schedulled c- sectionm

[vacuumprincess]

I am 18 + weeks.  I had a c-section 5 years ago due to a couple of different reasons.  my husband & I have talked to our doctor about vbac vs. c-section.  We have schedulled a C-section for June 2nd.  After talking to my doctor, I am eligible for vbac, but my risks are a bit higher than normal.  We also live in a rural area, where the hospital (which is an hour away) is a small hospital.  I was told that If I opted for vbac & I went into labor on a night or weekend, they would more than likely do a cecerian anyway, because they wouldn't have enough staff to watch me or possibly not have a anesteliogolist ready in time if it is needed.  My doc didn't say I couldn't do a vbac, but.....

It seems like everyone is so against c-sections on this site.  Neither the idea of a vaginal birth or a c-section thrill me.  Both are scary, but  now after reading all that everyone has to say about c-sections, I'm really scared.  I know it is major surgery, but why is it so bad????  I'm really nervous.

[LosingMyMindInGA]

With the reasons for your first c-section I think it would be best to wait awhile and see those same issues arise this time around.  You can change your mind at anytime.  I, too, live in a rural area that does NOT like to do VBAC's.  My doc is the ONLY one around here who was willing to let me.  We did however induce me on my due date both times I delivered here in order to avoid the issues with the anasthesiologist etc.  He monitored my progress and when he felt I was getting close to going into labor he put me in the hospital. The first time I was induced with pitocin, the last time he just broke my water and that did the trick.  

Honestly I think it's too soon to make a set-in-stone decision.  You have a 50/50 chance of having those complications arise again or you could have a perfectly normal pregnany.  Give it a couple more months and see how you feel, talk with your doc about the possibility of inducing early rather than doing an automatic c-section, that way you could time it where there WOULD be an anasthesiologist, etc.  Just becuase the other women in your family had to have c-sections doesn't mean you will absolutely have to have another one.  The choice is yours but I would suggest educating yourself as much as possible before making a final determination. Check out ICAN online..it has some good info.  

[vacuumprincess]

I had pitocin too.  didn't dialate either.  It was the next day they did the c-section.

[Megs2girls7]

I'm scheduled to have my 3rd c-section on march 7th. It was a decision that my husband and I made together after trying to labor with my first and not dilating at all after hours of pitocin. Not to mention I didn't really want to try for a vbac.  

It really is a personal decision though no matter how any of us feel on MH.

Best of luck to you!

[Clysta]

Try to see if you can go vaginally, but avoid as many medical interventions as possible. The more doctors try and interfere the more likely it will be that a c-section is needed. I went vaginally and was healed fully in two weeks, walking the same day and could feed without issue. Neither way is really appealing, but I've always felt that vaginally is the lesser of two evils. Think long about the choice and what you would want to do, and remember our bodies are made for vaginal births.

[vacuumprincess]

I'm enjoying being pregnant.  it's just the whole "baby comming out" process that I don't like the idea of.

[kamil119]

I had a csection and if i get pregnant will have another one. I just want to avoid the worst-case scenario, which was going through a 24 hour labor, only to end up with a csection anyway. A couple of my friends had it with their second and all of them said it was much better the second time aroung (I guess you know what to expect and are mentally prepared since you've gone through this before) Try to decide what you feel most comfortable with, and go with it.

[vacuumprincess]

I had EXTREME swelling with my first pregnancy.  My weight went from 115 lbs to 180 lbs.  A LOT of it was water.  I had preclampsia & was in the hospital on bed rest for the last few weeks.  My legs were so swolen that I couldn't bend my knees.  At 37 weeks they induced labor.  The next day, I still wasn't dialating (my water had broken the day befor & I was having contractions the whole time, but the pain was completely fine.  I was doing well, but nothing was happening)
    They finally decided to do a c-section because they were unsure if I would be able to push Or if the baby would have enough room, because I was so swollen down there.  the baby was also 9 lbs 13 oz.
    My scar is a very low vertical cut one & I healed really well & rather quickly.  All of my sisters & my mother had c-sections with all their children, because the birth canal was too small.
    I do live in a rural area.  The doctor told me that usually there is only one ansteliologist (sp?) on duty & it could take about 1/2 hr for them to get to me if an emergency happened.  I was also told that if it was the middle of the night or on the weekend, that they would prob do a c-section anyway because there is such a small staff & they wouldn't risk other patients who come in on trauma injuries to pay so much attentuion to me.  (which I understand)  I have also heartd of small hospitals doing c-sections without ansthetic because there wasn't time for it, which terrifies & disusts me.

thanks all!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

It's not "bad" per se.   It's just not the healthiest way to have a baby if it can be avoided.  What were the reasons for your previous c-section?  I had a c-section with my first and have had FIVE VBAC's since.  I will NOT go for another c-section unless it is absolutely medically necessary.  I even had one of my VBAC's drug free.  Even with the pain associated with vaginal birth I would take it and the recovery over a c-sections any day of the week and I healed exceptionally fast after my c/s.  

With a c-section you have a higher risk of major bleeding and infection.  It also hingers bonding time becuase you do not get to take the baby immediately (most of the time).  It can hinder breastfeeding from discomfort of sitting up along with hormonal confusion.  As for the baby the biggest risk is respiratory issues. During vaginal birth the baby is compressed as it descends through the birth canal..this helps to squeeze out any amniotic fluid in the lungs. During a c-section this doesn't occur and can lead to respiratory issues and the possibility of having the lungs suctioned out.  

Whether or not to have a repeat c/section depends greatly upon your reasons for your first.  If you don't mind sharing those reasons I can give you a little more insight into my experiences and knowledge on the subject.