Question About 2Nd C-section

I have had three C-section and none were any more painful than the first. After the first one you more or less know what to expect. Like I said, no more pain than the first one. maybe even less because you know what to expect.

OMG! My second was a piece of cake. Up and walking the next day with no pain or anything. I tried vbac, but my daughter wasn't in the right position. Have no fear!!

I didn't look to see what others said to you but here's my experience. My first c section was an emergency and i had soo much pain and a miserable time after it. I hated it. My second, i didn't want to even consider the Vbac option but was still terrified i would have a bad experience again. Everyone told me the 2nd one is better. I ddin't beleive them. Let me just tell you, my second one, i would do over and over again if i had to. It was a much better experience. I knew what to expect, i didn't have much pain, the first day after was the worst and that wasn't even bad at all. I was up and about a lot faster and overall, it was much better. Good luck and think positive!

Hi L.,

You have nothing to worry about!! Your next c-section shouldn't be any worse than the first one. I just had my fifth on Aug. 20, 2008! I had a the same doctor for the first three and then a different one for the fourth and fifth. I really wished that I had my current doctor for all five because he is amazing! My fourth and fifth one were sooo much easier than the first three (not that they were bad). He did a much lower cut than my first doctor and it made all the difference in the world! He has also told me that new research is showing that vbacs are not as safe as originally thought. I have the same issue with the small pelvis and natural childbirth just wasn't an option (I was completely ok with this as 3 of my babies were 10 lbs. and over!). Congratulations and God Bless!
T. H

I had 2 c-sections. the first was because DD was not engaging at all. the second was planned but I went into labor 10 days before my scheduled date. So technically both were emergencies. I thought the second was easier because I knew what to expect. The first, I had unrealistic expectations, baby comes out and mommy is back to normal, which didn't happen. The pain was less and I think I healed quicker. Good luck!
Jenny

I've had 4 cesareans pretty close together (4 kids 5 and under) and they were all the same for me and pretty painless. With each one I left the hospital within 36-48 hours after delivering and was back to my normal routine within a week (with the exception of some prohibited activities like heavy lifting, etc.). I'm sure you will be fine. Don't worry about it at all!

While I personally decided for a VBAC, both my sister and a close work colleague told me that their 2nd c-section (and third for my sister) had a more painful recovery. This makes sense when you think about having multiple surgeries, incisions, and more scar tissue. I'm sure this is highly variable for each women given their overall health, pain tolerance, household help, and other factors (including length between pregnancies). If your c-section is not medically necessary, why not have a trial of labor and see how it goes? Your baby will benefit from having labor start naturally and even going through labor a little bit helps to prepare your baby for the outside world. Good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!

Hi L.,

I have had four c-sections and the actual section and recovery were the same on all of them. The repeat ones were definitely better - no labor! Congratulations on your 2nd pregnancy!

My cousin had 3 c-sections and they were all about the same. Just like labor & delivery, each woman and situation is individual. You'll do great.

Vaginal birth is always safer and healthier for mom and baby unless there are other complications. With each c-section someone has the risks increase. That said, most women report that their second and subsequent sections are easier to recover from. Congrats and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Just adding in response to your edit that I think you should give birth whatever way you feel is safest for you and baby. If you feel you want a VBAC I would get a second opinion. Remember that your doctor may be biased towards c-section (more money for him and less time) as well as uninformed as to whether or not you can give birth. Very few women naturally have a pelvis so small they cannot give birth- you wouldn't be here if your ancestor's hips were too small to give birth.

I had my second c-section in october and I hate to say it but it was more painful than my first. With my first I pushed for 4 hours then had to have an emergancy c-section and I did not feel the pain I did with this last one. I also had no chose to have my son v-bac but even though it was painful I would do it again because the end result is the most wonderful thing---a beautiful healty baby!!!

About me: I am a mommy to a wonderful 7 yr old boy and beautiful 4 month old baby boy.

I believe that everyone's experiences with birth in general are very individualized. What hurts one person may not another and vice-versa. It also depends on the OB/GYN that is performing the section. I've worked in labor & delivery and there is a difference between doc's techniques when it comes to c-sections. My second one was a BREEZE compared to my first, but I knew what to expect and I got out of bed and started walking a LOT sooner than with my first one. As for the VBAC: I tried it with my 2nd and failed because my vaginal canal is too small for a natural birth. My doc wanted to just schedule the c-section, but I pushed for the VBAC--then ended up having the c-section anyway! Oh well, at least I gave it a try, but my doctor did say "I told you so"! Good Luck--You'll be just fine!!

IMHO, any OB who tells you your pelvis isn't big enough for a VBAC is simply not supportive of VBACs. Whether a baby fits through has as much to do with positioning (of the baby inside, and even the position you're in while you push - squatting will help to open your pelvis) as it does with anatomy.

The Amer. College of Obstetrics and Gyns says, in no uncertain terms, that VBACs are safer for the mom and better for the baby than repeat c-sections. It is exclusively because of liability and malpractice insurance that fewer doctors are supportive of VBACs these days, and it is most unfortunate. If you are happy with a repeat c-section ok, but chances are very good that you'd have a successful VBAC - on average about 70% of women who attempt one will be successful, despite "too small" pelves.

Ok rant aside, I had a VBAC last June. Having not had c/s #2, I can only tell you that my vaginal birth was MUCH MUCH easier to recover from than my c-section. I was out of the hospital 36 hours later, taking walks with my baby, and feeling great. Honestly, I couldn't believe how great I felt! Mostly, I can't imagine trying to recover from a c-section and chase a toddler at the same time.

If you do the c-section, please make sure it's at 39 weeks or later (see the recent research that came out about that) for your baby's sake. Good luck.

What in the world is a Vbac? I have had three sections. My first when I was 35 because my daughter was sunny side up and head a monster noggin. I couldn't push her out after three hours of trying. At any rate, because she was 8lb 14oz and they thought my second was going to be just as big my doc didn't feel comfortable with me trying a natural birth. My second was 7lbs 3oz. I'm sure I could have shot her across the room, but it's over now. My third at 40 years old was measuring well over 8lbs so the doctor said no way.

Three sections later I'm fine. My second section didn't hurt anymore than the first. I was up walking around that night. I never took more than a few tylenol each time. Now my third section was pretty painful for a two days, but I think it is because my doctor tried a new technique where they really clean up your uterus after the section. It was great because I barely bled at all. I literally could have just used panty liners after a day or two. But I was way more sore. The drugs took care of it and I was fine after two or three days.

I would like to try one more time and depending on the measurements of my baby I would like to try one natural birth, but don't think my doctor will go for it. I can only hope.

My first C was unplanned and an emergency. It took me a long time to recover and the baby had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks. I was really sore, but I really didn't have anything to compare it to since it was my first.

My second child, the doc recommended a C, so that is what I did. I have to say, the second one was much easier. I recovered a lot quicker and was not nearly as sore AND this baby was bigger than the first, so I thought it would be worse. It wasn't. I would say I was pretty much back after about 6 days. Yes, some slight soreness, but nothing like the first time.

My second c-section was a walk in the park, seriously. My first was an emergency (pelvis not big enough) and I didn't want to risk trying a VBAC and ending up in the same place. I was walking around the next morning, i was asking for food on the table. Seriously. I was ready to go home 2 days later but stayed the allotted time because I wanted the sleep and help!

My 2nd C-section was sooooo much easier!! I labored for hours and pushed for 3 hours with my first pregnancy and ended up having a c-section. The second was planned, although 2 weeks early, but no labor so no extra trama to my body. I was up and moving around just a few hours later as opposed to 2 days after my 1st. I say don't worry about it at all, there's plenty of other things to worry about right now!! Good luck!

With my experience with my second- it was MUCH easier than the recovery of the first. My doctor said it was because the first was an emergency section after 14 hours of labor and the second we had planned and there was no trauma to the body before. I was up walking around that same day and did not have any problems with recovery. Good Luck

Much like you, I had no choice but to have a c-section. After 34 hours of induced labor with my first, they realized that the baby was too big and my hips too small. I had a c-section with second, as well. Truthfully, I experienced little pain. Honestly, I did not know they made the incision until I heard the baby cry. By three weeks post birth, I was out and about driving and by 6 weeks, I was teaching aerobics, again. I found the second section less painful than the first.

Hi L.:
I have had two c-sections. One at 35 and one at 37. I didn't find my second c-section to be anymore painful than the first. Basically, both were no biggie! It took a little longer to get 'back' after my second one because I had a 2 1/2 year old at home, which required more activity/lifting on my part than when I just had one baby. So my only advice would be to elicit more help after your second. My first c-section was an emergency b/c my water broke and I just would not dilate, even with the max dosage of meds. My second was planned. Personally, I think vbacs are scary. There are dangers involved with vbacs. Of course it's rare but your old incision can rupture during vaginal delivery and be fatal! to you and your baby! i worked for an atty who did a medical malpractice case for a family this happened to and it was catastrophic!!
Hope this helps!...and CONGRATULATIONS!!! :)
M.

Hi,

I am having a 2nd c-section on Monday the 9th and I have never heard that before? Not sure about that one. Another good friend of mine had two c-sections and she had no troubles at all, even on the second one. Good luck to you!

My pelvis is also too narrow for vaginal birth. However I didnt find out until after 23 hours of labor with my first child. With my 2nd pregnancy a different OB thought I would be able to do it but she was on vacation by the time I went into labor 2 weeks overdue and the OB on call said she should have never led me to believe I would be able to have a VBAC. So after 36 hours of labor I had another c-section. Child #3 was a scheduled section. They all hurt eqaully the same if that helps you any.

I had 4 C-sections the first one was emergency--prolapsed cord-- the next two I tried V-Birth, pushed for a lot of hours, but just couldn't get them out naturally. The doctors always said my pelvis was too small. My fourth baby was a scheduled c-section and went very well. I have to say the first c-section was a little overwhelming, just because I had not been through it before; however, the next three got easier every time. The recovery really depends on the care you give yourself. You basically know your own body. When you start to feel like you can get up, walk around or just get back to your daily routine, you will know and your body will signal whether or not you are over exerting yourself. I got off the pain meds after a couple of days just to be sure that it wasn't just the meds that were making me feel better.

I hope everything goes well for you. The nice thing about c-sections is that you get to stay and relax in the hospital a few extra days. Coming home is the hardest part, especially when you have other children at home. Plan on having a lot of support from family and friends!

Good Luck!

M.

I had my second c-section in August. My plan was to try vbac if I went into labor if not I was going with the scheduled c-section. The first time I was labor for what seemed like forever and pushed for 3 hours and my son just never dropped. My dr. was very supportive of above plan for second. With that said, so much easier the second time. I got a full night's sleep (or what you can at 9 months). Recovery was speedier and far as pain went I knew what to expect so I actually thought it wasn't as painful or least felt that way.

Things I learned the second time:
1.The second time though I did walk into the operating room with nurses assistance and then they did the epideral/spinal (sp?) in the operating room rather than the room. (this could vary by hospital)
2. You're not as tired (since no labor) so you are more aware of what's going on and some of it actually takes longer because of the dr. needing to take care in regards to scare tisse from your previous pregnancy.

Good luck!
S.

I've had 2 c-sections myself. My first was not planned and after 20 hrs of labor so for the second I opted for a planned c-section but landed up going into labor 3 days before by scheduled date. However for me the section c-section was easier. I knew what to expect and was given a spinal in the operating room vs. an epidural with my first. Felt less pain and the recovery was just the same. It's always a little harder coming home when you have another little one at home. Just don't over do it. It is so easy when you feel good but then do too much and the pain comes right back. Good luck! You'll be just fine especially if you make it to your scheduled date you'll be well rested for this one.

It's always YOUR CHOICE not your ob's whether you have a normal delivery or surgery. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise. They are your doctors, they work for you. You are paying them for a service. I would go for the VBAC. There are almost no women who can't deliver normally. We were made for it! Lying flat on your back stacks the odds against you and that's when women are told that they can't do it or the baby isn't dropping. Women need to be encouraged to skip the epidural and walk to get labor going and get the baby to drop. Good luck in whatever you decide but make sure it's YOUR decision, not your doctors.

My second was so much better than the first. A scheduled section makes you so much calmer, no rushing into surgery after being in labor for hours. My incision healed quickly and I was up and around much quicker. I remember taking my first shower after the first C-section and begging my mom to come in with me. I was so nervous to move, let alone shower all by myself. With the second, I asked for a shower, got up, and was completely fine as soon as the spinal wore off. Good luck!

L.
Congrats on your 2nd arrival.
I have had 4 c-sections,the 1st was painful and i was in the hospital for 7 days. (yes 7)The next 3 were easy and like the other 2 posts i recuperated much faster. (Out in 3 days)and on my feet as soon as i got home. I really believe you will be fine and feel much better this time around.
Your 1st one will definetly keep your mind off of any little discomfort you will have.

I have had 3 c-sections. What I noticed is that they seem to get easier with each one. You know your body's limits and what to expect with the surgery. You also know what medicines work best for you. I was also more cautious with the 2nd and 3rd so I wouldn't rush back and push myself too much! Good luck! BTW, I have an Ella also, born in January of '07! She is also so happy! Maybe it is the name? :)

Lyn,

Hi I never heard that. But each woman Experience Is her own.
Usually a 2nd birth weather Vaginal or c-section is less traumtic the 2nd time around. But each birth and woman's Experience Is different. good luck! you will be fine.

Now, breastfeeding is sometimes more painful with a second birth. Because you have some intense " after birth contractions" I actually had to do some breathing excersise with my second birth. It pases after a few seconds of nursing. GOD speed to you, & your family :)
Debbie a Doula

Only those with a large pelvis could call a small pelvis a foolish reason for a C-section. I am a petite woman, 4'11" and gave birth to a 24 inch long child. I was in labor for a day and a half, and I kept insisting on trying all of the natural postiioning, squatting etc. Finally my doc said we can't delay anymore. We had the C and it STILL took 2 doctors, forcepts, and 20 minutes to get her head out of my pelvic cradle. The suction, once she was free, created a huge pop noise, and I believe I sustained minor bladder injury due to the insistence that I deliver by myself. I fell prey to those who insist that all c's are unnecessary. They are not. The second was so less traumatic and much easier.

I have had two c sections and did not find one any more painful than the other.Try to relax aboutit and don't get worked up and stressed out. Good luck to you.

I have never heard that about repeat c-section, actually, just the opposite!
I have had 3, and each recovery got easier and easier. I was up and walking just a few hours after my 2nd c-section!
Good Luck, and Congrats on #2!!

I have had three c-sections. My first, by far, was the most painful. They got easier each time! Good luck, don't worry and enjoy!