Can you just choose to get a c-section instead of giving birth naturally?

Question

I'm not pregnant, but if I do get pregnant someday I'd like to have a c-section instead of a normal birth. C-sections seem much less scary to me. Also, don't almost half of all women end up having c-sections anyway even if they didn't want one? I think I'm scared of natural birth because all the women in my family had very difficult labors. My mother and all of my aunts had to have c-sections, even though none of them initially wanted one. I'd rather just save the pain and opt for a c-section from the start. Has anyone done this?

Answer 1

As someone who had her first baby a month ago, and was not given a choice to have a natural birth, I had a scheduled c-section due to complications. I can tell you from first hand experiance that a c-section seems and sounds easier in theory than it really is. I had a very easy recovery after the very hellish and horribly painful 3 days post surgery. A c section is painful, has a longer recovery time and your very very limited as to what you can and cannot do post surgery. I would imagine there are Dr's out there who would allow you to choose, but I wouldnt' stick with them if they gave me the choice myself. Labor and delivery are scary, but so it a surgical delivery. Try natural childbirth and see what happens. You may surprise yourself.

Answer 2

Save the pain? You have to be kidding right? I have given birth 3 times. My first two were vaginal deliveries and my third was a c section. I would much rather give birth vaginally than have a c section. A c section is a major surgery and the recovering time is a lot longer! Not only that, but as with any surgery complications can arise! I hemorrhaged and almost died! Then afterwards I was so weak and sore I had a difficult time doing anything!

Answer 3

Your labor and birth experience is completely independent of your family members. Do you even know exactly why they needed cesareans?

Any doctor that practices ethically will not allow an elective cesarean. It is a surgery that has many more risks than vaginal deliveries. Just because so many women end up having them doesn't mean it's just as safe.

And if you think with a c-section there is no pain, you are so very mistaken. Labor pain is easily relieved with an epidural or other meds. After surgery, you can have pain for weeks.

You can always ask your doctor and tell them what you would like to have happen, but they can and will and SHOULD refuse procedures that are not medically necessary.

Answer 4

Just because your family members had difficult labors does not mean you will!

I have had 3 natural births that went fine.

At the same time my biological mom, grandma, aunts and even a couple cousins had very difficult labors mom, aunt, and cousins ended up having c-sections. So I wasn't cursed/jinxed or whatever.

Answer 5

You would only be allowed a elective c-section for medical reasons.... or if you paid to go private but your looking at a starting cost of about £7k and thats if everything goes ok.

The recovery period for a c-section is 6 weeks sometimes longer. It's difficult to bend down/over, push a pram (not to mention lifiting it) and you can't drive in that time either.

Two of my friends had emergency c-sections and said the recovery was really difficult compared to myself and a few other friends who had natural births and we were feelig ok (ish!) in about two weeks.

I was scared of a nautral birth too but it really is true... once your baby os born all the pain is forgotten (well at least for a bit anyway!)

Answer 6

Without a medical reason they don't usually let you choose to have a c-section. If you've had previous c-sections they might.
Yes it is less scary to go into the hospital... have them give you the epidural... you lay there as they cut you baby out... stitch you back up... can't move... can't lift your baby... weeks of recovery, which is painful.
You just have to trust that your body know what to do during labour and delivery... there are pain management alternatives.

Answer 7

VBAC's are discouraged by most OB's unless a person has had several vaginal deliveries prior to the C-section. The risk of uterine rupture is extremely small, I'd be more worried about TBI (traumatic brain injury) from hypoxia. I am all for get em out quick.

Answer 8

givin birth naturally is better for the baby and you, u cant really choose and it is pretty bad if u can because of the chemcals effectin the baby and you, also you have to get over an operation while caring for a new born, its bad news.

you should do what is best for the baby not because your too scared of pain....its what its all about and its kinda bad just deciding to stick a load of chemicals in your body that can harm a tiny baby just cause your frightned of labour...if the doctors think you shud have a c section then they will offer you one.

Answer 9

I don't think you can choose, but believe me it's better to have your child natural than through surgical intervention.

I had my children by c-section, and it's no picnic.....it takes longer to heal inside and it's not recommended to lift heavy items over 10lbs. So what does one do when the baby is large and there's also the diaper bag and various other things to carry? You do it, but you might suffer later.

If you're blessed to have your child natural, please do!
Remember c-sections are MAJOR SURGERY!

PS the pain of labor goes away faster than the pain of abdominal surgery.

Answer 10

While I suspect there are doctors out there that would do it, I wouldn't think much of them. C-sections are a much more significate procedure. It takes you a lot longer to recover from one. And the long term effects on your body are more significant. Unless there is a sound medical reason for one, I wouldn't consider it.