the spinal going to babe, reduced breastfeeding rates, increased asthma/eczema for your child, complications post surgery such as infected wound etc. The recovery is also not easy. Your best option for vaginal delivery is to go into a spontaneous labour without induction and your chances of delivery are very high! Around 75%! (thought I would argue probably even higher because those stats include women who have been induced and induction reduces chances of vaginal birth and increase c-section). Obviously it is your choice but listen to your gut instincts and not other people around you. X

Your body won't make a baby it cannot push out. Those scans are usually extremely inaccurate so I would take that measurements with a pinch of salt. They said my baby was 11lb+ and he was 9lbs 8oz 🙄 I know of women birthing 12lb babies without any tearing. It isn't about the size of the baby but is more so about the environment you are birthing in. X

If you end up having a long labour, the c-section option will still be on the table (and will be offered to you I’m sure). Also, an ‘emergency’ c-section can be just as relaxed as an elective - I had an ‘emergency’ cs after long failed induction and it was relaxed and positive. Obvs this depends on circumstance, but unplanned doesn’t necessarily mean rushed, stressful, or negative. Go with what you instinctively feel!

I think you should do what you want to do, I get that you’ll be feeling that way due to them having births that way. I would talk to your midwife plus if you are consultant led with the high blood pressure they would let you know if they advise you to have a c section over a natural birth.

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