Elective C section..?

Hi! I had an elected c section with my daughter, purely through choice not medical based, and it was the best most positive experience! Recovery wasn’t as tough as you’d expect, sore for the first week but able to move! After that I felt pretty normal, only need ibuprofen for pain relief. I’m due again in September and will 100% be doing the same again, if you have any questions I can try answer them ☺️

@Laura thank you for replying!! That's promising! I could hardly walk for 5 days after giving birth, couldn't get in and out of the shower and could hardly sit down for obvious reasons 😂. I'm definitely going to ask at my midwife appointment! Were they ok with you asking for it? I felt so pressured into having her with out any pain relief the first time round! And the scar? Xxx

Hi, I know it's not your question, but I had an emergency c section and was put to sleep for it (not my choice, but they had to act quickly). My recovery was amazing. The first week, the painkillers knocked me out so sleep was great. I was up and waking to shops a week later. Couldn't fault my recovery. Xx

@Sophie-Jayne I was told by everyone I knew that I’d have a hard time getting a c section just because that was my preference, and I was prepared to fight for it! But honestly I just told my midwife, she booked me an appt to speak with a consultant, and in that appt they booked me in for the day!! If it’s what you want then don’t worry about them trying to make you go “natural”. My scar is very neat and small, occasionally feels a bit itchy but never had any issues with it. Only weird thing I experienced post partum was that I lost the sensation of needing a wee for a few weeks, but that came back after a bit!

@Laura ah amazing! Definitely going to ask then! 🙏. To be honest the whole pushing her out wasn't the issue it was just she wouldn't come out 😂😂. And she was teeny so I wouldn't want to chance it either a bigger baby!! lol. And they give you a date before your due date? As my first was just over 2 weeks early in the end so not sure if that means anything for this one! And I suppose you don't go into labour? X

I had a c-section in May 2023 because my baby was breech. I really wanted a vaginal delivery so I struggled to accept having a c-section for a while I think through fear. Anyway 😅 the whole process was relaxed and a magical day. The surgery went so well and I felt well through out. Once the epidural wore off I was in a fair bit of pain although manageable. Super important in those first few days/week to keep on top of meds though. I found recovery tough as once your partner has to go home I struggled to get in and out of bed and also to lie down and then get back up. It would literally take me a couple of minutes to get to my baby once he started crying. Things became much easier once I got home and had the support of my partner. The pain went on for a few days and then things got slowly easier but you have to take it easy. I was out walking the pram a week after delivery though. Also if you’re in Scotland you need to inject blood thinners into your stomach for ten days after. 😊

@Sophie-Jayne Yep so with an elected section it tends to be about a week before your due date unless you have other health implications that may make it sooner! I was given the choice of two days 😂 so knew when she was coming a few weeks in advance which I liked. Obviously you can still go into natural labour, but if you’re already booked in they gave me a number to call and I’d have gone straight to theatre in that situation 😊

I had to have a c-section with my first due to constant reduced movements at 38 weeks. Recovery was excellent, hardly any pain, moving around super easily after. Due to a 2nd trimester loss and complications throughout that pregnancy, if I get there with this pregnancy I’ll have to have a c-section again. Slightly concerned about being stuck in hospital and lack of moving and driving with my toddler, but it’s the safest option for me

@Laura amazing! Thank you!!. I'll voice my concerns to the midwife. And I know you can't drive after? Is that for a long time? Just thinking of getting my little one to pre school xx

@Rachel ah thank you! This is what I'm slightly worried about too xx

@Sophie-Jayne sorry I don’t drive so that’s the only thing I’m not sure of, but I think it’s a couple weeks! If you have any more questions, or just want to chat, drop me a message 🥰

I had a c section with mine at 38 weeks due to pre eclampsia. In my experience the first few days were way harder than anticipated but I think i felt that more cos of visiting times in the hospital, when my husband wasn't there I really struggled getting to the baby and I found that really stressful. I was happier once I was home and had constant support. I was surprised how quickly I recovered after those first few days, I drove at 4 days post partum cos I felt well enough to and went for my first little walk down the block with the pram 7 days post partum. The only major issue I had was constipation from taking the opiod pain killers. Ended up back in hospital due to an impacted bowel which was absolutely horrendous. My main advice would be take plenty of laxatives and stool softeners. 100% advocate for yourself, your birth is your choice and you have more than a good enough reason.