c-section vs natural birth....

how does everyone feel about this?
i had my ob/gyn appt the other night and decided to bring it up since we hadn't discussed it yet....he said that bc i'm a diabetic and also had major spinal surgery last feb, i will most likey have a c-section and deliver 2 weeks earlier. i was ok with that- especially given the fact that i did just have the back surgery and got through it (it was so not fun, major surgery- out of work for 3 months). but, i feel like since i found out about this and have mentioned it to some people, and have been totally fine with it, they have all been so negative towards the fact that i have to have a c-section and can't go naturally. i almost feel like a failure- which is sooo stupid since i know i'm not. they also have me freaked out like its something so bad. when the doctors do a million of these everyday. of course i'm already upset that i won't get to at least try and experience natural childbirth, but the end result is still the same- so why beat myself up about it, right?!?
anyone have any thoughts on this? i'm just curious of everyone else's opinion. maybe i'm just overly sensitive right now...who knows!??!

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I have to have a scheduled C-section as well.

Your post summed up how I was feeling too.

Thanks for posting.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

anytime!!!
its always good to know you're not alone....
we both just have to remember- there will be a baby at the end no matter what!!!

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Im sorry people are making you feel bad about it, that's terrible. Some people don't think before they share their advice/opinions. In the end what matters is what's best for you and the baby, whatever route that may be!

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Dont let other people get your down. It's not their body or their baby! You have to do what's best for you and your little one. Your doctor isn't going to suggest anything other than what's in your best interest.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I am having a scheduled c-section feb. 15th

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

A c-sect is major surgery....

But, no one should make you feel badly for having one...I had a sced c-sect. and had a wonderful exp!

Everyone has different views...and they're entitled too it, however there not entitled to making you feel poorly!

If you have any questions feel free to send me a FM

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I do not agree that because someone has GD that you NEED a c/s..are you opposed to waiting to go into labor naturally? There is no medical proof that a medically controlled GD women is at risk during a vaginal birth. Doctors DO suggest things that are not for your best interest everyday..that is a fact. NOT saying yours in particular but it happens everyday. And many OBs love c/s because it is planned...no phone call at 2am on a Saturday.

Did you WANT a c/s instead of a natural birth? IMO that is the BIG difference. If that is what you want, then that is totally up to you. It is your body and therefore you decision. Why can't you go into labor natuarally and see what happens? Why is that wrong?


I also think 2 weeks early is too early and personally I would not take that chance. I would wait longer. But that is JMO.

I feel that there are MANY things people do not realize about the risks of c/s..If you have COMPLETE information and make that decision it is your right, but often (as in my case and MANY others) they "forget" to tell you the risks.
I had a horrible reaction to something that was used, had popping pussy blisters all over my stomach/insicision area. My milk didn't come in until much later due to the medications. And the best was a year later I required an additional surgery to repair scar tissue "adhesions" that formed- which NO doctor can predict or control. And no one discussed with me that having a VBAC would require so much medical attention if I ever wanted one during a next pregnancy.

So while I am one of the women who feel like a total failure and my experience I would not wish on anyone..it is totally your right to have the surgery...but know it is major surgery.
For me the end result was not the same and yes, it did matter.

Message edited 1/26/2006 3:29:08 PM.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

All I can say is make sure that you are making an informed decision regarding having a c-section, that you know the risk vs. benefits given you GD and back probelems.
I have no idea why just because you have GD they think you need a c section and if you back is better is there a reason you can't have a natural birth?
Don't let anyone make you feel a certain way about how you choose to have your baby just make sure you gather all the facts because IMO doctors often leave stuff out.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Medically necessary c/s are, of course, not a bad thing. This is not that...her doctor is throwing a c/s to you without a real medical reason behind it..I think there is a difference. KWIM?
Even I would have to say c/s for certain life threatening conditions if I had them. So I don't think it is the same arguement..and again you have total information.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I don't believe she has GD, but actual Diabetes - that's what the post seems like. Combine that with spinal surgery and it looks like the doctor is taking neccessary precausions for a big baby and a healing spine ...


If you trust your doctor and know your body, I know you'll make the right decision. Good luck

Message edited 1/26/2006 3:48:29 PM.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I had an emergancy C- Section...I had never really even discussed C- Sections with my doctor...because I was only 25 weeks pregnant and we hadn't gotten to that discussion yet...however when the decision had to be made on which way to deliver I was very happy that My Doctor called for the C-Section...because it literally saved both mine and my Baby's life.

True the recovering stinks....but I had developed an infection that was turning Ceptic...the DR knew I had an infection...but because I do not run fevers he did not realize how bad it was...by giving me a C-Section he was able to clean out the infection which would have otherwise killed me in a few hours.

The benefit to my son was that he was not under any type of stress...he was out in seconds...and the NICU Dr's were able to work on him immediatly....his heart rate only dropped once...right before the Dr. rushed me into the OR...(that was the deciding factor for the C-section)...because my son was so premature a vaginal birth could have caused some pressure on his brain...causing permant damage....he has had 3 head scan since birth...and Thank God no cloudiness on the brain.

The reason I am telling you this...is because not all C-Sections are a horrible thing...you need to discuss your options...including drugs... with your Dr....until you feel comfortable...that the decision is the right one for you....NO Questions are stupid...and you can never have too many when it comes to your own child. I would hope that your wouldn't choose a DR. to bring your child into the world that you didn't have trust in.

Message edited 1/26/2006 3:44:10 PM.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I don't think anyone should make you feel ashamed for anything.

This is (probably) a decision that you and your doctor came to together after considering all the options and the best interests of your health and the baby's health.

Personally, I want to give birth vaginally. I have no medical conditions that woudl preclude me from doing so. But if the doctor thinks that I need a C-section and I agree- or its an emergency issue- i am doing whatever is best for me and my baby. That is the only thing that is important.

Anyone else who questions you - ask them what their medical background is- how long they studied endocrinology, orthopedics AND gynecology to be able to come up with such a "knowledgable" conclusion about what YOU should do. Also ask them to tell you what gives them the medical authority to decide what's best for you?

Some People!!!

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

wow- i walked away from my desk for an hour or two...and i came back to a mess. sorry about any of the bad experiences that any of you had with your c/s. i just wanted to clear a few things up-

1- i don't have GD (as some other girls have pointed out). i'm a juvenile diabetic- pretty serious condition- which is why i'm considered even more high risk than normal.
2- i had major spinal surgery- i wish i could explain how major it was. though my back surgeon said in the past that i would be able to deliver naturally, he wasn't taking into account the fact that i have diabetes as well- which as we all know tends to deliver larger babies.
the two issues combined leave me in somewhat of a difficult medical situation.

when it comes to medical advice i completely trust my doctor. never once has he led me a wrong direction- and i can assure you i've had my fair share of issues over the past few years. obviously, if he felt or i felt that i could handle a natural childbirth he will opt for one, but his feeling is that he would rather prepare me for the alternative. as far as the baby being delievered 2 weeks early- i was under the impression that he or she would be fine. obviously we could wait until the very last minute, but he was telling me that 95% of the time they do go two weeks early. i also, would rather not put myself and my health as well as the health of the baby through any stress if i were to let nature take its course and have to end in an emergency c-section (rather than just going that route to begin with if they feel it is most likely necessary).
i appreciate everyone's opinions on the situation. i was curious who opted and who didn't and who had a choice and didn't. i also wanted to know if anyone else was made to feel the way i was by other people.
again, i wish you all the best of luck in your births, and for those that have already delivered, thankfully in the end you're all ok.
thanks again!!

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I too have to have a scheduled c-section 2 weeks earlier then my due date because there is no way I can go naturally. I have rods in my back and can't even get an epidural so my c-section will be done under general.

I have to go 2 weeks early because they cannot take the chance of me going into labor naturally. My body would not be able to handle it.

I am so sorry about what you are going through I get upset everyday but not because of the c-section but because I have to be put under and DH can't even be in the room to see our baby being born

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I had an unexpected c-section. The entire pregnancy I planned on having an unmedicated, natural childbirth, like my mother did with all three of her children. I never even considered a c-section until the very end when I learned that my baby was posterior, which can complicate things. It was definitely a suprise, and I was very nervous going into the operating room, but overall I had a very pleasant experience. I was walking within a day, off medication within a week, and back to my normal self within 3 weeks. Yes, it IS major surgery, but it is done so frequently that if you have a doctor who knows what he's doing, it's not all that bad.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

I think I just like to point out that women need to do research about all of their options. There are thousands of unnecessary c/s every year in this country so somewhere, someone's doctors are streering them into the OR when it is not truly medically necessary.

Of course there are times when a c/s is 100% warrented and truly the best option for all involved.

No one should really have an opinion about which you choice...it is your path, not theirs. I only really hate when women are not given all the information to make their decisions.

Re: c-section vs natural birth....

Try not to let other people's opinions bother you (I know this is easier said than done). The most important thing is that you and your doctor need to decide what is best for your health and the health of your baby. If the best thing is to have a section, early, then that is what you should do, and just tell people very "matter-of-factly" that this is the plan. I find that if you sound confident with your decision and your answers to questions, people back off.