Can you choose to to have a C-Section, or do you have to have something wrong with ou or the baby to have one?

Question

I'm not pregnant or planning on having kids for years. I was just wondering.

Answer 1

It has now become common for women to opt for a c-section even without any complications. Whether or not your doctor will do it & insurance will pay for it, is another matter. Doctors do not normally recommend having major surgery unless it's necessary, but some doctors will perform a c-section based on what the woman wants. Because a c-section is much more expensive than natural birth, most insurance companies will not pay for it if you just opt to have one for your own personal reasons, there must be medical necessity. Years ago it was unheard of for women to elect for one, but now alot of couples choose to because they're scared, or other personal feelings.

Answer 2

Many people elect for a c-section for various reasons. Mostly it is a medical option - such as a breech baby. It is much less stressful for the mother and the baby to take the baby by c-sec than it is to turn it. Very large babies are also often taken by c-sec. But many elect to have it - some do because of a previous c-sec. Even though you can have a vaginal delivery after a c-sec there is still a small risk of rupture and many women would rather avoid that risk. Others, there is anxiety due to a previous difficult delivery.
But the real controversy is those that just don't want to deal with labor and delivery - 'too posh to push' as some people call them. They don't want to deal with the pain, the unknown, the sweat, or the swearing - whatever it is, they don't want to deal with it so they have a c-sec to get it over with.

Answer 3

I think you can do an elective c-section, but most doctors would rather you delivered vaginally.

Honestly, if the reason someone wants an elective c-section is just because they're scared of labor, I don't think that's a very good reason. C-sections are harder to recover from and then any children you may have later will almost always be delivered via c-section too. It's major abdominal surgery.

Personally, I'm trying to avoid one if I can, but I recognize that they are useful in an emergency situation when there is distress to the baby or to the mother.

Answer 4

There are definitely doctors who will do it on request, but I don't think they're very reputable. Many Hollywood types have a C by choice a month early so as not to get the dreaded "stretch marks". How deranged is that? A good OB/GYN will only recommend a C if there is a problem.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the doctor and why would you want to have a C-section? The recovery time is a lot longer and there are other issues too. You know, God gave you a natural way to have a child, USE IT.

Answer 6

There are a few doctors who would do an elective c-section, but you would have to look around. Most don't do it because a c-section is major surgery and to do a major surgery unecessarily is not a good idea.

Answer 7

You have to have good justification for having C-Section when you have to deliver. Not only it is riskier (infection, etc) but also a lot more expensive and longer stay at the hospital.

Answer 8

I've heard of it, but its not a good idea. If there are no complications, a vaginal birth is simpler, safer and has a much shorter recovery time. Three weeks after a vaginal birth you'll be where you are physically three months after a caesarean.

Answer 9

You can try and elect for one...but most Dr's won't do it just because you want too...The contractions in labout are good for the baby anyways.

Answer 10

yes you can choose but they normally do not recommend it unless there is an issue