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I didn't know that you can choose to have a c-section, I thought you had to try vaginal..I live in CA does that make a difference I wonder I also have an HMO so maybe that is why I don't get a choice...I wish I could choose a c-section...

Insurance does not pay for C-sections unless such procedure is medically necessary. It is unfortunate but seems this issue, as many others, is all about $$$. This is why so many celebrities are having c-sections - they can afford to. Ladies, I respect those who CHOOSE to give birth vaginally, so please do not lecture on my morality, etc.

My insurance pays for elective c-sections...

I chose an elective c-section and I regret it. Worst mistake of my life. I would never recommend it personally.

hi,just wondering how you are getting on.I hope that you have managed to get what you want.It is true women may have suffered worse pain with a section,however,there are those who also suffer,like me,with a vaginal birth.I have had both,and yes,some women may find it quite bizarre but I really would prefer an elective section,than a birth where you think the pain cannot get any worse,and it does,have no idea how much longer the agony is going on for,and indeed all these efforts might end in a section anyway.If they were so tragic then you would have less women requesting the procedure.

Hello, Marcie, thanks for your concern. I am doing well. Did not get the courage in me to speak with my doc yet. :) But certainly will next time I see her in 3 weeks. I will keep you posted! I think each woman must make choices based on her own needs and preferences and unfortunately we are not given that freedom in all situations. The women I personally know who have had C-sections did not have awful recoveries and feel it was a very tolerable procedure. Thanks again!

You re right,I know women who have had sections,and they did not have a bad experience.I think if you have a good deliverery,either way,then you are less likely to come on this forum,you just get on with life.If this is what you want,be determind with your doctor,as I was.Explain your fears.They will say there are nurses to help you and drugs that ease the pain,but as I said,thats ok if they work for you,if they do not then you are suffering,as I did.My scar now is hardly visible,if you need support,or questions than ask away.

just an FYI - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36018.asp

Olga, with your family history, it may be the best way for you. Generally speaking, I think women should choose natural, because it's well...natural. That's how the baby is supposed to come out! However, there are times when nature needs some help, you know? :)

I had an emergency c-section with my son when his heart rate dropped. Turns out that the cord was wrapped around his chest and was being compressed. I wasin the hospital for 4 days and was stuck on the second floor of my house for almost 2 weeks after cause i couldnt do the stairs and thats where my bedroom and bathroom were. the pain and being cooped up were really bad and i wouldnt do it again. I had a VBAC with my daughter. With the epidural I felt no pain and there was only a little discomfort from the episiotomy. Im currently pregnant with my 3rd and because ive had both i have the choich.I would never choose to have a c-section. But you need to decide what is best for you. Weigh all the info youve been given and discuss it with your doctor. If you decided the c-section is what you want then do it. Untill then enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and remember everyone's pregnancy is different. Heck this is my 3rd and they've all been VERY different

hi olga,gow are things now?

@ Olga:
why are you only thinking in terms of natural or c-section? You seem the perfect candidate for an epidural. This is an option your mom and grandmom didn't have. Obviously, considering your family history of difficult births, your concerns are valid. On the otherhand you are worried that you won't be able to get your stomach back in shape with a c-section. There is indeed a risk that - depending on the type of cut that is made and the condition of your tissue - you may end up with a not so perfectly healed scar. This would mean numbness, muscle strands not healing together smoothly, permanently bulging scar, etc. Aside from this, all the c-section mothers I know felt their scars for months and were impeded in movement to some degree. You seem the kind of person that likes to keep in shape, so this might bother you. Also, there are always the dangers inherent to major surgery. And - take it from someone who works in a hospital - people who are rich usually get what they want (doctors like to make money too!) and often end up with operations they didn't necessarily need (perfect example: michael j*****n). Also, I'm sure there are plenty of famous people who got their babies the usual way.
If I were you, I'd read up on some of the birth stories with epidurals posted on the net. You will notice that most people were quite happy and painfree once they got one. Even with a long and difficult birth you can sleep, you don't feel (at least there is no terrible pain) the vacuum extractor or forceps and if a c-section has to be done, the epidural is in already and they don't have to put you under, so you can still take part in the birth of your baby. Another thing: compared to a c-section, an episiotomy is superficial and heals quickly. I personally had a vaginal birth at 36 ys and several months later, looking at my body, wouldn't have known I had given birth if I didn't have the proof crawling around on the floor :-) My stomach and bellybutton are exactly the same as before and I am not all stretched out "down there". I didn't do any extreme workouts either, just plenty of walking and some tummy/perineum exercising. Remember, the first months after the baby is born you probably won't have the energy or time for daily workouts, so if you have a c-section you may not be able to train those stomach muscles as much as you planned.
Whatever you decide, hope you have a good birthing experience and a healthy baby!

Does anyone out there know whether health insurance companies usually cover elective c-sections?? I have heard both ways.

Hi, OLga. I think you have the right to choose, but please make sure you know everything you can. I have read that a vaginal birth is better for the baby for many reasons and that the recovery is much easier. Don't let fear alone dictate your decision- everyone is afraid. In the end, if your doctor will go along with it, the choice is yours and I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

I found out that I had to have a c-section the day before it happened. I was four days overdue and my doctor did an ultrasound to see how big the baby was. The baby was estimated to be at 9lbs. 15oz. so my doctor decided to do a c-section because she didn't think the I would be able to deliver vaginally. I went in the next day. I did not like it because I hated getting the spinal and then I couldn't even hold my baby for a few hours afterwards because I had to lay flat because I was sick from the anesthetic. It has been over a week now and I still can't walk very well because I am still in a lot of pain. It takes longer to heal from a c-section than it does if you would deliver vaginally. There are a lot more things that I can't do that I would be able to do if I had delivered naturally. If I were given the choice I would have delivered naturally.

I am a registered nurse. There is no difference between a scheduled CS and an "emergency" CS, the incisions are the same, they are done the same way. If an "emergency" CS is done after hours of labor the Mom may be very tired and not is top condition. A good OB MD will monitor labor carefully and will not wait to do a CS until it becomes a frantic affair. On a rare occasion a CS may be a life-or-death emergency, but that can happen in a planned CS also, there are no guarantees. Although asking others is OK, I advice expectant mothers to get themselves well educated on childbirth and CS by asking a good OB MD and his/her office nurse lots of questions, take a childbirth course, and get confidence and make your own decision. My personal experience with 2 children born by natural childbirth without anesthetic was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I pity women who have CS. But, do not base your decision on what others tell you about their experience. Every woman's pregnancy and childbirth experience is unique. All women LOVE to tell their stories, and many exaggerate what they went through, either because they actually remember it that way, or because it is like soldiers telling war stories, getting bigger than life with each reiteration. Don't let these stories scare you or determine what you decide to do. If you ask your OB MD/nurse, take a childbirth class, get educated, and take control of your body and your childbirth, then you will be best able to go through your experience without fear or panic and it will be the best experience you can make it be.