Can you choose to have a C-section?

Question

in England (which is where ill probably be giving birth) but it could be Canada don't know yet because of hubby's job offers etc...

but in either country can you ask to have a C-section instead of a natural birth? I'm pretty sure ill be told to have one anyway because they have said ive got small pelvic bones or something. (we are just TTC right now and they told me that in a past gyno appt so we haven't talked about birth plans at all yet, i just got that impression from the doctor) also my cousin said she chose to have a C-section and the doctors just said ok, i dont know how true this is i dont know my cousin that well. anyway can you just straight away say "i want a C-section" and will they say yes?

Answer 1

It really depends on the Dr too. My Dr will only do c-sections because baby is stuck, in distress, mommy is in distress, or mommy has a medical condition that dictates a c-section.

But I would talk long and hard with your Dr about this. I had to have a c-section with my last because of placental abruption...and I'm still mad at my Dr for it. I have this nasty scar across my belly, it's still not completely healed so my stomach muscles are still sore (5 months now) He said it could take a whole YEAR for that pain to go away and also said that most women experience a lack of feeling about an inch about the incision site because of perm. nerve damage because of the surgery. PLUS....since I had a c-section I wasn't able to see my daughter until I got feeling back in my legs (which took another 6 hours...she was in NICU and my bed wouldn't fit in there).

I just think that you should think long and hard about having the surgery unless you really need it. Most Dr's won't allow a vaginal delivery once you've had a c-section either (even though some will)...

Just playing devil's advocate...

Answer 2

My GranDaghter just had a C Section done this past July but she had a rupsured Placenta and my Daughter years befor had a C section because the baby was takeing to long to arrive after her water had broken.

Answer 3

In the UK they will only do a caesarean on demand if the baby is proving to be too big, the baby or the mother is at risk or if the mother is terrified of giving birth (personally if a woman is so terrified of labour, perhaps she shouldn't be getting pregnant??)

You would be surprised by how much your pelvic bone can 'stretch' to give birth. I am only 5 foot 4 and had a 9 pound 2 baby without an epidural, the labour was only 4 hours too. Your body is designed to carry a baby and to deliver it. A womans body adapts well!

Remember that a caesarean is major abdominal surgery. It will take you longer to heal and you will struggle more at home with your baby for the first few weeks. Even once you have gone into labour, the doctors can say if you need a c-section. You don't need to book them in advance. Although they will undoubtedly tell you once you are pregnant.

Good luck TTC!

Answer 4

I just double checked to make sure, but this has been posted in US questions only.  You can go back in and post it under International Yahoo!Answers in Canada and the UK.  I don't think many in the US are going to know what the procedures are for Canada or UK.  In the US, it depends on your doctor.  Because a c-section is major surgery and thus has accompanying risks, many doctors as well as insurance companies won't approve a c-section without a medical reason to do so.  However, based on how many celebrities have c-sections, my guess is if you know how to work the system and have enough money, you can have pretty much whatever you want.    

Answer 5

I don't know how it is in those countries, but in the US I know my doctors would say No- not unless you need one.

Answer 6

i would wait and get a doctors opinion on if you even need a section.

sections arent easier then labour and harder on your body then a regular birth.  lots of women with "small pelvis" give birth normally everyday.  nature is pretty good about matching babies to pelvis size.

quite honestly  i v never had a section and would never want one.  i remember watching the women who had had them walking around in pain bent at 45 degress.. (you cant walk straight easy cause of the stitches).

people think c sections are easier, and their not.  its a major abdominal surgery and their are major risks involved as well.

a normal birth, your body returns to normal much quicker. also once you have a section, some doctors and hospitals will always insist on you having further sections.  my sis has had 4 sections and wishes she could labour normally.  after each birth she cant do much for 6 weeks while she heals.

its also not fun to be post surgery and looking after a newborn.

why not wait till you get pregnant and see a person whos qualified to make the decision as to wether you will need one?

Answer 7

Yes you can opt to have a c-section It is more expensive if it is elective pending on what kind of doctor you have I asked my first doc

(I switched docs @ 14 wks) about an elective c-section & he said it was very common in other countries & he wasn't opposed to it He even went as far to say that if I wanted one he may be able to make it work for my insurance. I have yet to ask my new doctor

The only reason that I have not been inquisitive about it with my new doctor is because ive heard stories going either way about c-sections having anywhere from excruciatingly painful to normal recovery However, with natural birth everyone ive asked said that it hurt terribly, but when the delivery was over, so was the pain Im not sure if thats because labor hurts so badly that anything after feels like relief lol

It is a choice, you can always ask

  

Answer 8

I wouldn't ever ask for one....Why go through more pain and recovery than needed!  

I'm very small, 5' and a sz. 1-2 before pregnancy and they say I can most likely have a natural birth...thank god.