Caesarian vs Vaginal Birth ?

I’d definitely go vaginal

So over 40 there is an increased chance of your placenta having problems at the very end of pregnancy. It's common for them to recommend an induction at 39 weeks to avoid that. I've had two c-sections. The first was after a failed induction (baby was positioned badly and just wasn't coming out) and the second was planned as my chances of a successful Vbac were low. A planned C-section has a much easier recovery if you do end up needing to go that route. I'm not pushing C-section, but just noting that the planned one was a much more positive experience.

I had an easy vaginal for my first and only. Labour 2 hours 18, gas and air and then pethidine, no rips or anything. Piles got me though but anasol sorted that. But I also had a low risk pregnancy and no complications. I was terrified about giving birth but my midwife tole me our body will only grow what our body can handle

I had a vaginal birth with an episiodamy. Honestly, I recovered down there a lot faster than I expected, and I was walking around the hospital room unassisted about 6 hours post delivery. It was very tender but not painful. Now, regarding a c section, I don't have experience with that, but I would be chatting more in-depth with your doctor if she is recommending it for safety reasons I personally would probably take her advice OR if your unsure get a couple more opinions from different doctors 🙂

I'm 42 and gave birth to my first last August. I wanted a vaginal birth but doctors scared me with all these 'you have a higher risk of xyz due to your age' so I rather unwilligly went for an induction at 40+2. It teiggered labour pretty quickly but then I ended up having an infection (possibly caused by the induction) and ended up having emergency c section. I will never know if things would have been different if I waited a bit longer for natural labour to happen, as you never know. In a way it was safer to deliver my baby earlier to remove the risks but ended up having quite a traumatic birth and first few days in hospital. I went for a birth reflection session afterwards and found out that for any future pregnancy they would recommend VBAC so I guess if I'm second time lucky I could still opt for it and then see how things go. Honestly, no matter how carefully you plan and build pictures in your head, you can't control babies, they do their thing You still have a fair bit to go so you'll see

After 40 chances for a c section are higher. I got induced because I wanted to try and ended up with a c section after 24 hours any way. In retrospect I wish would’ve just gone straight to a c section.

There are so many other things that can pop up and factors to consider, that you may need to change your plan several times

If there is no REAL medical reason for you to have a C-section, I would go with your preference of a natural birth. Age is not a medical necessity. There are possibilities associated with age but it definitely does not mean that it is medically necessary! You are your own advocate. Ask questions, clarify, and choose the best option that brings you peace. Choose to operate / decide from a place of strength, not fear. Congrats, Mama! 💖✨

I had my 3rd at 44, all vag. Something I learned when understanding risk is to ask about the variance. Less risk or more risk, how much, from what to what likelihood? You may find the difference is marginal. If you go natural I recommend schooling up on labor positions & what happens in different situations. Congratulations on your baby. Your body is made to do this ☺️

I’m 45 with a 1 month old. I delivered vaginally. I was induced at 39 weeks because of gestational diabetes and increased risk of placenta failure at 40 weeks and beyond due to age. I was induced and held my baby in my arms 12 hours later. I did get an epidural, but only ended up pushing for about 30 min. Have you been referred to fetal maternal medicine? They were really helpful for me in coming up with a game plan.

I turn 42 in a week and my third is due in April. They haven't mentioned anything about C-section or inducing early so far. I was referred to MFM for my 20 week anatomy scan and asked if there was any reasons we'd be considering anything besides just waiting per usual and she said no, as long as everything is healthy and normal. Just passed my gestational diabetes test and blood pressure has remained normal. A lot of the "higher risk" stats are just that - statistically significant like as far as percentages, but still very low incidence overall.

There are pros and cons to both in the UK an elective c-section ( of which I’ve had two at 40 and 43) carries the same risks factors as a vaginal birth. Mine were both amazing experiences as was recovery, they were exactly what I wanted. Controlled, calm with little left to chance. I breastfed immediately, having a c-section in itself doesn’t affect this, it’s the removal of your placenta that triggers your milk, which happens however you give birth. I was up the same night, recovery was very straightforward. Loved the whole thing. Key is I got I wanted and you cannot underestimate the physiological piece in the overall healing picture. I wanted as much control over my birth as possible and I got it. Think, if you want a vaginal birth, it’s something key in a long IVF journey and you go in balanced about the various outcomes then you should definitely push for it regardless of your age.

I gave birth vaginally at 38 and 42 and was induced. They'll want you to be induced, mine were easy you can msg me. Would recommend this way.

Had an induction at 39 weeks with my son. My blood pressure went high at about 36 weeks & my bloodwork worsened. I was 40 & quite fit at the time. It went pretty smoothly, they started the drip & ended up breaking my water in the morning & I gave birth before 3pm. There was a stressful period when I opted for the epidural & had to wait. Turns out I’d gone from 3-10cms in less than 2 hours 😂. Had my son 20 minutes after the epidural (which I opted for bc it’s supposed to help keep your bp lower)

Go vaginal! If there are no other risk factors I would at least try. Like others have said sometimes things happen during labor or at the end of pregnancy outside of your control that maybe you end up with a c section. At least try vaginal first. I labored and pushed for a long time, but I barely tore and only had one stitch. Some people tear a lot and others don’t. If you’re healthy and fit seems like you’d be totally fine. I know people think it wrecks your vagina and maybe it does, but I’m exactly the same down there. I would work on deep core/pelvic floor exercises now while pregnant. That will help a lot with pushing, recovery and preventing organ prolapse or leakage. You can also start those right after birth and I would highly suggest that too. Congrats!!

Oh I also ate dates at the end and did perineal stretches that probably helped me minimize tearing.

Go with your gut, I would say. The book “expecting better” by Emily Oster is great at calming fears and putting statistical info into perspective, if data helps you feel more confident. I think the bottom line is that OB’s are evidence-based, they will recommend what they think is safest based on the evidence they have. But you are an individual and your experience does not have to look like a statistical norm. That being said, we all have our biases. I didn’t want to opt for a medicalized intervention, so long as my providers were confident that me and baby were healthy. So my bias colors my response. Nevertheless, I was 41, first baby, and I had a wonderful, fast (intense) birth. I was originally told I’d have to be induced at 39 weeks bc of my age. I then changed my provider, who just monitored me. I gave birth at 41 weeks. No pressure from my providers. I tore, and it healed really quickly. I didn’t even notice and it was only one part of the overall recovery process. Congrats!!!!

I was 37 when I gave birth to my daughter and I had a high risk pregnancy mostly because medical reasons. I had a regular OB and a high risk OB and both had warned me that I would be induced and could end up having a C-section. Although the doctor at the hospital broke my water after I was admitted, I started dilating almost two weeks before my due date. My daughter was born via C-section nine days before my due date. I tried giving birth naturally, but my daughter’s head got pinned against her shoulder, so a C-section was the best option.

Both have risks and long term markers. Ask for benefits and cons in both 💓 I had a c section and had complications from it a week later ended up in emergency. 11 month on and my scar still hurts to have underwear edges come on it or if I’m baby wearing it hurts or generally seams in clothes pressing on it hurts. Still itches.

I’m 46 and 37 weeks pregnant. I’m going for a planned c section. I am actually more comfortable with a c section than Vb.

C section

Had first at 42. My original OB threatened C-section was likely. I looked up her hospital and they have high rate of c-section, higher than average. I switched OBs to one that worked with midwifes. I hired a doula that knew my OB. Ended up being induced at 39+5 as they also stated placenta concerns. It was painful and I ended up getting epidural and after that I was able to enjoy the vaginal birth of my son which took about 30-45 of pushing after the epidural kicked in. It almost never goes quite as planned so plan for both but if there are no medical concerns I would try vaginal and maybe look around for a dr that performs them on women over 40. I am 44 and pregnant. I plan to have vaginal birth at 45.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and advice. I appreciate the collective wisdom you’ve provided!

I had planned for a vaginal birth but then my baby flipped and was breech. I had a c-section and recovered quickly. It wasn’t bad at all. I would only have a c-section if there is an actual medical need for it.