Intervention: What thought disturbs you more.

[OceanPrincess]

With DD, I was facing these three options... except my Obs hadn't mentioned c-sect, but it was in the back of my mind.

She said she wouldn't try forceps without an epidural so we went with vacuum. I'd never go for c-sect unless it was absolutely necessary. My recovery from the vacuum and episiotomy has been straight forward, give me that over major abdominal surgery any day.

Oh and the Obs tried the vacuum without an episiotomy first - so I think it is possible.

Also my recovery from the episiotomy has been better and cleaner than my sister who had a few tears and grazes from a delivery without an epi.

[amberj]

I would go for the vac first, then probably c-sect over forcepts- those things scare the willies out of me!!

I had the vac with Peter and I had a big episiotomy and some nasty tearing, so the recovery was NOT great (and lots of complications)- my dr said it was on par, pain wise and limiting of movement wise- with a c-sect.

BUT, the really cool thing was- I got to push, even with the vac! I had an epi so I was feeling pretty left out of my labour, and I couldn't really feel the pushing and probably did a crap job- but I got to push! I actively helped get my baby out, and that was awesome. So from that perspective, I would def go vac over c-sect. I suppose you could argue the same with forcepts, but as I previously said....those things scare the willies out of me!!!

[Willow]

I would avoid a c/s at all costs so would go with either forceps or vaccum first.

[Toomanytoomany]

The idea of forceps makes me want to vomit. I can't cope with a pap smear or internals... the idea of forceps just... ugh I'd rather die. So I'd go for a c-section, I guess.

[Jakabella]

I didnt get a choice and had an emerg C-sect...
TBH it was not a bad experiance.. I was up the next day and the pain only lasted a day or so and then it was just tender.. I was up and about on day 2 and didnt look back. Obviously I wanted to do it all vaginally but it didnt happen and I really think my c sect was not so bad under the circumstances.

I hope you get the birth you want and dont have to decide on any of the options!!

Kate xox

[Janie]

I personally would avoid a c-section if there was something else that could be done first, either forceps or ventouse. I had forceps (after ventouse failed), and like Mrsmac, my Ob is older and very skilled with them, so it was no biggie.

I've heard too many scary stories about ventouse, especially those done without an episiotomy, to make me ever want to go down that route. Obviously it's safer for bub, but I don't think I'd consider it without an episiotomy.

[BellyBelly]

The thing is with c/s and while the risk is slim, you set yourself up for a risk of rupture next time around (although you do that just by having an induction and yes, also during a c/s), a repeat c/s, infection, hysterectomy, haemorrage and not to mention anaesthetic complications. Its not just that birth, but the impact on future births women need to think about. Most Obs put the most stringent conditions on VBAC women which may result in you not having the birth you want, ever... I'd choose c/s last because they wont bat an eyelid if you want a normal birth next time around and you wont have any birthing conditions.