I had a 4th degree episiotomy with my 1st child. (that means I actually tore into my rectum!) I didn't suffer any long term complications and I felt ok after a day or 2. So to me it was no big deal. Well today I went to the doctor ( a different one that delivered my first) and he told me I was a candidate for an elective C section if I choose it. Because of possible complications if I tear again. I just want to know what other people think about this. I am leaning toward taking my chances and delivering vaginally.
2006-11-22 06:41:53 · 16 answers · asked by Rairia 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
MIght be best to elect to do so, but pay attention to the advice of your doctor over us strangers.
2006-11-22 06:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by Blunt Honesty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A C-Section is a relatively minor surgical procedure nowdays but it is still a surgical procedure, and surgical procedures carry a great deal of risks. You could have a reaction to the anethestic which could include everything from a minor cold-like feeling after surgery clear up to death on the operating table. The doctor could botch the surgery requiring a hysterectomy, ending your possibility for having another child. The wound site could become infected, prolonging your recovery time and endangering your life. In addition to stretch-marks, you would have the surgical scars on your abdomen. With a C-Section you are looking at 4 to 6 weeks of recovery time, instead of "a day or 2". And ... if the C-Section goes smoothly and you do become pregnant again, your chances of rupturing your uterus go up significantly -- especially if you want to try a "VBAC" (Vaginal Birth After Cesarian).
Knowing that you had a problem with vaginal tearing in your previous delivery, you could request that your doctor give you an episiotomy before the child's head drops that far into the birth canal which would prevent some tearing. The doctor can also slow the child's delivery somewhat by holding the child's head in the birth canal, allowing the doctor time to use his/her fingers to stretch the outer labia around the baby's head to prevent tearing.
From the sounds of things, your doctor is looking to schedule a C-Section because it would be more convenient for his schedule. I would have a serious discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits of both the C-Section and an episiotomy, then you need to decide which one works for you. If it were my choice, I'd risks the tearing instead of a major abdominal surgery but that's just me.
2006-11-22 07:02:57 · answer #2 · answered by kc_warpaint 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a vaginal birth with my first child and had the worst experience I started bleeding internally after my baby was born but they managed to stop the bleeding, my baby was 8 pounds 15 ounces, my second child i had a c-section cause they said she was going to be to big. She was born 9 pounds 15 ounces. The healing process for a c-section takes longer and it hurts to get up, cough, laugh, sneeze. It has been a year since my c-section and my scar is still itchy and still have some sharp pains there every once and awhile cause it is still healing. I stayed in the hospital a few days longer than the vaginal birth after my c-section. For me either way was painful for a month it hurt like hell to go pee after a vaginal birth, for a month it hurt to get up and laugh, so either way you look at it they are both painful. I am pregnant again and I know I will have to get a c-section again but if i had the choice I don't know what I would choose cause i know both of them involve pain for a month after delivery??? I'd almost say they were a tie for me other than the scar after the c-section.
2006-11-22 07:29:38 · answer #3 · answered by shady20001978 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you gotta weigh your pros and cons. You felt ok last time after a few day which didn't bother you so hats a pro. But have you ever torn a scar open? OUCH! Con. With a C-section you won't have to worry about tears. Pro. With a c-section they cut you open and as I have been told its really hard to walk. Con. Also with a c-section you are risking a scar on your stomache which can be whatever cuz you'll probably get stretch marks if you don't already have em. You just gotta figure out what is more important to you. Me I don't know I think I might go for the c-section the ripping sounds horrible to me.
2006-11-22 07:09:42 · answer #4 · answered by Kimi is 31 weeks 1/7 w/#2! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'ld still say vaginally. I had a huge episiotomy also but wouldn't voluntarily choose c-section. If your dr is that concerned about the baby's size, have them do an ultrasound to determine the weight and size. This baby may be smaller. My dr also told me since I had such a big baby as my first, the others will be much easier and the chance of have another large cut is much smaller since you're stretched a bit. Good Luck and talk to the dr.
2006-11-22 06:50:12 · answer #5 · answered by Jamie S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OUCH! Thats quite the tear.
Well, the doctor's right - the initial tear, although healed, will make that area prone to tearing again. I know you didn't have lots of complications the first time but that doesn't mean you won't if it happens again. You'll just have to weigh that against the extra healing time and possible complications involved with the c-section.
2006-11-22 07:35:38 · answer #6 · answered by chicchick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't get a C section. Find a better doctor that is skilled at delivering without an episiotomy. Where I had my last child, a lady had a baby that weighed 11lb.4 oz. and she did not need stitches! I have had four children and I only had stitches once.
2006-11-22 07:31:23 · answer #7 · answered by pennypincher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't get it...your doctor performed an episiotomy or you tore? i thought an episiotomy was done to prevent tearing. anyway...i'm glad you have another doctor now. i would go for vaginally. i would always go for vaginally. c sections add to the risk, i think. plus the recovery for you etc... it would be longer and more difficult for you.
2006-11-22 06:52:39 · answer #8 · answered by practicalwizard 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I also had a fourth degree laceration when I gave birth, and I became VERY ill as a result. I'd say your doctor is giving you good advice; it's easier to recover from a nice, clean c-section incision than a bacteria-laden tear that you didn't have to go through.
2006-11-22 06:49:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with your dr. advice above all else.
But generally, it is way better to have the child naturally, than surgery. Too many things can go wrong with the operation, and just not best to take that chance if you don't have to. Also, with natural birth you are on your feet doing stuff really quickly; not so with a c-section.
2006-11-22 07:09:10 · answer #10 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well around here in our area, they wont do a c-section unless its necessary, and if those doctors are anything like ours, I say they are offering it to you in your best interest. But if you feel comfy at least trying to deliver vaginally then go for it. If it cant be done, then you will get a c-section anyways ya know..
Good luck in whatever you choose.
2006-11-22 06:59:05 · answer #11 · answered by MZ02 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋