Caesarean or natural labour?

[happyred]

I am nearly 24 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. My 1st was delivered by emergancy caesarean section (he was breech at time of labour). Now my midwife has said that i can chose either a natural labour or opt for a caesarean again this time.
I think i'm going to opt for the natural way! But, im getting worried about the scarring from my previous section becoming torn again as ive read that this is possibe. Is it all real high risk?

Also, having given the choice in delivery, what would you chose?

[Pippa68]

Hi happyred!

Congratulations on your pregnancy :o) I have read and replied to your previous posting, and note that your first child is four years old ~ from this I can gather that there should be no real risk to your scar tearing during labour..I think this is only a scenario to think about if you have a very short gap between pregnancies.

I haven't had any C sections, but my sister in law has had three. There are 2 years between each of her children and there was no problem at all regarding her scar. My aunt had a C section first time, and 3 years later a vaginal birth..again, no problems at all.

Regarding choice, I would always opt for vaginal birth ~ however if I was told there was a problem that required a C section delivery of course that would be the way to go!

[winny]

Hi happyred, you sound just like me. My first section was emergency due to other difficulties last minute. 2 yrs 3months was the gap and I was given the choice like you and optedfor natural as i did not want the recovery period with one in tow already.
The scar tissue was a worry as you say. The hospital were great as i opted for natural. I had to go in at first signs of labour and was monitered alot but 12 hours and number 2 popped out text book style. They advised I have an epidural in case they did need to section me but let it wear iff so I could push properly with feeling.
My choice natural every time, might be worse at the time but after 48 hours i was home and feeling fine not still sore 6 weeks after. The mid wife told me i did really well as 2 years is close for scar tissue and they did not expect me to manage it so they were all really proud of me. Pleased they not tell me that before. With scar 4 years old and no medical reason for the last section then go for it natural. Be prepared for monitering and be aware if they are worried you will have to have one but believe me they will watch carefully and whip you off at the first signof trouble. I have loads of friends with older scars that have whizzed through second time. One with 6 year old scar they did not moniter as risks so low.
Bear in mind if you have 2 sections then if you have baby 3 you wont get choice and will have to have section then they might advise no baby number 4 as they dont like doing 4 sections. Good luck whatever you decideXXXXXXX

[happyred]

Thank you to both Pippa and Winny for your really helpful advice.

You have both helped with my decision, which will be to opt for a natural birth!

I think i will still be a little anxious, but will put my trust in the doctors and midwives. I have now only 16 weeks to go...and counting! ;-) thank you again. x

[bigmamma]

Congrats on your gr8 news happyred.I agree with both pippa 68 and winny with their advice.Having been a midwife and delivered over 500 babies I can assure you too that you can go for a natural birth as your scar should not pose any risk .

[unruliejulie]

Hi happyred, i have had 2 very long labours but both natural. The first was just slow going but the second one had more problems. I thought right up until the dying seconds of them wheeling me away that i was gonna have to have a c section. I was mortified, i hated the thought. Fortunately my son started making a move just before i had to and it was such a relief. I would always always opt for natural if there is a choice. Hope it all goes well for you, good luck and congratulations! X