C-section or Vaginal?

Ok I know this is a tad bit too early for me, since I am only 23 weeks, but they did an ultrasound yesterday, and both babies are head down now. So it got me to wondering, if they stayed head down for delivery they said they would give me an option between c-section or vaginal. Well my brain started to work on overload, and I am scared of both. Here are the negatives I see on each (but I've never been through either to know if this is correct or not).

Negatives:

Vaginal: You have to go through several hours of labor, and pain . Then you have to push out not only one, but two babies. Then I started thinking well what if we push out one and have to get cut down there, and then there is a complication or I just don't have enough energy to push out the second, then I would be cut for a c-section too. So not only would you have to recover from stitches down there, you will have to recover from stitches and staples in your belly too!!

C-section: You don't get to experience labor, they cut you open to where your guts are showing, the daddy can't be that much apart of the birthing process, you only get to see your babies and not actually hold them until you are out of the recovery room. It's a longer recovery.

So my question is Are these correct? Can people post their birth stories here c-section and vaginal so I get an idea? Also what would you choose if you haven't gone into labor yet and you are the one to make a decision, and what are your pro's and cons?

Thanks ladies

 

Melissa,

I agree with everything you said, but wanted to add a few more details for you on the biggest negative of a C-section: RECOVERY! A C-section is major surgery and has a recovery period of anywhere from several weeks to several months before you're back to "normal". You can't drive a car, lift anything heavy, walk up and down stairs, etc. for at least a week or two. I had a C-section (no choice - A was breech and B was transverse) and would not recommend choosing one if you have the option to try vaginally. My recovery was actually quite smooth, but I was still in bed for four days, sore for three weeks, and it was hard to take care of my babies while I was also having to take care of myself.

Just my two cents...

Oh - also, many women are able to hold their babies in the operating room while having a C-section. The nurses put my girls up near my head so I could sort of cuddle with them while I was being sewn back up. I couldn't exactly hold the girls as my arms were strapped down, but I did get to see them and feel them next to me. My husband got to hold them for a few minutes too.

 

I said longer recovery I just didn't know how long. I've only experienced this through TV shows

Thank you for your story though... C-section sounds so painful, especially the recovery part, but then when I think that, then I always think of going vaginally and think of the pushing one out and having to have a c-section with the second scenario. It would scare me to no end to recover from both. Eeks, life is filled with so many choices.

 

I had a c-section and I actually didn't find the recovery all that bad. I've never given birth vaginally though so I can't compare the two.

I was in the hospital for 4 days and really needed that time to recover. After that though I was really good. I took my pain meds for about a week after I got home and was fine. Of course, I wasn't allowed to drive. But that was OK. Not really an issue.

 

My girls were born by scheduled c-section at 38 weeks. I also have 3 boys (singletons) that were born vaginally. C-section recovery IMO is way tougher than a "normal" vaginal delivery (my ds#! was a difficult birth and I had a 3rd degree laceration between my legs - so that was comparable pain wise and with that one my 1st poop (sorry!) was AWFUL!!!) but after the c-section I felt like I had been hit by a truck for the first 3 months which I did not after ANY of my vaginal deliveries. It was not just the pain that made it tougher, it was the weakness I had.

I choose to have my girls by c-section because my OB told me that it was safer for the babies. even though the recovery was more, I would do it all again. Having done it both ways, I would never choose a c-section for a single baby but for twins it was the best decision for me . In the end my babies had both flipped - they flipped 4 days before they were delivered so baby A was breech and B was transverse so I really had no choice.

I say all of that but don't be afraid to have a c-section - just tke your pain medications every 4 - 6 hours wether you feel like you need them or not and having some help those first few days at home is great!!

ETA!! as the pp said, I would stay in the hospital the 4 days. I left after just 2 and IMO you do need those extra days!!!!

 

I have never had twins or a c-section so Thankyou for posting this. This topic is probably top on my list of worries.

 

Well my OB told me to not plan anything and to be open too whatever may happen.

Boy was he right up until yesterday at my 31 wk appt the twins were head down NOW twin A is breech and B is transverse so at this point lets hope they change but if not I will be delivering them C-Section

 

Well, hours of labor in my first birth wasn't that bad for me and I know that if both babies turn head down I will probably try a vaginal delivery. I pushed one out without problems and I know I could do a second one if needed.

That being said... yes, I would love to do vaginal because it is more intimate and you get a larger sense of bonding with husband, etc. BUT if I have to go with a c/s, I am not going to be too upset. The birthing process is so much harder on baby b. That is why you hear of mom vaginally birthing baby a and then having an emergency c/s with baby b. You just don't know until you get there.

If both of your little ones are head down, I say go for it. But for me, I don't want to risk it if the situation is any different. I do NOT want to be cut on. BUT I'd rather have fewer complications with a c/s

 

I am very pro-vaginal unless there are medical issues. The difference between pushing one or two babies out is minimal in my opinion. Recovery is much quicker and the fact that fluids is being pushed out of their bodies while going through the birth canal (less chance for respitory issues) is a fact. I believe if there is no medical reason (for your or the babies) to have a c/s, then don't.

 

I had a very uneventful vaginal delivery of my twins at 34w6d. I was induced due to pre-e and HELLP syndrome so it was not without risk. Baby A was vertex and Baby B was breech. Baby B was born butt first no problem. My Obs were supportive of my desire to try to deliver vaginally which I think is very important. Drs who say c-sect is "safer" just don't want to deal with a vaginal twin birth in my opinion.

If you search on "c-section vs. vVaginal birth", there is a lot of medical pros and cons from some reputable sources to consider. Warning - stay away from the "fanatical" sites on both sides and stick with the American Academy of OBs etc.

 

I had my son vaginally in '05 and my twins via c-section 3 months ago. In my case, I really think it was six of one, half dozen of the other. Vaginally, I was uncomfortable sitting or using the bathroom for a couple weeks or maybe a month (see, you do forget!!!!) That was also my first baby, so everything was sooooooo new and taking care of a baby was a bit overwhelming anyway, so that probably played into it a bit. With my C-section in November, I thought the recovery was really OK; the first four or five days was fairly uncomfortable, but really, nothing worse that what I expected. I ended up with that nasty spinal headache thing too, but once they got that fixed, life was pretty good. I felt pretty good after that first week. If both of my babies would have been head down, I would have wanted to try vaginal and my doctor would have preferred vaginal as well. But, baby A was vertex and Baby B was breech, and Baby A was showing some minor difficulties toward the end and together we decided that c-section would be better for everyone! I remember lamenting over this decision over and over toward the end of my pregnancy, and it really did all fall into place once we got closer and closer to our due date. In hindsight, I really do feel as if I had a good experience both ways - once you see those two precious little ones, it will all be OK no matter how they entered this world!! The problem is, there are pros and cons to each method of delivery and you have to take your own unique situation and have a doctor who listens to you and one that you trust to make the best decision for you and the health of your babies. I loved my OB and trusted her expertise! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate!! It's so fun to have twins!

 

I'm in the same boat as you except my Baby A flipped to breech at 21 weeks. I have another scan in a couple weeks but from the kicking patterns, I don't think anyone is head down. I delivered both my boys (9 lbs and loooonnnggg labors) vaginally and had a bikini line incision for ovarian cyst surgery. I would MUCH prefer to deliver these babies vaginally. I had a long recovery from the surgery, my scar felt weird for years and I swear my tummy muscles were never the same. With the vaginal births, I was up and around in a few hours. After being so huge and pregnant, you feel like a gymnast being about to reach your feet again and stuff. So I'm hoping Baby A will flip back around for me. Otherwise she is soooo grounded. LOL

 

I had my girls vaginally and really encourage you to do the same unless there is a medical reason why you shouldnt'.

Baby A was head down but my Baby B was transverse and she was turned headdown during delivery.

I did have a full episiotomy and was very sore but it was so worth it to me. Especially since my Addison was in NICU at another hospital and I wanted to get to her asap! If I had had a C-section, I would not have been able to get up and about the next day very comfortably.

 

Both of mine are head down. In fact, my doctor is comfortable doing a vaginal even if Baby B was breech. Anyway, I'm doing vaginal. My doctor would rather I do vaginal as well since recovery is easier and that is going to be very important while taking care of twins!

C-sections are major abdominal surgery, and I would just prefer NOT to have one if possible.

 

I had mine vaginally. both heads were down the whole time. Yes you do go through hours of labor pains, the contractions don't feel good.

I had contractions for 1.5 hrs, I dialated very quickly. Was able to get a saddle block because I dialated to fast to get an epidural.

Yes te pushing is exhausting but you give it your all, you will find it in you. My doc used a suction cup to pull the babies out faster. They both were born in one hour. I did get stitched down there and it took about two weeks to fully heal from that. It was a great experience!

 

I've only had a C but to me the main disadvantages are possible risks to mom and recovery time. I lost a lot of blood, luckily not enough for a blood transfusion, but I was extremely weak throughout my entire hospital stay, wherease people who give birth vaginally are often up and about the next day (I've heard, don't quote me!!). By about 10 days after their birth I felt okay doing stuff around the house without getting completely out of breath.

That said, I'm very glad I had a C b/c my baby B was transverse and my OB wasn't comfortable with a V delivery. I was very stressed about what a V delivery would mean for my baby girl. I'd rather go through the pain of a C than worry about what could happen during the birth process to affect their health. That said, very few babies have problems during V delivery, I'm just a nervous type of mom I think, and the worry would have been harder for me than the recovery. It is really early to know, my baby B was flipping til right before the delivery at 38 weeks!

 

hi, when it looked like my twins were one breech and one vertex we were going with a c section, which i havent eperienced b4, only 2 vag del.

Now both twins have been head down for quite a while now (i am 35 wks) and we are all go for a vag del. My ob is going to not let me go further than 36 wks or so, and he says that if they are head down it is ideal for a vag del and cant see any point in an elective c sect.

So were are go for the vag, although will try an epi for the first time in case baby b gets into trouble and does some gymnastics b4 coming out. I have a very open mind about having to have an em c sect. Any sign of trouble and i have no trepidations about having surgery. I just want to take two babies home.

I have heard the recovery for the c is hard, so that is an obvious bonus for going at it the old fashioned way. And yes, a vaginal delivery does hurt, but youre not in labour forever!!

Go the vag!

 

I'm a little freaked out about the whole C-Section thing. I've only had vaginal births and have actually had fairly easy labors and deliveries. My longest labor being 5 hours and pushing was less than 2 minutes.

However, these babies don't seem to want to cooperate at all. They've never been "head down" always breech or transverse. My last 2 US they have been breech. They move quite a bit but never flip. So, I'm pretty much resigned to getting a c-section. I'm worried about the recovery time not the actual surgery time. I was up and driving around less than a week after giving birth to my last one. Not that I think I'll be up for a quick jaunt to the store with 2 babies, LOL.

I think I'll have tons of questions for my OB on this.

 

I had vaginal natural (too quick to get pain meds) with one and started out vaginal with twins but ended up csection when one flipped and tangled in the cord. I was lucky and healed both ways quickly. I love me some pain medicine though. After the first it hurt ridiculous during but immediately after I was fine. Got an epidural with the twins and that was lovely. Was a little sick the morning after because I don't tolerate narcotic pain meds well and I think I have a pretty huge pain tolerance but didn't even need a motrin after the c section either and was up and moving immediately. So scared as I was to have a c section it turned out wonderfully. I don't know which I'd even choose because I had positive experiences both times. I hope the same for you no matter what you choose.

 

I had a c-section with the girls and my 2nd delivery was a VBAC with a 3 day labor and a 9 1/2 lb baby and the VBAC was by far the easiest. I wouldn't even compare them. As some pp have said, the c-section is a much, much tougher recovery. I was feeling pretty great within 1/2 an hour of giving birth vaginally and that was with 7 hours of pushing.

BTW, just remember that the birth shows on TV are set up to make things as dramatic as possible. Vaginal labors don't usually last days with hours of pushing. It happens every now and then but not all the time. I think birth has become such a mysterious process to us that we expect the worst when it's really not that bad. Our only experience with it is through television though and it's almost always difficult on there. If you can possibly go into labor on your own then your chances of a quicker delivery are much higher. Good luck!

 

I have only experienced vaginal births and I am usually the weird one out, because I was in premature labour for weeks (starting at 28 weeks), then at 31 weeks I felt uncomfy but not really in pain all day and by the time I decided to check it out at my hospital I was like 7 cms and quickly dilating away. They freaked and wheeled me to the OR and in about 20 minutes I delivered both boys, A vertex and B breech. But then, as my husband puts it, they would have fit through "there" transverse (at only 3 pounds each).

My second labour was a bit longer but not by much, I felt uncomfortable (and honestly I had been feeling like this for like 4 weeks and was still completely closed and long and nowhere near birth), then I got some terrible contrax that made me understand the drama on TV, so we went to the hospital and I was almost crying for an epidural. While they filled my bath for my wonderful waterbirth I gave birth to Ella (we did jump in the pool once she had been weighed and all... not quite a waterbirth but still!).
I was in hospital for under 1 hour until her arrival. I did push for about half an hour and I understand how frustrating it is, but I feel like when people talk about deliveries I can't chime in because I can't really "win" (which they all seem to be trying to do "mine was 7 days and the head was stuck for like 23 hours!!" "oh that is nothing, mine was a full months long and finally they had to give me 45 stitches!!" and i am like "yeah mine was 7 minutes long and in the end I had 2 babies!!!")

So you never know if you are going to be that "easy-delivery" person, or not! I was worried about it too (with both births and I think everyone is, even at birth Nr. 10 you still think about this) but in my case it was well worth not even having the option.
I was up and walking 3 hours after the boys delivery (to see them in the NICU) and with Ella I actually went out to see my son's end of school party 12 hours after her birth.
Millie

 

With my first, I was so scared of child birth, and I had it second on my list of worst fears -- second to death and that's only because death is final. :lol:

Anyhow, as scared as I was, I labored for 11 hours and delivered my DD vaginally without pain meds. It was a wonderful experience.

With my twins, I had to have a c-section, as baby A's placenta was presenting first. I never got to see them, and I was in the hospital for 5 days. I had post surgery complications requiring a second surgery 2 days later and was in pain for weeks. Oh, and the post-surgery constipation... I cried whenever I had to have a BM as it urt so bad (even with stool softeners) and I would bleed afterwards.

I would NEVER choose a c-section unless medically necessary, that's for sure!! It sucked!

QUOTE(MelissaTwins @ Feb 22 2008, 02:10 PM) [snapback]635192[/snapback]
Vaginal: You have to go through several hours of labor, and pain .
I may not have had several hours of pain before my c-section, but I had way more hours of pain after my c-section that I ever had while in labor with my DD.

 

I know I'm the opposite of most of the other posts. With my DD I was induced and delivered her vaginally. It was really traumatic for me for lots of reasons but mainly the midwife with me wasn't very good. My recovery was really slow - I ended up damaging my tailbone and was in huge pain for a couple of months and even now three years later it still acts up a bit.

When I found out I was pregnant again I really thought I couldn't deliver vaginally again mentally. In my case the choice was taken out of my hands. I had mono mono twins and they have to be delivered by c-section. I did have alot of bedrest before delivery and the procedure was more terrifying than I expected but for me the recovery was far better than the first time. I was home in two days and pretty pain in less than a week. I do have numbness in my lower stomach which is really weird and a loss of strength in my tummy muscles.

 

I was told at 8w that I'd have a c/s no if's and's or but's "just the way it is with triplets". Since it was my 1st pregnancy & I had learned just moments before that I was having not one but 3 babies, I didn't argue -too much shock I guess. Well by the time I was actually thinking about delivery that comment had sunk in & I didn't even consider arguing for a vaginal birth.
I went into labor while on hospital bedrest, just 36hrs before my scheduled c/s. I thought the meds the nurses were giving me would stop it, I thought it wasn't "true" labor, etc. I labored 7hrs overnight pain med free- I was just getting to where I was going to ask for some pain meds when the Dr arrived for the day & checked me- I was 10cm's & baby A was engaged. For a moment my Dr considered allowing me to try a vaginal birth but at my last u/s (less than 18hrs earlier) baby A was the only one in a good position for a vaginal delivery. B was breech on the opposite side & C was transverse with her feet by baby A's feet. If baby C had had her head on the other side in a better 'follow the leader position' (as the Dr called it lol) we probably would have gone ahead with a vaginal delivery, but with the bad positioning, early delivery (31w) & a worrisome cord blood flow issue with baby A, we went for a c/s instead. If I had it to do again would I go vaginal or c/s? Well with my girls & hindsight I would do a c/s again for them. Baby A's (Gabrielle) cord knot was so complicated & tight that a vaginal delivery could have caused her serious harm. In another pregnancy situation though- I'd go vaginal.

 

I had a c-section with my first at 36 weeks due to severe pre-e. When we got pregnant with our second, I decided to try VBAC and my doctor was very supportive. However, I ended up with pre-e again (go figure) and had to deliver him at 38 weeks. My doc's office won't induce for a VBAC due to the risk of uterine rupture, so I ended up having another c-section. This time I know for sure we will have a c-section and I am fine with it. My recovery with my first two were really great. I attribute that partly to having a wonderful doctor do the surgery. With my second, I had him at 10:30 a.m. and was out of my bed by 3 p.m. that day. I was off all pain meds by the time I went home four days later. I never had any issues and it didn't take me weeks to recover. I was back to doing almost everything normally within 1-2 weeks. I haven't ever had a vaginal delivery, so I can't compare, but for me the sections went very well. Yes, I would have loved to had the vaginal experience, but I have happy memories of both my sons' births. My first went right to NICU for 24 hours, but with my second, they brought him to me right away when I arrived in recovery and we had skin-to-skin interaction the entire time I was there. I carried him in my arms while they wheeled my bed to my room.

I completely agree with a pp who said it is a very individual experience and you have to be able to do what is best for you and completely trust your doctor to help you make decisions that are best for you and babies.

 

I had a scheduled c-section at 38 weeks. Both babies were head down from 34 weeks but I was developing pre-e and had not dilated one bit, so the dr said it would likely be a rough delivery if we induced. I was a little worried about complications with twin b if we went vaginal anyway, but in the end I didn't really have a choice. Those babies needed to come out asap!
The recovery was ok, not as bad as I thought. I did really need the pain meds to be comfortable for the first 7-10 days, but after that I was fine. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to go up the stairs, but that was no problem. Actually it was much easier than my last weeks of pregnancy.
I would have liked to have done it vaginally but in the end the c-sec seemed like the safest alternative. Everything turned out well and we are all healthy so I can't complain. A good friend gave birth vag on the same day and had a horrible time with recovery. The baby had to be pulled out with forceps, she tore badly, and had retained tissues that required a d&c weeks later. She told me she wished she had had a c-sec. I think she's in the minority, but my point is that there is not one right answer for everyone.
Good luck!

Jen

 

I wanted to add that I think the birth experience was still very special and don't feel like I missed out on any bonding or anything else b/c I had a c-sec.

Jen

 

I delivered twin A vaginally and twin B via emergency c-section due to cord prolapse. I had complications with both deliveries. Having recovered from both at the same time, I would say the vaginal delivery was so much easier to recover from than the c-section. If we were to have another child, I would definetly try for a VBAC since the c-section was so difficult for me.

Where I live, I wouldn't be a candidate for a VBAC if I hadn't delivered Katie vaginally. The only hospital in the area still allowing VBAC will only allow it if you've also had a successful vaginal delivery as well. That may be something to consider as well if there are similar policies in your area.

 

My OB is in the minority, but she would not schedule a c-section if A was vertex. The position of B didn't particularly matter to her as she was willing to deliver him breech if necessary. She recommended an epidural in case she had to manually manipulate B into place. We did talk about the possibility of a c-section with B if his cord prolapsed. In the end, both were vertex, I labored for 6 hours, and they were born vaginally 21 minutes apart.

My midwife referred me to my OB when we discovered twins at 22 weeks. I think her pro-midwife approach to birthing was in my favor as she was calm, collected and never even considered a c-section unless medically necessary.

 

My twins were born vaginally at 37 weeks (they had been head down the whole time.). I was induced due to reduced fetal activity in twin B. All told, I was in labor for a total of 9 hours. I did have an epidural that worked beautifully. I only pushed for a total of 30 minutes; they were born within 11 minutes of each other. I had a second degree tear that healed very nicely.
I would definitely attempt a vaginal birth; I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks. Good luck to you!!

 

I had my twins vaginally. My A was head down since 4 months and my B was breech. I delivered at 35w 5d, water broke naturally at home. My babies were still head down and breech. I was having contractions 2-3 mins apart from the time my water broke until I got to the hospital. Then they were right on top of each other. My water broke at 9am and I had my girls at 4:46 and 4:49pm. My baby A was born in 1 push and my baby B was delivered breech in 3 pushes (safer than trying to turn them around and risk needing an emergency c-section from prolapsed cord.) I was able to drive immediately and felt great, except for 1 day. I had a minor 2nd degree tear. My girls were 5lbs 10oz and 5lbs 3oz

I recovered faster and much better from my twin delivery than with my vaginal delivery of my son. I pushed 90 mins hard with him, my labor was just as long, my doctor had to manually break my water and my recovery was hard. I had a major 3rd degree tear. He was 5lbs 6oz

If I had to do it again would go vaginally again. My epidural worked great, so well in fact the doc asked for it to be lowered as I wasn't feeling the need to push. When I finally went into the OR to deliver I had my first daughter within 5 mins of getting in the room. I was on pitocin, but very low dose, as my body was working naturally and quickly

 

QUOTE(Ange2k25 @ Feb 24 2008, 10:57 PM) [snapback]638501[/snapback]
Where I live, I wouldn't be a candidate for a VBAC if I hadn't delivered Katie vaginally. The only hospital in the area still allowing VBAC will only allow it if you've also had a successful vaginal delivery as well. That may be something to consider as well if there are similar policies in your area.


Good point. I never would have thought of that.

 

Thank you so much girls I definitley think I will try vaginal if both babies stay head down. I am scared, about giving birth either way... AHHH only a couple months to go, and I already feel so uncomfortable!!!

 

Vaginal!

I had my first (singleton dd) vaginally, and wanted to have the boys that way also. To bad they had other plans and I had to have a c-section. I hated it! Worst experience I've ever had in the hospital! I know some people would rather have the c-section, but I think if they're both head down go for natural!