Do women have a choice between natural birth and C sections?

Question

Like if I wanted a csection, can I have on w/o trying naturally first?

Answer 1

usually c sections are not an elective choice, most OB Dr's. will only perform them if there is a medical emergency. ie Breach birth, cervix not dialating after hours of labor, and multiply births. altho labor can be pain full it you forget the pain as soon as the baby is put in your arms. good luck to you.

Answer 2

The hospital will usually want you to try natural birth first. If the baby is breech or there is some other complication that prevents you from having a natural birth, then they will perform the C-section. I don't think you can just opt for a C-section, and don't know why you would want to. It leaves a big nasty scar and your stomach will not recover as well as it would from a natural birth, as a C-section requires cutting of the abdominal muscles, which will likely cause your tummy to hang down over the scar. Very unattractive.

Answer 3

Depends on your doctor. A lot of doctors are leaning towards c-section as a choice, not a last resort nowadays. This allows them to keep more of a schedule and allows busy patients to plan the birth of their baby better. I would suggest you ask your doctor and if they won't let you "choose" that option, ask around with other doctors. Just be sure you interview any doctors that will agree to do that. That should not be your only reason for choosing a doctor. Good luck!

Answer 4

Why would you WANT major abdominal surgery without a strong medical indication that it was necessary? Risks of problems go up with a c/s. You have a higher risk of infection. You have a longer recovery period...with a newborn to care for!

I'm guessing you are having some fears about birth that are causing you to ask this question? You need to talk to your caregiver about your fears. I suggest you get some good books like "Birthing From Within" by England and "The Birth Partner" by Simkin and learn more about birth and try to deal with your fears.

Answer 5

Yes, you do have a choice. I gave birth naturally the first time, but it was so physically traumatic for me that this time (with a better doctor) I am choosing C-section. All you have to do is find the right doctor.

Answer 6

If you find a crappy doctor that doesn't care about women or babies then the answer is yes.

You don't want surgery. Research natural birth before you start freaking out and allowing yourself to be cut open. Its not as bad as rumor has it, in fact it is a wonderful experience.

Answer 7

A lot of doctors seem to be resorting to c-sections at the drop of the hat. Chances are you can find a doctor who'll allow it because then they can charge you even more for the surgery. I've had quite a few friends whose doctors ended up doing c-sections for some pretty poor reasons.

Answer 8

I asked this because I didn't want to go through labor (again) and my dr. said no. I had to try natural first. Of course it workrd I had already had 2 vaginal births before. I did get the epidural the minute I got to the hospital though!

Answer 9

i think u have to have it vaginal unless there is a medical reason with u or the baby that u have to have a c section. but as lond as u can do it , have it natural b/c recovering from a baby is bad enough without a surgery on top of it.

Answer 10

Why would you want unnecessary surgery? First be informed about vaginal birth. The vaginal muscles were made to stretch during childbirth and they WILL go back to their normal size. Sometimes it's even tighter than before depending on how they stitch you up.