C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

So, I'm confused. My OB said that I would probably be better off with a scheduled C-section since it looks like I'm having a big baby. He mentioned how we don't want the situation where the head comes out and then the shoulder gets stuck and then the baby is struggling for 10 minutes before an emergency c-section can be done. Of course, hearing that, I had NO problem if he wanted to do a c-section.

BUT... I mentioned this to my peri-natologist and he said he sees no need for a c-section. He said that, yes... while it's a big baby, the dimensions are all perfectly proportionate so he doesn't foresee an issue with the shoulder getting stuck. And I'm 5'6", so he said I should be able to have a vaginal delivery.

Soooooooo... now I don't know what to do. This is my first baby, so I think I'd rather not do a c-section, but I'm not against it totally. I feel like I'd be "cheating" by not going for a vaginal delivery. ON THE OTHER HAND... the last thing I want is for it to turn into an emergency c-section where the baby is at risk.

AND I don't know how to bring up to my OB that my peri-natologist disagrees with his idea about c-section. They know each other very well and work well with each other, but I still feel like I would insult my OB if said the other doc didn't agree with the c-section. But it's my body and my baby, so I do want to explore all options.

WWYD?

Message edited 7/15/2011 10:46:31 AM.

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

peri trumps ob anytime. tell your ob. they should be used to it. got for vaginal if thats what you want and its safe.

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

I would tell your OB that at this time you are more comfortable trying for a vaginal birth.

Then see how your labor progresses/if you go into labor etc.

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

Message edited 10/5/2011 2:50:34 PM.

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

If the only reason my dr wanted me to have a scheduled C-section was because he/she thought the baby was too big, I would NOT do it.

1. Baby size is all estimates.

2. My mom who is tiny had me and my sister naturally (no epi/no drugs) and we were both over 9lbs. It's very possible for women (even petite woman) to give birth to big babies.

I lean towards having as natural as possible a birth though, so that is JMO.

If everything else is fine, I would not do the c-section solely on size of baby.

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

measurements for my DS were so off I wouldn't go by that. DS was supposed to be 8 LBS he was 5 lbs 15 ounces. he has a HUGE head (99%) and long legs and it messed up the measurements. I elected my C-Section bc who would want a 99% head going through their U know what!

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

Re: C-Section or Vaginal Birth?

I am 5 foot 6 and had an 8 lb baby at 37 weeks - and i had an easy delivery

i think you need to use both as guidance - i have a decision to make this time because i have one head down and one breach - most docs say C-section but my doc and one peri say I can try a vaginal delivery -

i did my research and would rather try a vaginal delivery over a c-section i know the recovery gets worse from c-section whenin labor for a while but i would still want to take my chance to avoid a c-section delivery all together

if i were in your shoes i would try and see if labor would start on my own at 37 weeks - i figure when you are off bed rest- they usually won't schedule a c-section till 39 weeks