Is it better to have a C-section or natural birth?

Question

Obviously, I am a young (20 year old) woman who is pregnant and is scared of the delivery. I have a disorder where I tend to pass out A LOT. Even with the poke of a needle, I am out on the floor. My doctor says that I'll be fine giving natural birth and he will only consider a C-section only if I can't deliver naturally, or otherwise, already passed out. My husband is extremly scared for me, and I want to reassure him that everything will be okay, but I don't know what to tell him. Can anyone give me some kind of reassurence that natural birth isn't all that bad?

Answer 1

the last month of pregnancy is so miserable that I promise you, you will do anything to not be pregnant anymore. That alone makes labor and delivery welcome.

Women were meant to deliver babies naturally. The vast majority of C-sections done are unnecessary and it is really quite sad that convenience rules over common sense and safety. For most women and babies, natural births are safer.

Anytime you have a surgical procedure you run a risk of dying from anesthesia or infection or other complications. So I would certainly recommend you avoid it unless you have no choice.

Your most pleasurable delivery would likely occur with a MIDWIFE in a hospital. That's the best of both worlds. Unlike a doctor, a midwife will stay with you the whole time, help keep you comfortable and be there to answer any of your questions. She can help assure a pleasant natural birth, and still you are in the hospital should you need a c-section or another emergency crops up.

I have assisted (as a coach) in several friends' deliveries though my 3 were all c-sections (and each unplanned and unquestionably necessary), so I have seen it done a lot of ways. Induced labor is the most miserable, but these days they can give you pain meds that can make it a lot more comfortable.

Don't panic. You were built to have babies even if you are tiny (one friend is 4'10" and 90lbs not pregnant and she had very easy, big babies naturally).

I would do some homework and find out if you can get a midwife. I think the reassurance of a woman by your side that is knowledgeable will be very helpful to you, your husband and your baby.

Answer 2

I think you should try to have a natural delivery. I had to have a c-section and its not as easy as it sounds. You have a longer recovery and the recovery is very painful. I would have had a natural birth if it was possible. I am now pregnant again and I will need another c-section and I am very worried to have another because of the pain I had last time. Millions of women have given birth natural, why do you think that you can't? You say that you tend to pass out alot but have you ever seen a c-section. They are literally cutting you open and cutting through your layers muscle. Not to mention you have to have anesthesia in which they use a huge needle in your back to numb you. What makes you think that a c-section is going to be easier.

Answer 3

If you are healthy have a natural birth. Your doctor can tell you best. If you need a C Section they can even do it in the delivery Room if there is a problem. Yes it is scary. But don't let it make you make the wrong choice. C Sections can lead to problems later in life, not mention scar tissue. Besides a natural birth is the best way to immediately bond with your lovely new child. You both shared it, and the child will immediately know you.

Answer 4

Natural childbirth is painful but so is recovering from a c-section. Either way you are going to have to endure some pain. In either case, you can have medication to ease the pain and for the most part, you will only have to worry about recovery.

Please do yourself a favor. Unless YOU want a drug-free delivery, do not let anyone talk you into going drug free. There are millions of women who give birth using drugs for pain and their babies have no side effects. I had pain medication from the beginning (and ended up with a c-section) and my son was just fine. Trust your doctor. He deals with frightened women all the time. And remember, the pain isn't unbearable. Women have been having repeat pregnancies for hundreds of years. If it was so bad you couldn't stand it, no one would have more than one child!

Answer 5

i just had my daughter 3 months ago, natural birth HURTS, especially those contractions ...but it is so beautiful and a different kind of pain, i don't think you will pass out. there are always epidurals (to numb the pain), but they are given to you with a needle (uh-oh). anyway, you can only get a C-section if necessary. so if your doctors says you will deliver by labor, you will. don't be scared, the contractions are what suck and you are going to feel those no matter what. the labor is pretty quick for a healthy mom, so don't worry, that will only make it worse. tell your husband to be brave for you both. you will realize how much you are glad to have gone through with it once you see your little bundle of joy - GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

You're not alone being scared of needles. Be very up front with your doctor or health care provider. They can help you with your fears. If they are not accepting of the reality of your fear of needles, I'm telling you to find another doctor.
My daughter-in-law was a lot like you, passing out or throwing up with needle sticks. She was a trooper in labor and delivery, and we now have gorgeous baby boy.
You just have to make up your mind, at the time, you can do what is necessary for your baby. It's a great motivator, and the reward, unbelievable!
Good luck!

Answer 7

i would suggest you have the natural birth. in having C-section,there are a lot of set backs i suppose...it takes longer time to heal, you would have to always be in C-sec everytime you give birth, you need to space the years in between bearing child,and in cold weather the pain recurs only lighter. Im not tryin to freak you out but i myself considered that when i was pregnant...but then having the natural birth was way way more than i expected because of the bond and the fulfillment and completeness i felt when i held my child right that moment of giving birth...it was ecstacy. something you would miss if you are sedated...

Answer 8

I'm 8 and a half months pregnant and a little freaked out myself.. Natural is the best way. consider the healing process with a c-section. I also heard that it's more painful during the healing and that is def something you don't want. Good luck

Answer 9

Natural..means natural.
C-section is for emergencies for the child's life..if child is not being delivered safely through the birth canal because of various complications such as; not dilating, head is stuck or too big, baby is exhausted or cannot push out, breached(wrong way),mother's health failing and many other reasons.
Keep it natural and it is worth all the pain and anxiety when you see that precious new life in your arms!!

Answer 10

go naturally especially if you want your flat stomach back quicker. with a c-section they cut the muscle tissue so it takes a lot longer to be fit again. naturally is not so bad I'm a 1st time mom at 26 and went to natural no drugs nothing. the pain must end at some point it wont last forever that is what i kept telling myself and it was over very fast. 4 hours.