To Schedule C-section or Not

Be prepared for lots of judgement on this. I was actually called selfish for possibly planning a c-section.
I had a c-section with my second (he was too big), you are also going to get people that say your doctor doesnt know what hes talking about, and doesnt know your body, and you can basically birth a 12 lb baby vaginally no matter your body type. Ugh, but anyways, My doctor is open to vbac, he is also open to letting me go into labor and then decide what I want to do.
Its really up to you, I tried to research the successfulness of vbac and couldnt really get a clear answer. I would do whatever you feel most comfortable with, and dont mind the judgement.

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I know that it would be desirable to try a VBAC. But after having three c-sections, I am well aware of the difference between an emergency c-section and a scheduled one.

My first two c-sections were emergencies; not the way you want to bring a baby into the world but since the outcome in both situations ended on a positive note, I choose to focus on what went well. I have two beautiful healthy boys ages 11 and 7.

The last c-section was planned. What a difference! The doctor placed the baby near my head (with my husband making sure she didn't roll anywhere and I was able to bond immediately) The healing was also enormously different. The first two c-sections, I was in the hospital for five days each. The third, 36 hours and I was out the door.

So, have a heart to heart with your doctor. What percentage of a possibility would it be to have a c-section? If it was over 50% in your doctor's opinion, I would schedule the operation.

By the way, congratulations on your upcoming member of your family!

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I had both... an emergency c-section with my 1st child. My Doctor waited as long as he could to avoid it. Could not avoid it.
My 2nd child, was a planned c-section.
Per My Doctor, scheduled c's are planned at 38 weeks.
In order to prevent, premature labor... and thus to prevent hemorrhaging internally. In which case, worst case scenario... the Mother and baby's lives are then put at risk.
Mind you, my Doctor has years of experience and he is the one that is called for Emergency worst case scenarios at the childrens hospital, so he has seen this happen. And handled it.

Because my 2nd c-section was NOT an 'emergency' at after HOURS AND HOURS of labor.... it was indeed, 'calmer' and recovery was very good.

I did have the option, per my Doctor, to have a VBAC or c-section with my 2nd child. He gave me the choice.
But I chose a scheduled c-section.

Both my kids.... were born at over 8 pounds and 21" long.
They were both born very healthy.

Also, in choosing a VBAC, you need to see IF your Hospital will allow it (some will not) and IF your Medical Insurance will cover it. (Some will not).

All the best,
Susan

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My first was an emergency c-section (I had placental abruptia). It was an extremely tramatic situation for my husband, so he really wanted a scheduled c-section with our second. I was ok with it, so we did go that route. In our case, it was headed that way anyway, as our son was breach.

It was a very relaxed experience. We walked into the hospital knowing how the morning would go and what to expect, for the most part. Family was thee during the surgery (and patiently waited for us to invite them into my room). For us, it was the right thing to do.

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Don't schedule it unless it is for a date past your due date. The studies recently done have found that scheduling even a week before the actual due date made it more likely that your child has asthma by like 50%. That is a pretty big jump, and explains why so many kids have asthma nowadays as number of scheduled C-sections had risen dramatically (and parallels the asthma rates... strangely...). Scheduled C-sections are almost always BEFORE the due date by a week so this is actually rather big news...

Do your research:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166

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I don't have the answer for you, but another point to consider. Babies who are born by repeat c-section without labor have an increased risk of breathing problems requiring admission to the NICU than babies born by c-section and were in labor. If you are more than 38 weeks the risk is less than if you are less than 37 weeks, but more than if you were in labor. It's thought that labor prepares the baby for having to breath. There is fetal lung fluid in the lungs prior to birth. It's thought that labor stimulates reabsorption of the fetal lung fluid. It the reabsorption has not started, there is more lung fluid for the baby to remove after birth. Whatever you decide all the best to you and your little one!

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I was in a similar situation with my two pgs. I couldn't push my first son out, and after 1 1/2 hours of pushing and his heart rate sky rocketing, the dr did and emergency c/s. He was born at 36 weeks and weighed in at 8 lbs 14 ozs. The recovery was horrible. Some of the worst pain I've ever had and I knew I never wanted another c/s. Last year when I was pg with my second son my dr told me that under the circumstances of my previous delivery and that it looked like I was going to have another big baby he didn't feel a VBAC would be safe. We scheduled my c/s for 39 weeks. At 36 weeks I went into labor and had my little guy via c/s. He weighed in at 9 lbs 1 oz. Anyway, the experience was really nice. Very calm, very relaxing. I was a bit nervous when they wheeled me into the OR, but the medical team was awesome. Best of all (other than having a healthy baby) was that my recovery was easy and virtually painless. I was up walking around a half hour after getting out of recovery. I've talked to other moms who've had c/s and I've come to the conclusion that recovery from a c/s where you haven't had to push is much easier than one where you've pushed for hours already. I know if I have a third baby I'd have to have another c/s, and after my last experience I'm okay with it. I feel the same way about birthdays too, but in the end it's about what's best for the baby. If your dr thinks you can VBAC then try, but if it's safer for you and the little one to do a c/s then go for it.

A.

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I would not schedule a C section. I would do everything in my power not to have one, but that's just me. I have had both a vaginal birth and a C section. Had to have the C because doctors don't know how to do a breech birth but I would never choose to do one.

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I would wait to go into labor and see how it goes. An ultrasound is not a reliable determinate of your child's size and all too often I see mothers scared into thinking their baby is too big, go in and end up in a c-section with a under 8 pound baby. How big was your first? They are saying you may not have a VBAC due to the fibroid or just with a larger baby and the fibroid? I would also seek another Dr's opinion. I know of many who will give you sound advice. Major abdominal surgery is nothing to mess around with unless it is truly necessary and the recovery is so much longer and harder especially with another child to care for. Also, it is not too late to find a great childbirth prep class that might also help in your delivery. If you want more info feel free to private message me as I wold love to find you the help to your question.

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I loved scheduling my c-section ... and I acidentally picked a day where two other bdays in the immediate family are but what the heck it's fun for all since almost all of the family on daddy's side is in the exact same month.

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hi,
I would go ahead and schedule it. I had a scheduled c-section with my first. (breech) I didn't get to pick the day though because the doctor actually schedules it. Your doc will pick the safest week for you to deliver, and then you'll be scheduled for whatever day she is on call that week. So its still kinda random. That being said I didn't deliver on my scheduled date anyway. They did a 37 week ultrasound and discovered seriously low fluids and I had to deliver early. :)

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Trust your doctor's judgement. I have scheduled my 2nd c-section at 39th week, both big and very healthy babies. My oldest is 4, never got sick, never had an antibiotic....no allergies, super healthy.....w planned csection, i've planed in advance for help before the hospital, during and after. The surgery was very quick, I held my baby within 4 minutes in my arms and breastfed within 35 minutes. The most important thing is to gain minimum, so you can bounce back within just few weeks or months. You and your husband will be very happy with the csection decision in a long run, if you know what I mean.LOL. Lots of luck!!!! Don't worry about the negative statements, they are usually posted by those who have no clue what they are talking about and never had a csection.

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going through labor and then having to have a c-section was the worst for me! Why go through that pain of labor if you are just going to have a c-section anyway? I have to have a c-section this time anyway(#5) but they won't schedule it for any sooner than 39 weeks- you could schedule it later than that- say at 40 weeks(or a few days after)- and if you haven't gone into labor on your own by then- you might be ready for a c-section anyway! That way, you would have done your best to do the labor on your own and avoid the c-section(yeah, I don't much like them either, but it beats being pregnant forever!) But, with your history- you still have a higher risk of ending up with a c-section even if you do labor on your own- just be aware of that. I was able to have one child as a vbac- and I am very grateful for the experience.
good luck!
~C.

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OK, I'm going to share my birth stories as you may find some help/inspiration:

Birth #1: Induced 8 days past my due date for high blood pressure. I was very slightly dilated. 51 hours of pitocin with very slow progress and irregular, mild contractions. Most docs would have called in failure to progress after about 12-24 hours and cut me open. I had very patient midwives in a very patient hospital. At around 49 hours I was starting to run a fever. I was dilated 7.5cm and I finally consented to a c-section. The midwife told me to try pushing a bit to see what happened. Well, I pushed for two hours and my (10 pound) daughter came out!

Birth #2: I was terrified that things would go the same way as number one, or worse, but I was hoping for the best. I worried that my body had never really been "in labor" before. My midwife assured me it doesn't matter - the body knows what to do the second time around. The night before my due date my husband (an acupuncturist) gave me an acupuncture induction treatment. I started having contractions immediately. They were mild and every 10 minutes, but strong enough to wake me up. I had contractions every 10 minutes (on the dot) all night long. I kept waiting to go into more active labor, but never did. The next morning, my due date, the contractions went away completely. That night he gave me a second acupuncture induction treatment and again the 10-minute-apart contractions started. That went on for about 3 hours, I took a bath and got ready for bed. Before going to sleep I timed three more contractions and all of a sudden they came six minutes apart, then four minutes apart, then three minutes apart. Two (very intense) hours later, my son (9lbs 2oz) was born (and after only 16 minutes of pushing).

More specifically to answer your question - if it were me I'd wait to go into labor. Babies lungs being fully developed and ready for birth are much more important to a safe outcome than the specific doctor who does the surgery.

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I had a c section unplanned due to complications the first time and then had a scheduled one for my second. I would schedule b/c you don't want the chance of an emergency c section. I would have the ultra sounds as the doctor recommends. I also would not worry about having a natural bday that is when he/she is ready. the doctor told us the due date then when it came time to schedule, she did it one week prior to the due date and since the doc picked the date, I was fine with that. You never know if the baby would come at that time anyway. After seeing that my first c section was a blessing in disguise, I felt that I did not want to chance the vbac. Not to mention, I did not want to tear down there, I did not want to push a baby through that area and.....get hemrroids! ha ha Do what makes you and your husband most comfortable but I have heard that vbac could not be a wise choice b/c of the baby passing by your uterus that has been moved b/c of the first c section. congrats to you!

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I had twins the first time, and since i was blessed to go full term, we scheduled a c-section. I really didn't get to pick the birthday, the doctor did. I LOVED having it scheduled. It was so nice to show up to the hospital, relax while they prepped me, and then deliver my babies. I will be having a c-section with my third this June. Again, I will not pick the b-day, the doctor will. But, I am so looking forward to another relaxing birth. It is so nice to not have to go into labor!

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Hi A.,
I had my first via C-section (she was breech). I thought about doing VBAC with my second whom i was told was going to be on the bigger side with a rather big head - my doc was fine with me trying, although I could sense that she would prefer that I did a scheduled C-section. I decided to go ahead with the scheduled C-section and made it for Nov 17th (due date was the 24th). Even though the risk for something to happen trying VBAC was around 1% I wasnt willing to chance it happening and the possibility of losing the baby ( it took us a year to concieve). I also felt like you with wanting to go into labor first and then do C-secion - I didnt really want to "pick" my sons bday. Sure enough, on Nov 11th my water broke and I ended up having my son via C-section on Nov 12th - a healthy 8lb 3oz boy. If I were you I would just scedule the C-section especially if you are so happy with your doc - your baby might "pick" their own day to come anyway. And even if he/she didn't, any day that he/she is born would be special.

K the difference between a scheduled c-section an an emergency c-section is night and day! Schedule that c-section! I have had both and the scheduled one was just all around much more enjoyable. I think that was one of the hard things about the emergency one. It was scary, rushed and I was so unprepared. But with the scheduled one I was able to go in get all ready for surgery calmly. The surgery went much smoother and I felt was less stressed. Recovery was faster cause your putting less stress on your own body by just having the c-section and not going into labor and then having major surgery. And I felt like I was able to enjoy my baby so much more that first day of the c-section. So don't wait for labor. Yes you could schedule your c-section and still go into labor before that date but If you have to have one you might as well be as prepared as possible which will help give you and your baby the least amount of stress and risk of complications.

I had a successful VBAC with my second after a similar situation to yours. I pushed for 34 hrs, no drugs, wanted a natural birth, then 2 hrs with an epidural, but I was stuck at 9cm and my baby's heart rate was not tolerating the contractions so I ended up having a c-section. For my second my midwife never considered for a second that I would need a c-section given that there was no physical reason why I couldn't have pushed him out, save I didn't continue to dilate. It doesn't sound like your situation was physical on your part either except that your son's head was turned funny. I dreaded a long labor the second time around given my first experience, however, it went SO much faster. Contractions started around 3:30 am, and we got to the hospital around 8 or 9 am, and I was already almost fully dilated and my water broke as I was trying to get into my hospital gown! I pushed for 1.5 hrs and out my son popped! My first was 8 lbs and my second 7 lbs. It was SO rewarding and I was so thankful to have had both experiences. I say try for the VBAC.

I have a friend who was also going to try for a VBAC with her second and ended up scheduling a c-section based on the estimated weight of her baby and her doctor not wanting her to try and push out a large baby. They were totally off on the estimate and her baby was smaller than they said. She never got the chance to push.

Look, you've already had one c-section. You know what to expect and what's involved. If you try for a VBAC and then they decide you need the c-section, it's not emergency, emergency. You are considered higher risk to begin with given your history, so there will be plenty of people on hand to monitor you. Give yourself the chance to push. Then if you do end up with the c-section, you will know that you at least gave it a try and it really was the best thing. They will be ready for a possible c-section and you will end up, either way, with a little baby!!

I suggest getting the opinion of a midwife. They are WAY more likely than an OB to let women try for VBACs. OB's tend to push for the c-section because of the slightly higher risk associated with a VBAC. Get the stats from a midwife, it's still less than a 1% chance something could go wrong. Also, I adore my midwife, but she was away when I went into labor and I had to go with the other midwife in the practice. I was concerned because I'd only met with her once before and wasn't sure we clicked. It ended up to be totally, totally, fine and we totally bonded over the experience (how could you not!).

OK...this is a lot. Please let us know how it all turns out!

Been there. Tried natrual birth for almost 48 hours and ended up having a c-section. 2nd time around, we decided c-section was the way to go, but was rushed to the hospital 3 times with labor pains only to be told to come back when the contractions were 5 minutes apart. By the time of my next appointment, they put the monitor on her and my OB ran in the room and said I was in full labor. I calmly explained that I knew that, but that Edwards refused to take me in or call him. Anyway, he told me to get to the hospital at 6PM that evening and he would perform the c-section.

All went fine and as a bonus, because I had the c-section after 6PM, Edwards called my insurance company and asked for approval for one more day to recoup. That extra day made a world of difference.

So, if you are going to (and I would suggest doing so), I'd scedule it for after 6PM so you can enjoy one more night of having that automatic bed help you out of bed.

I am planning a VBAC for my 3rd in May -- but I had my first vaginally and 2nd induced/then emergency c-section due to 6" umbilical cord. My sister in law had a similar situation to you with #1 and her doc wanted her to schedule a c-section so she did for #2 but then she went into labor a week and a half early so the baby picked its own day (and Yes, she had to settle for her favorite doc not being the one doing the c-section). You aren't really picking your baby's birthday because the baby could come early and essentially you are being held hostage to the schedule of your favorite OB :) Their office scheduler is picking the birthdate (if you go that long). Just schedule it if you are going to end up doing the c-section anyway....there are risks associated with your water breaking (umbilical cord prolapse, etc) -- why put your body through that if you are going to ultimately do the c-section. If you were going to do a VBAC, I would say NO- don't schedule it or at least not until a week+ past your due date (I talked my doc into 2 weeks post-date- ha!) to give yourself a chance to labor normally and see what happens. Best wishes either way!

Never had to go through your circumstances, but did have a c section after hours of labor, so my vote is for scheduling it!!!

I had a scheduled c-section however, my son decide to com earlier. So that could be the case with you too. Only with one of my three child did my actual doctor arrive, my other two, I had who was on called. With my last my water broke at 10:45 PM and I still was able to have the c-section and he was born at 1:55 AM. I had my other two both vaginal delivery with no drugs, over 9 lbs babies. My oldest sister only had one child and she had her c-section and she told me she felt like she missed out on something. I tried to convince her the only thing she missed out on was A LOT of pain, which she doesn't do well at all with pain. I think after we talked she felt better.
I really think you should try to do the calmer delivery and schedule it with your doctor.
Congrats on your new baby to be!!!

I was in a similar situation with my first and I successfully delivered a second and third VBAC. My first son, like you, I wanted to do naturally, no drugs. I went rather far but the pain was too much so when I was dilated to 7 I got the epidural. My son's head was too large to fit through my canal -- he was crowning but with the vacuum assistance and my very experienced doctor the only option for him coming out was C-section. I had been pushing for nearly two hours by then and they had to put me out more than average because the pressure was unbearable even with the epidural. My 8pound 22" baby boy was born and all was fabulous. I have vague memories of his first hour of birth because I was out of it -- thank God for pictures. All that being said, I really wanted to have a vaginal, memorable delivery. My doctor warned of the risks involved but assured me that there are risks any way you spin having a baby. He too opted to do an ultrasound at 37 weeks to determine the baby's weight. All seemed fine and I went into labor naturally on my due date. I got the epidural dilated to 5 (that's what I went in to the hospital at) even though my contractions were 6 minutes apart. I didn't know even knowing my 2nd's size if C-section was the way I would go. I delivered successfully a 7 pound 10 ounce 20 1/2" baby and 20 months later delivered VBAC an 8pound 2ounce 21" baby. Good luck and don't decide by fear --- but know either way a successful delivery however it comes is most important.

I know exactly how you feel about choosing your baby's birthday. My first born and second born were c-sections after many hours of labor. My third child, because of my previous c-sections, had to be a scheduled c-section and I have to say I struggled with it immensely. I wanted so badly to go into natural labor and then have the c-section but my doctor told me the same reasons you are facing...what if he wasn't on call, what if my uterus ruptured, etc.. I really wanted MY OB so my choice was already made based on that criteria. Now I am pregnant with my 4th baby and I am facing again, the same dilemma: Choosing my baby's birthdate. I am hoping with all hopes that once my date is selected that I will go into natural labor and my doctor has already reassured me that he will be indeed available during the time frame of my delivery. I have not noticed that the scheduled c-section was calmer than the first two. To me, a c-section is a c-section, no matter how it comes about. The thing is you can choose your date but what if your doctor isn't on call anyway?? If it were me, I'd take my chances and wait until labor begins and then have the c-section.

My first was a c-section after 12 hours of labor and another 3 1/2 hours of pushing (and then waiting another 1 1/2 hours for the anesthesiologist to get there......) She was 7#13ounces. Our doctor said my pelvis was too small to have children naturally.

Our second was a V-Bac. Only about 3 hours of labor but then a good 3 1/2 to 4 hours of pushing. They used the vacuum to get him to crown. I pushed his head out. Then he got stuck. (Shoulder distocia.) It was very traumatic. They did get him out (and after CPR, cat-scan, and ride to another hospital NICU) he was okay! He was 9#2ounces.

Our 3rd baby was a scheduled c-section. He was scheduled to come a week before his due date. WELL, 22 days before his due date, he chose to come! My water broke in the middle of the night. We went to the hospital and I was already dilated to a 4. So I had to endure labor for about 2 hours before everyTHING and everyONE was ready for my c-section. He was born happy and healthy at 6#8ounces.

I would personally do another VBAC in a heartbeat IF I knew that my baby would be okay. God was watching over us that night because I should have went home with no baby...... They thought he had brain damage. He doesn't. He's perfect! But my case is rare. Because TWO of my babies didn't come down on their own, I have come to believe that the first doctor was right about my pelvis not being shaped right.

So, I would NOT let weight be a deciding factor. IF you want the VBAC, go for it! And you can always have the back-up that you will switch to a c-section if the baby is not coming out on its' own. (I would never use a vacuum or any other interception again......)

Hon, schedule your c-section. It takes so much weight off of your mind to have it done to ensure your doc will be there for something this major. However, that is not to say that you can't cross your fingers and hope your little one arrives before that.

I too felt the same away and both of my boys arrived naturally. But my oldest daughter was by emergency section when they discovered the cord was wrapped around her throat. I hadn't prepared for that and it depressed me a lot. I wanted a vbac with my second daughter and I was hoping she'd arrive before the scheduled section. Alas, things were just starting to get in gear for me when the day arrived. I think if I'd had another day it would have worked out in my favor. HOWEVER, now that I've had a few years to think about this and look at the numbers in their birth dates I really do feel that both of my daughters arrived right when they were supposed to. It didn't matter how they arrived.

I don't agree with the women scheduling a section so they don't have to go through labor (so prevalent in this country & completely ridiculous having major surgery done and being in pain for weeks vs. just a few days) and feel that it is stealing the special day. But in your circumstance, it's completely different. Go with the day that feels right to you. Big hugs

I think if you're going to have a c-section I would schedule it. You really don't want to run the risk of any complications by waiting until you go into labor and THEN doing major surgery. You will need to have at least two bags of fluid before the surgery anyway, so that will press back the time to actually get the baby out, plus you don't want another round of laboring and then surgery...ugh...that's the benfit of scheduling it the second time. I had two by section and they were perfect! They did not visit the NICU, they do not have asthma, they were big and healthy! I do kind of get your thing about picking the date, but honestly, you already have one at home, pick the date and make life easier! Good luck!