Sam

Why do some women choose c-section over vaginal birth and what are the risks that would cause them to choose one over the other?

penguinmama

It often isn't risks that cause the choice, though sometimes it is. These days, many c-sections are planned due to the convenience to both doctor and mother of knowing WHEN the baby will be born.

Personally, I prefer vaginal birth due to much faster recovery.

Some might go the c-section route due to a baby who is not in birthing position (transverse, for instance, which means that the head is to one side and the feet to the other... or nowadays breech is generally a cause for c-section).

Emergency c-sections are generally due to failure to progress or fetal stress, among other things.

Stephanie2377

I think too many OBs are choosing c-sections without full merit these days. My stomach turns at the thought of women "choosing" c-sections only so they can choose the birthdate. A c-section is major surgery!

In my mind, the only top choice for delivery would be vaginally. That is how it was always meant to be, and how women have been birthing babies for years.

*If* there is an issue with Mom or baby, then a c-section is the next option for safe delivery. My son was stuck way up high and wouldn't drop. He began getting stressed with every contraction and his heartrate began to drop. So, the decision was made for a c-section. I was very upset at first, but my nurse still let me have a bonding moment with my son by lying him right to my face for a couple of minutes right after he was born.

C-section has higher risk for mother since it is a major abdominal surgery. I would think that a c-section might carry lower risks for baby in that the baby doesn't go through the birthing process (cord being wrapped, bumping into pelvis, being squeezed out). But, I haven't ever seen that research.

mamab

I think the way God intended is best, as well. I have known women who have chosen to have a C-section just so the baby would have a specific birthdate! I'm sorry, that's just nonsense! Personally, the pain and discomfort from surgery of any kind would make me hesitant to CHOOSE it if it weren't necessary. There are cases where you don't have a choice, for the safety of the baby or mother, but I don't think it should be done for convenience sake.

SageMother

Sometimes a c-section is chosen because the mother wishes to have a tummy tuck right after delivery and the c-section means the area is already accessible. This doesn't happen too often but I have heard of it.

Another reason might be the mother's having a handicap that makes pushing during delivery difficult if not impossible. Then, a c-section would be done to avoid fetal distress.

Sam

Wow, that is amazing, I know it is huge and I thought it was only done if absolutely needed, but to choose when the child is born is absurd!

SageMother

There is nothing absurd about choosing to control the things that you can control. If a woman has the money and has a willing physician, she can afford to avoid being passive in the timing of the birth of her child. It is her right, and she should be able to exercise it if she wishes.

TracyW

I have had 2 children ~ my first was natural and hurt like ya know what!! @$%^&~~!!! I prepared myself for the same the second time around. For some reason 9 1/2 yrs. later I hadn't forgotten the pain and feeling of it all. About 4 hours into labor, my second child's heart rate continued to drop and my doctor grew more and more concerned. After awhile, he made the determination to perform an emergency c-section and THANK GOODNESS he did. The cord was wrapped around my lil' guy's neck and everytime I would have a contraction this would constrict his breathing and therefore basically choking him causing his heart rate to drop. Take it from me from a woman who has had both deliveries, natural and c-section ~ IT HURTS no matter which part of you body your precious child comes from. NOT TO BE GROSS or give too much information but I would choose a c-section over again, if given the choice. Yes, the recovery time is a bit longer because it is major surgery, but my lil' guy's head was perfect and round, his color was great, no smooshy cone headed baby, and he was alive. Thank goodness my doctor acted quickly because he may not be here today <sniffle>

Sillygurl2l8

From a mother who has had TWO c-sections, please do not have one unless it is needed. They ARE a major surgery and they do take a long down time to recover and when you are having a newborn that is the last thing you need is to be recovering from surgery. Plus all the other rises of a major surgery. And as far as the baby coming out with great color and a perfect round hair, ect this isn't true for all cases. My second c-section the doctor had a very hard time getting her out. She was bruised, swollen, and wasn't breathing well on her own.

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Trina

I can't speak for other women, but I can share my own experiences. My first was born via c-section after 48 hrs. labor, pitocin and all. They took x-rays to see why it was taking so long, and discovered DS's head wedged against my heart-shaped pelvis. My OB/GYN at the time, who I had known for several years, said NO baby would ever fit through. Fast forward to my second pregnancy in a different city and OB/GYN practice. My new doctor gave me the option of trying VBAC. After going through what I did the first time and *knowing* I had a heart-shaped pelvis, I chose to deliver via c-section. There was no way I was going to go through that adventure AGAIN, yet still end up delivering via c-section.

BTW, #2 was supposed to be a scheduled c-section. HA! My water broke 5 days prior to the scheduled date. We still had the element of surprise!