C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

My doctor told me C-section is scheduled only if necessary. You don’t get to choose if you have normal pregnancy. 🤔

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Hm...my doctor said only if there are complications during birth...😐 I wish I can choose

My doctor said that we are able to schedule a C-section (if I choose) no earlier than 2 weeks before estimated due date. Of course only if my baby is considered full term by then!

I’ve never heard of a c-section being safer, I mean it’s a major surgery🤔 my doctor only did them if medically necessary. I honestly think a lot of doctors push interventions because they make more money that way & things are over faster for them 🤷🏼‍♀️ it’s ultimately up to you so definitely do your research on both options, but I’m so so glad I got to have a vaginal birth and it went completely smoothly for me. I only pushed for 20 minutes so it’s not always hours long. Also if you don’t want your whole family in the room they don’t have to be. I only had my SO with me.

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Kala I agree with you 110%!!

Gonna be honest... I was terrified of vaginal delivery. Until I looked up cesarean. I was given the option due to health issues but decided I definitely wanted to go naturally. I’m so happy I did, it’s such a crazy experience that you will treasure forever and it’s actually not that scary once you get there & they coach you thru the steps. Your instinct will take over. Recovery is also generally much quicker.

You were made to do this. I think a vaginal birth is best. But you also have the option of the epidural to take the edge off. I was in labor for 8-9hrs. Contractions were the worst part for me. I eventually got the epidural after like 4-hrs. I still felt the contractions though but when it was time to push I didn’t feel a thing. The doctors guided me on when to push. (I actually took like an hour nap while I was in labor) But do research on what you think will be best! For my next I want to try a natural, home birth. Sounds crazy, I know. Best of luck momma 💕🙂

Thank you all for sharing your opinion! I am definitely going to continue doing my research before I make a final decision. My nerves and anxiety often get the best of me!! But honestly, I just need to keep telling myself that this is what our bodies were made to do!

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A great resource for me was a book by Maria Mongan called Hypnobirthing. I had a hypnobirth (an unmedicated birth while using meditative techniques to keep you calm). I can’t express enough how powerful it was! Once you take the fear out of birthing and just surrender to the process it truly becomes an even more beautiful experience. No matter which way you choose to birth there are still so many takeaways from this book/method.

C sections are not safer. They are more dangerous unless there is a medical indication. The lowest risk way is spontaneous labor and then vaginal birth. If you need an induction or C section for medical reasons then of course get one. But otherwise let nature do its thing 😊 I would highly suggest a Lamaze/childbirth class 😊

Vaginal for sure and I agree about waiting it out and not being induced. C-sections are a surgery and there are probably more chances of complications. You will probably have to delivery through c-section going forward too. I know a lot of people who regret their c-sections due to longer recovery and harder to lose the mommy pouch. Vaginal wasn’t that bad once your water breaks and it’s so much more special knowing you did all that for your little one. It’s so rewarding and special once you hold him/or her in your arms right after delivering. I’m surprised your doc is giving you the option too because a lot of docs go against it unless it’s necessary.

I had an emergency c section I had to be induced cause of high blood pressure and my mom would ask me to ask my doctor to just take me in to have a c section and my doctor told me that it the last thing they want to do. That vaginal is best unless you need a c section. Go with natural birth if you end up getting a c section that you end up getting one

When I was pregnant I was pretty sure I wanted a c section. My doc told me it probably wasn’t the best route for me because of my weight. Sooo I had to throw my c section dreams out the window... sooo I thought. Long story short I had to have an emergency c section... it was done within 30 minutes (beginning to end) ... recovery isn’t horrible... I was able to stop using pain meds after day 2 it just felt like I had a very rough ab workout... annnnd you get more time off 8 weeks vs 6. I would do it again if I ever have another baby

I chose to do vaginal for quicker recovery. My friend had surgery similar to c section and I took care of her during that time and it wasn’t a difficult recovery, but it was slow. I can’t imagine recovering from surgery, dealing with a newborn and breastfeeding - if you are going to breastfeed. And if you are going to breastfeed you need to make sure the baby is in positions that won’t hit your stitches.

I had a vaginal birth and it wasn’t bad at all. Wouldn’t have gone the other route unless there were complications.

This is my 3rd c section

I didn’t really have a choice(emergency c-section)but my original plan was vaginal delivery. My midwife and I agreed that a csection was only for emergencies, and it’s weird to hear they give a first-time mom the option. Usually only women whom have had a c-section (prior) get the option. But in my personal experience it was hard to care for a newborn after a major abdominal surgery. I couldn’t even give him his first bath due to my recovery. A scary part about my c-section experience was that two days after we got home from the hospital we couldn’t wake up my son. He was in a deep sleep so we had to rush him to the emergency room and we found out that my painkillers(from c-section) was going through my milk! So I had to quit all medication because I was breastfeeding(it was really important for me) and I had to endure weeks of pain from the surgery. But ultimately the choice is yours, every case is different

I had the same issue with my pregnancy too, but I live in UK so a C -section is not an option here , only if the baby or the mother is in danger they put you on C -section , but at the whole time I was so afraid and wanted to make something possible so I could have the C-section and then in a blink of the eye I was 39 weeks pregnant , went to sleep in an hour my water broke , and in 2 hours I had my baby in vaginal birth was the best experience ever , The recovery was so quick , and not painfull at all , so glad things went like that . My baby is 4 months old now and I have already forgot how the birth went as it was so easyy . And something else but not less important is better for the baby to be delivered in vaginal birth as his/her lungs get used to normal breathing better and quicker . Good luck congratulations and I hope things go as good as God wishes .

I have an unplanned c-section and if i had the choice I’d have had a vaginal birth. My recovery wasn’t bad but I don’t think you should have surgery unnecessarily. Get the epidural though! That was a godsend! In Canada you can’t schedule a section for your first child unless it’s medically necessary. I think that says something about it as someone else posted in the uk they don’t either. Good luck!

Vaginal!! Your body is made to give birth! Your recovery will be so much easier and you will feel so empowered after pushing your baby out and into the world!

I had a complicated vaginal birth and if I have anymore kids I still wouldn’t opt for a c-section. Recovery time is shorter with a vaginal birth (usually), and even though it was a 38 hour labor I never wanted a c-section.

Note that vbac is much riskier than a second c-section or second vaginal birth so you are not only making a decision about this birth but possibly future births.

I tried a vaginal birth and was in labor for 22 hours! I finally had a c-section. If it was planned, my family could have been there.

Is there a medical reason they’re even letting you choose a c-section? Honestly, that concerns me if they’re just giving you the choice with no medically necessary reason. C-sections are surgery. A major surgery. I would definitely suggest trying vaginally first.

I had a planned c-section. No pain and in 15 mins I could hold already my son. My sister is gynaecologist and says that c-section is more safe way for baby. She had all her babies by c section. On day 4 , I was already walking slowly in the park. I had some pain next day when I had to try to walk but pain was not that bad in comparison with birth pain.

My original plan was to go vaginal with a csection only if needed. When it became obvious that baby was going to be breeched, we went with a csection (my son insisted on keeping his feet at the bottom of my belly).

I had complications with my pregnancy and I wanted so badly to have a vaginal birth. Luckily I got to. It was magical. As soon as I saw my little girl all the pain just melted away. It was like pure serenity. I did skin to skin as soon as she was born and I cried because of how beautiful she is. It’s funny you imagine what they will look like and then they are here and they are so much prettier. I would say vaginal if I had the choice. I had my mom, my daughters dad, my best friend, and a photographer in the room. It wasn’t crowded or overwhelming. The support was awesome.

Sweetie, you have to do what's right for you and your baby. With my first, I was hardcore against a C-section. My labor and delivery still didn't go as I planned, but I didn't end up with surgery.with my second pregnancy, I had twins, and due to the way they were presenting, ended up with a C-section. I will tell you, though that I was allowed to have skin-to-skin with both babies immediately following delivery (they were still stitching me up, and I was nursing)

I had an emergency C-Section and I would definitely recommend a Vaginal Birth if you can have one! I would prefer to try for a VBAC for my next delivery but will have plenty of research to do first. I want what’s safest but would only have another C-Section if it’s my only option.

From my understanding people recommend having vaginal birth. This is my first too and thats what i am planning on doing. Let hope everything goes well!

I was induced. Best time! I did everything I could before going in to the hospital. Had sex, ate spicy food, went out for a walk. By the morning going into the hospital, I was already 3cm dilated and my water was close to breaking anyways. I gave birth within 5 hours... honestly a C-section is major surgery. You’ll be in recovery mode for at least 6-8 weeks. No physical activity which means you can barely hold baby ☹️ if at all. And PS, doesn’t sound right that you get to choose on whether or not you have a C-section; it should be based on how you’re progressing with your pregnancy.

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I had a C-Section and lost a lot of blood. I didn’t get to hold my 👶🏻 for a while and when I finally did, I didn’t feel comfortable bc I felt too weak and I was afraid I would drop her.

You don’t get to choose with your first. Surgery is 10x more risky due to the natural vitamins the baby passes thru coming out naturally. If in the event your labor or baby are in de stress and there is no other option then they give you the go ahead for c-section. But unless you had a c-section already. You can’t choose that option as a birth plan.

I’ve had two c-sections, the last yesterday. I am already up and about and breast feeding etc. I would have loved to have had a vaginal birth experience, but the situation didn’t allow it either time. I wouldn’t recommend a c-section unless there is a reason. I won’t be having any more children and will always wonder what a regular delivery would have been like! Having said that, you’re having a baby, not a birth, as long as they arrive safely and you’re both well, I suppose it doesn’t matter how they get here!

You don't choose to have a C-section. It's a medically necessary procedure to save mom or baby or to prevent your uterus from rupturing.

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I chose a C-section for my 2nd born, so yeah you can chose a C-section.. not even sure how your response was at all helpful, it didn’t even address the actual question. And to be fair it sounded a little judgey 🤦🏼‍♀️

I had an emergency c section and for the life of me I don’t understand how would someone pick this option. It’s hell! Vaginal birth and pain is scary but the recovery after c section is the worst experience of my life. And as much as moms forget the pain they went through during birth, I will never forget the pain I was going through for over 6 weeks after the baby was here...The day when your baby is born should be the best day of your life but it was destroyed for me by the pain and the fact I was unable to move/ get out of bed and care for my baby. Not to mention the chills and paranoia with breathing during the actual procedure. HELL! I couldn’t sleep in any position, going to the restroom 24 hours later is the greatest nightmare as you are unable to bend to sit down on the toilet. You feel like your stomach is being ripped apart each time you’re trying to move, cough, sneeze or laugh. I’m 4 months pp and I still can’t feel my tummy above the incision. It’s numb and the feeling there might never return.

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Same, worst time ever! 😭😭😭 I’m also 4 months PP.

How are you doing now!? I hope you’re somewhat back to normal? 💞 if not my hubby and his sleepless nights taking care of both of us, I don’t know how would I have survived this...

None lol

You should really wait for your body to go into labor naturally... Baby's lungs are not done developing.. it's the last organ to finish development and inducing early or so that baby is born on a specific day can actually cause distress for the baby, or they are more likely to have to spend a few nights in the NICU.. Your body and baby know when it's time... and you really should only get induced or be scheduled for a cesarean if you are at about 41 weeks and have not gone into labor.. letting your body naturally labor reduces the risk of complications and reduces healing time. I don't know how far along you are, but I also highly suggest talking to your dr about birth/labor classes or a Lamaze class. But you learn a lot, like what your pain management medication during labor and birth are, the side effects for you and baby and the effectiveness of reducing pain, and what your body will go through during labor.

There is an initial choice? I thought c section was for after trying for vaginal and it not working out in some way?

C section is quicker but some of my friends that had a c section where put out and you don’t get that immediate moment with your child, also as a psychologist it’s more traumatizing for the child a c section than a vaginal, the recovery is longer as well and it’s harder to have a vaginal birth after (not impossible tho). I myself went for the vaginal because trust me if most of the women out there have done and if you’ve gone 9 months carrying that child so can you! I will say this the epidural helps a lot and each pregnancy is different some have lasted hours in labor some haven’t so you don’t know which one you are until it happens but like I said the epidural helps they don’t let you be in pain that long and the actually work you do also depends but it’s not that bad trust me you have cheerleaders the whole way that push you weather it’s the nurse that’s there or your family and your biggest cheerleader will be your baby because you won’t stop thinking that any moment you’ll meet that little one that

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Will change your life! The recovery is so much faster, the second day I was walking around the hospital like nothing happened. That’s my opinion and at the end which ever option you pick is the best for you and your child. GOOD LUCK!! ☺️

I recommend reading The Positive Birth Book x

I’ve had both. A vaginal birth with my first which was ok I had a water birth and it was very calm, although my daughter came so quickly 1.5 hours from first contraction to arrival that I tore really bad and was taken to emergency surgery straight after she was born, I was away from her for her first 6 hours of life, it’s something that still hurts me to this day she’s 3.5 now. With my 2nd I opted for a c section, and it was the best decision I could have made, it was so calm and so relaxing and all the staff made me feel so at ease, even singing happy birthday as he was born. I had immediate skin to skin and he never left my side. Recovery wasn’t too bad I was out of hospital in 2 days, I stopped the heavy pain meds on day 2. The incision site still is a little numb but that’s to be expected.. Good luck ⭐️

Unless it’s medically necessary, why put yourself through major surgery? Once you have the baby, you won’t remember the pain!

I wanted natural but I was in labor with my son for 18hours and was not dilating. Before they tried the balloon thing to make my cervix dilate my son was having heart issues and ended up having a c section.. I was naturally scared but it went so smooth and after the sewed me up I got to do skin to skin for like 2 hours straight before going to our after delivery room. I'm glad I had a c section! It truly is your preference

I had a vaginal birth. I am just unclear about your question. Do you NEED a c section? Are doctors telling you you need one because baby is breech or you have a pre-existing condition?

I had an emergency c section, and I so wish I could have gone naturally. Your recovery is much easier! Only plus side, no stitches. Just staples that are removed before you leave the hospital.

Hi there :) I went into natural labour, and was in labour for 24 hours (active pushing for 2.5 hours on Gas and Air whilst in the lovely water birthing pool at the local hospital, and had my waters broken for me by the midwife as they didn’t on their own ). After the 2.5 hours of pushing (agony and exhausting) they discovered my baby was back to back with me and wouldn’t come naturally. It was decided to do an emergency C Section (baby and I were not in distress they just knew she wouldn’t come naturally). The C Section was an odd sensation but completely pain free and they put baby on me for skin to skin within about a minute of her being born for the duration of me being stitched up. I would highly recommend either. The labour is painful and exhausting but you forget instantly and would do it all again! Equally the C Section as you said is controlled, pain free and quick! Try not to get obsessed with a birth plan though. Best thing to plan for is to give birth, safely in whatever way baby needs! :)

There are lots of health benefits for you and baby if you deliver vaginally. C-section is a major surgery and should be avoided unless your life or your baby’s life is at risk. Labor is not that bad, for real. I had a completely unmediated birth and it was an incredible experience. Mentally prepare and you will be so glad you did! There’s nothing like that hormone “cocktail” you experience after pushing out your baby. Good luck, mama. You’ll rock your birth!

Vaginal birth is the way to go if you are healthy and you want the best for your baby. Babies born vaginally receive protective bacteria as they pass through the birth canal. These bacteria colonise in the intestine and are crucial for developing a balanced immune system, from childhood right through to adulthood. I had a natural birth, I just used something similar to laughing gas that made me feel more relaxed. The moment my baby was born she never left my side.

Labor is different for everyone. I progressed really fast with my first and had him within 12 hours. I'm so proud and happy that I delivered vaginally, wouldn't choose anything else unless medically necessary

I had an emergency C section and had skin to skin contact after they checked him over. They were stitching me up and they handed him back to me and I never let him go after that. While you may not want to go through the marathon of labour, the marathon of recovery after a cesarean absolutely sucks. I want to try for a vaginal birth next time just so I don't feel like absolute crap even now at 8 weeks pp.

I opted to vaginal birth for my kids. But if medically I needed to have a c-sec I would've gotten it.

Hey girl!!! I’ve had a vaginal Unmedicated birth and an emergency/scheduled c section (twins, long story) Anyways, try for the vaginal. If successful, you’ll start your skin to skin before the cord is cut!! And the process of a vaginal birth is wayyy better for the babe!! It squeezes all the fluid out of their lungs. Ps, I delivered at the hospital but didn’t get admitted and was home five hours later!!! The section isn’t a bad option but the recovery is way more painful and your stay at the hospital will be longer. I personally didn’t like the epidural, it made the birth experience very foggy in my memory and my whole body shook for two hours while it was wearing off so I couldn’t hold my babies bc I didn’t have control over my body!! Pm me to chat more!

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Totally!!!!

That shaking is the worst!

C sections are not easier, nor safer necessarily. The recovery is much longer and the need for greater anesthesia carries risk. With my first I had a C-section and it went well. I liked that I was able to eat up to a few hours before hand because I needed the energy. However unlike with a vaginal birth I was weak and sore for almost 2 months.

I have no comparison, only my experience. I planned an all natural vaginal delivery. My water broke on own, I labored all day. Eight hours later suddenly my baby's heart rate kept drastically dropping and not recovering and I was whisked into surgery completely unprepared. I without a doubt believed I would deliver vaginally. Had an emergency C-section. Did not have immediate skin on skin contact as I waited helplessly for what felt like an eternity before I finally held my baby. He was pale and needed care and attention first. I've never had a surgery before and consider myself a very athletic, healthy, active person. I've ran 6 full marathons and 17 half marathons, do Crossfit, etc. The C section was a shock to my system. When my son was 10 days old, walking 1 block was a struggle. I'm 9 months post partum and still struggle.. terrible back pain. I was in the hospital 4 days. Everyone has a unique experience, but from what I've seen and heard, vaginal delivery is a less traumatic experience.

I can share my experience with you, which of course is mine and may be very different to so many others. I had a planned C-Section. Mostly because the majority of my friends who gave birth naturally in both public and private hospitals had horrible natural birthing experiences which resulted in either emergency sections or exceptionally long deliveries which took them months to recovery from.

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Obviously a C-Section is major surgery and there are a number of individual factors to consider but for me it was a great experience. Once bub was out they did all the normal medical checks and it was only moments between bub being out and us having skin to skin. I believe though with emergency sections skin to skin can be delayed as they have more medical checks to complete particularly if bub was in distress, slowed heart beat etc. I was up, walking and showering that night. Was it uncomfortable, ahh yes! But I was actually ok. A Girlfriend came and saw me a week after I had bub and she brought her lil 9 month old. I was picking him up, walking about etc. She commented that she couldn't believe I was up and about as she couldn't walk properly for 2 months after she had her bub. She also said she will be having a planned section the next time. Once we got home (2 storey home) i was up and down stairs and out taking bub for walks each day with my partner. Im sure its not the fastest he or I ever walked but it