Elective c-section

[Ladynbump]

I've been to the VBAC clinic this morning (I had E-CS with first baby) to discuss my birth options for June. The midwife said that recent Scandinavian research indicates that babies born via elective c-section are more prone to illness/infections.

Has anyone here previously had an elective c-section (i.e. you didn't go into labour) - and if so, were your babies poorly in the first few years?

Thanks for your replies in advance. x

 

[OMGbabyno3]

Hi, I've had 2 elective c sections and this will be my third.

There's all sorts of research out there, I've read about the sickly baby thing too. But I also read that elective c sec children are often calmer because they haven't been through the trauma of birth!

My two are both really well generally, I would say a lot more healthy than a lot of kids. My niece and nephew always seem to have issues and they were born vaginally.

I wouldn't let it worry you.

xx

 

[Ladynbump]

Thanks for your response and reassurance. I have a friend who had an elective too and her boy is now 8 years old, big and strong and not really been a sickly child.

 

[Ella1979]

My son was born by elective c-sec and was perfectly healthy until he went to nursery - nothing to do with his birth, just the bugs circulating around the place! I know this because my daughter was born by emergency c-sec (also didn't go through labour) and had only one cold and no other illnesses until she started nursery at the same time as her brother. She was also pre-term and very small (3lb 11oz), so you'd think she'd catch anything and everything going, but she doesn't.

They are both pretty relaxed children (my son in particular is very chilled). Definitely don't let it worry you or influence your decision either way. Interesting they'd mention the research at a VBAC clinic - presuming they're trying to sway you in this direction...? xx

 

[Ladynbump]

My son was born by elective c-sec and was perfectly healthy until he went to nursery - nothing to do with his birth, just the bugs circulating around the place! I know this because my daughter was born by emergency c-sec (also didn't go through labour) and had only one cold and no other illnesses until she started nursery at the same time as her brother. She was also pre-term and very small (3lb 11oz), so you'd think she'd catch anything and everything going, but she doesn't.

They are both pretty relaxed children (my son in particular is very chilled). Definitely don't let it worry you or influence your decision either way. Interesting they'd mention the research at a VBAC clinic - presuming they're trying to sway you in this direction...? xx

My sentiments exactly. The midwife couldn't tell me where she'd seen the research except that it was 'Scandinavian so it must be very robust'. Don't get me wrong, she was a lovely woman but yes, definitely trying to sway me towards VBAC. However, I'm pretty sure I'll go down the elective route.

 

[OMGbabyno3]

I wanted to try for VBAC with second daughter but she was obviously far too comfy where she was so ended up having her b c sec at 41+6. Wish I'd have just opted for c sec at week 39, but hey ho, that's another story, lol x

 

[JJ Mum]

I think they might mean infections and illness straightaway at birth due to section not later on in life.

Ive had elective 5 section births, risks are higher the earlier baby is.

My first had wet lungs at birth ( grunting) ( where the surfactant fluid in lungs is not squeezed out as they don't travel down the birth canal like natural births designed for squeezing fluid out). This can cause them breathing issues, laboured chest. For this reason they like to do them at 39 weeks now as the chances are much improved each week. He was 38 weeks and stayed in scbu for 2 weeks, with wet lungs and nasty infection, i had to go home without him
My second at 39 weeks was fine, third had the same issue at 37 plus 5 ( pulled early as stopped growing) was in scbu a week, terrible jaundice to sort out, nose tube fed, had no suck reflex! My 4 th was fine at 39 weeks other than jaundice and 5 th at 36 weeks ( bleeding early ) was a good weight but had to go to acbu overnight and had jaundice issues too

I really would recomend waiting till past 39 weeks and the risks come right down x

 

[Ladynbump]

I think they might mean infections and illness straightaway at birth due to section not later on in life.

Ive had elective 5 section births, risks are higher the earlier baby is.

My first had wet lungs at birth ( grunting) ( where the surfactant fluid in lungs is not squeezed out as they don't travel down the birth canal like natural births designed for squeezing fluid out). This can cause them breathing issues, laboured chest. For this reason they like to do them at 39 weeks now as the chances are much improved each week. He was 38 weeks and stayed in scbu for 2 weeks, with wet lungs and nasty infection, i had to go home without him
My second at 39 weeks was fine, third had the same issue at 37 plus 5 ( pulled early as stopped growing) was in scbu a week, terrible jaundice to sort out, nose tube fed, had no suck reflex! My 4 th was fine at 39 weeks other than jaundice and 5 th at 36 weeks ( bleeding early ) was a good weight but had to go to acbu overnight and had jaundice issues too

I really would recomend waiting till past 39 weeks and the risks come right down x

Wow! Five little ones - I take my hat off to you!

The midwife said that they wouldn't do the c-section any earlier than 39 weeks due to the wet lungs you mentioned above, which I'm very happy to do, that is if the little one stays put until then..! lol

 

[JJ Mum]

Ladyandbump - that's great news , yes don't pop early!

Don't worry 3 of mine are now big ones! 15,13,12 , but teans bring a whole different range of issues ha x

Don't forget to buy some big bridget jones pants in black for comfort around scar if you don't have already x

 

[OMGbabyno3]

I've read that the "issues" are throughout childhood but think it's rubbish!

JJ-5 sections?! My dr wants to sterilise me (I've said no) as they don't recommend you have more than three. Anyone who is having their third sec is offered sterilisation. When I said no, not because I'm planning another but because I'm 31 and don't want any future decisions taken away from me he just gave me a look to say don't!

They do the secs 7-10 days before due date here. I may push for 7 rather than 10!

 

[Ella1979]

I was probably really lucky, but both mine were born with no problems with their lungs. I had steroids with my son as it was a planned section that was brought forward to 37 weeks, but there wasn't time with my daughter (36+2). She was given facial oxygen in theatre, but other than that was absolutely fine (she spent time in SCBU as she was so tiny and had trouble staying awake for feeds).

Obviously the closer you are to your due date the better it is for the baby (unless there are problems which mean that early delivery is preferable).

 

[JJ Mum]

I've read that the "issues" are throughout childhood but think it's rubbish!

JJ-5 sections?! My dr wants to sterilise me (I've said no) as they don't recommend you have more than three. Anyone who is having their third sec is offered sterilisation. When I said no, not because I'm planning another but because I'm 31 and don't want any future decisions taken away from me he just gave me a look to say don't!

They do the secs 7-10 days before due date here. I may push for 7 rather than 10!

Can't believe docs are allowed to hard sell the sterizisation while your pregnant, nobody is in the right frame of mind at that time, just makes me cross! I had 4 sections with sterilsation!
And then 2 failed cycles of ivf and reversal surgery ( basically a section without a cut to uterus) and then section 5! So this " touch wood" be 6th and last section but have had 6 already really in my eyes. They don't tell you about PTLS ( post tubal ligation syndrome) either which is real, they don't seem to think so.

I'm more than a tad worried about this surprize pregnancy , with another section on the cards but hey ho.

Think 39 weeks is a good time for your delivery, risks go right down then , they prob say 7-10 days as each hosp consultant seems to only deliver electives on a set day! Ive always been mondays at one hosp and thursdays at 2 other hosps and one friday baby as busy and a sunday emergency one!

 

[BunnyN]

Some risks are always a little higher with a CS. I think it is pretty well accepted that there is a higher risk of breathing problems just after birth but it doesnt mean it happens to all babies. I dont know about the long term affects. It seems to make sense that some babies who have had breathing difficulties at birth are going to go on to have problems later as both the problems and treatments can leave side effects like scaring on the lungs. Even being given oxygen is bad for your lungs long term. But again the percentage that are affected is probably very low. All you can do is weigh the risks and benefits for your personal circumstances.

 

[catherine1987]

I went for mine last week. I had an emergency c section first time where I was put to sleep. I didn't realise this was actually rare. I thought when people said they had a emergency cesarean it meant they were put to sleep but it doesn't.
Midwife said straight away I could choose my birth.
When I discussed it with her she basically knew that I was more for the cesarean. She didn't try to discourage it but did say it would be my last Chance to go for a normal birth. She said I can change my mind right up to the day. I mostly need to know when my little man will be coming and really don't want to go over. She said we don't really like inducing too early and said it can cause you to have a cesarean which Is probably why I had one last time has well has little man heart beat dropping. There are risks with both. The one that worried me is the rupturing of the scar I have if I went natural cause they have to monitor closely and if they miss it I wou you be rushed to theatre. Also the chance I f having to go for a cesarean after trying to give birth naturally I wouldn't be pleased if I had a choice to go for one and chose not to but had one anyway x