About birth?

Question

I scared to death to go through labor. I was wondering if C-sections are easier and at least faster? Though I would like to do it naturally, I'm scared to death.

Answer 1

You can not choose to have a c/s. No responsible caregiver would consent to performing a major abdominal surgery on you without a strong medical indication it is needed. Having a c/s brings on additional risks of infection and blood loss. A c/s may be relatively painless while the baby is being born, but it is much more painful (and for a much longer time) postpartum, when you are trying to learn to care for a newborn baby.

Educate yourself about birth. Knowledge is power. Once you know more about it, you will be less scared. Read POSITIVE birth stories as well.

Some books and links to check out:

The Birth Partner by Simkin
The Birth Book by Sears
Birthing From Within by England
Husband Coached Childbirth by Bradley
Choosing Waterbirth by Bertram
http://www.gentlebirth.org

Answer 2

You can elect a c-section if you wish, but weigh the benefits and risks. C-sections USUALLY have a longer healing time. (Though for some women it is shorter.) There is also less wear and tear on the body, and most women over the long term recover from a c-section faster than the trauma of natural childbirth. However, a C-section is major surgery and has a whole slew of new risks that it introduces above and beyond regular labor and delivery. Also, it's tricky having a VBAC, so you might want to consider going natural, at least the first time. There are lots of pain management techniques, and you might find it's easier than you think.

As for your fear, there's a very easy way to ease that- take childbirth classes. They are invaluable, especially if this is your first child. I was terrified of the whole idea, but after childbirth classes, I was much more comfortable because the process was no longer an "unknown". It answered a lot of questions and eased a lot of worries. Sign up at the hospital where you plan to give birth so that you can actually see the maternity ward you will be giving birth in.

Answer 3

I've done it both ways. I have had a c-section and I have had a normal delivery.
For me a c-section was SO much easier. But, then again, I had 16 hours of hard labor with my first child.
With a c-section you will have most of the pain after. Even though you do not go through the pain of labor, you will feel it after.
With a normal delivery you will have the initial pain and then it is over.
All deliveries are not the same. Every women has a different story and there is no way to tell what your delivery will be like.
For example, I had 16 hours of hard labor and my sister barely made it to the hospital with her first baby (a total of 5 hours).
I would not consider a c-section if it is not necessary. Everyone is scared with there first delivery. You will do just fine.

Answer 4

Go to child birthing classes, hopefully that will allay some of your fears.
A C-section presents more risks then vaginal birth and really should only be done under certain circumstances. If you have a C-section you won't be going natural so why not at least consider an epidural or other pain relief?
You can go into labor hoping for natural and ask for medication later, there is no shame in that and you are certainly not the first one to do it.
People have been giving birth for thousands of years, don't be scared.

Answer 5

I would opt for naturally because you do not get to hold your baby right away after you deliver. Many times the newborn will be monitored for some time before any gets to hold him/her. Besides, it is an actual surgery and there are risk to any surgery for you and the baby. I understand you are scared, I think we all get that way. What I will say though, is that I am 37 weeks pregnant and I want this kid out. My new philosophy is bring on the pain, because I can not take this anymore. What I am saying is, your attitude on this may change, but if it doesn't it is really not a reason to have a c-section.
Take care and don't worry you will do fine.

Answer 6

It does seem scary doesn't it?Well just relax everything will be just fine.I remember being so so so scared of actually giving birth,but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.I am not the kind that handles pain very well,but the doctor and nurses said that I did amazing.Just breath through it and you will do great.Another thing to remember is yelling and screaming also takes allot out of you,so try to save as much breath as you can.
My sister in law has had a c-section with both of her babies due to health problems and both times she has felt like she is not as good as all the other moms because it takes more to push than to have a c-section.You should do whatever you are comfortable with.Congrats!!!!!

Answer 7

The more you stress, the more scared you'll be. Some people swear by C-sections, but there is a longer recovery time. I had a vaginal birth with an epidural and it was the easiest part of my entire pregnancy, and trust me, I had a bad pregnancy. I took no drugs after the delivery and wanted to walk to the recovery room. I was back in the gym 2 weeks later. No regrets, but it's all up to you. Go over both options with your DR and see what s/he thinks.

Answer 8

It is different for every woman. It may not be neccesarilly "faster". When I went into labour (I was induced) my total labour from first contraction to birth was about 50 minutes. That being said there are many woman who are in active labour for 20+ hours. I was under the impression that they will only do c-sections if you have been in labour a long time, something is wrong with the baby, or it is turned around (feet first). I'm not sure you can "plan" a c-section. Good luck!

Answer 9

no i wouldnt do the c section, i never had one but i did give birth to 3 children naturally, it does hurt dont get me wrong but all i did was ask for an iv called stadol to reduce the pain, it helped alot...i would have to say that the pushing isnt nothing compared to the contractions and you will have them no matter what, with a c section or vaginal birth~ so either way you will feel pain, but less with the drugs they give you, but i would just recommend giving birth naturally instead of c section, besides that you wont have scarring after that lol..youll be fine though! i wouldnt worry to much..after you have that baby and months later, youll forget about the pain! goodluck...

oh and recovering after a c section takes longer to and more pain afterwards ive heard! Just remember you'll be alright!

Answer 10

Well if you do it natural (well you can still get an epidural) it will be painful but over fast. And with a c section you are in pain for weeks after your baby is born.

My friend had a c section and she was so sore and hurt a lot. She wished she could have felt better so that she could enjoy her baby more but she was in so much pain she had to take medicine which druged her up.

Dont be scared. Im about to have my son and I am scared too. But I know it will be over and ill have my baby in my arms and it will all be worth it.

Good luck and congrats!!