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Well, you know when you're having your baby. That's about all I can say that's a "pro". good luck.

I too am having an elective c-section after discussing this with numerous OB/GYN's (treating docs and others who I a__sociated with--so no bias there). They discussed pros and cons, and all believed Csections to be ideal and their wives delivered that way . I am choosing C-section to reduce chances of my baby suffering brain damage due to oxygen loss during the birth process (although this is not common anyway in my profession I see the effects of this a lot and it is not worth the risk to me). There is also reduced chance of complications (extensive tearing that can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence, etc) to pelvic region due to birth trauma. C-sections have a longer recovery period in most cases and possibly more pain in the end. However, I will gladly suffer this to ensure that my baby is healthy. Also, recent research has revealed that waiting until the 39th week to have a c-section reduced risk of respiratory problems in baby (no sig. diff. found between v____al vs. c-section). These are all issues you may want to speak to your doc about, I did. When it comes down to it, there are risks on both sides and it just needs to be the right decision for you.

Both of my kids were born via c-section and both came out wide-eyed, round-headed, pink, and breathing normally. They looked like they were a few weeks old... not that mushy conehead newborn look. If you consider that a "pro", then so be it! :)

Well, I work in a large OB/GYN office which includes high-risk obstetrics and the general consensus here conflicts dramatically with Michelle's. Please do what you feel is best for you, but do not be lulled into a false security thinking a surgical birth prevents anoxia (lack of O2) and other supposed v____al birth problems. None of the female OBs who m I work closely with chose an elective c-section because the statistics do NOT support better fetal outcomes nor do they prevent permanent pelvic floor issues. In fact, the c-section itself sets a woman up for a host of long-term problems. Sorry you don't want to hear that, but that is the truth. On the plus side, you will not endure an unproductive labor if that was to have been your fate, your baby will not have to endure both an unproductive labor and exposure to anesthesia and you will be able to schedule help at home which you will need. I can not disagree more however, with the implication Michelle has made that most OBs either choose c-sections or persuade their wives to. In our VERY prominant medical center they have swung rapidly away from that since a cacaphony of former c-section mothers are now returning with reproductive and gyneco/pelvic issues that require invasive techniques including multiple surgeries to repair. Also, since the advent of aggressive tactics to prevent CP or other brain damage from birth (ie. c-sections) there has been no doc_mented decrease in the incidence of these birth injuries and examinations of thousands of placentas are proving c-sections wouldn't prevent most of the events. If you choose a non-medical c-section for personal reasons, that is your right I suppose, but you really aren't preventing anything but labor.

response to well...Let me clarify what I previously stated as you seem to have taken it out of context. I never stated that surgical birth prevents anoxia, CP, etc. Roughly 96% of CP cases are thought to be due to factors caused prior to birth. However, the remaining 4% is still an issue to be addressed. Secondly, “supposed v____al birth problems” are a reality. For example, Dr. Jennifer Berman, urologist, chose elective c-section partly due to her experiences doing reconstructive surgery with women who suffered incontinence and prolapse directly due to v____al delivery. This is consistent with my close friend’s observations during his 25+ year career as an OB/GYN. The research does indicate all women are at risk for incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, with women who have had v____al deliveries at slightly higher risk. Recent study (Collier 2004) noted the overall complication rate among women who delivered v____ally was 12%, with v____al tearing -- the most frequent complication -- occurring in roughly 6% of cases. Just under 3% of v____al deliveries involved pelvic floor or organ injury and 2.5% involved postpartum hemorrhage. Anemia was the most frequent complication among women who opted for elective C-sections, occurring in about 5% of cases. Postpartum infections, postpartum hemorrhage, and surgical wound complications all occurred in fewer than 2% of cases. The overall complication rate for elective C-section was 8.4%. Lastly, I never stated that most OB/GYNs choose elective c-sections, but based on my anecdotal experience the OB/GYNs I have consulted with (well published as well) felt this method of birth is preferable. Research indicates about 1/3 of female OB/GYNS would choose caesarean section for themselves. (British Medical Journal, 1997). Overall, I was responding to Brittany’s request for positive information regarding this process. I am not condoning c-sections for all or as better for everyone. As I previously stated, there are risks on both sides and it is best to know these. Sometimes relevant research and empirical studies can be confusing to those who are not practicing in this area. (If not, there are many medical journals available online for study.) Hence, why I encourage anyone to discuss this option with their doctor. With that said, there is too much recent research out there that indicates elective c-sections have their benefits to ignore this alternative as an option for some women. (and ACOG agrees-or it wouldn’t be)

Well said, Michelle, and I do see you have used pertinant information to back your stance up. I still did not see how an elective surgery would be preferable to a v____al birth. I also noticed that you did not mention very real and not so rare complications of c-sections elective or not, internal scar formation, placenta acreta, dishesience of uterine and epidermal incision sites, HA-MRSA, adhesions, the risk of infections due to transfusions....etc. etc. The few complication statistics you sited are exactly that, but a few. There are without argument, more risks to a surgical delivery than a v____al, especially if there is NO need. Ask any woman who has had a hysterectomy or suffered for years from unknow adhesions how great and complication free her c-sections were. I think if you choose one you are playing with fire. That will not change until they figure out how to beam the baby out.

Brittany,good luck with your choice,I hope you write back and tell us about the birth.I have had one of each,and prefered the c-section.You wanted positive feedback,all I can tell you,is what I have been saying before,c-sections have come on in leaps and bounds,done frequently,you are pretty likely to know at least one person these days who have had a c-section,and the recover fine.I felt the operation was very good,I felt apprehensive sure,but relaxed going into the hospital,certainly different to being in labour.The nurses are there to help,and the operation was pain-free and actually fine,the baby came out all healthy,and it was fantastic being wide awake pain-free looking at my baby,not tired from all that pushing,and relieved labour was over.The pain medication they have these days really help,when you 1st get out of bed is the most difficult,but there are people to help you,and you know that each day you will get better.It is not a uncontrolable pain,like I had with my natural birth,but one you can manage,and the pain meds do excellent pain relief.I accept it is commen for the recovery to take longer from a operation,but for me I was so sore down there after my natural birth,and felt like I was dying during birth,that I can tell you I prefered the st_tches being on my tummy where I could see it healing.The other point is,on an emergency section if you had to have one,and no-one knows if they will or not,but you may have to endure labour,which honestly I am glad I missed the 2nd time,go through all that only to be told you are not progressing,and have one anyway.It would obviously take longer to recover from an emergency section.Also,I had a greater feeling of going through a c-section together with my husband,sounds daft maybe,but with my first birth I felt so alone,like the pain could not get any worse yet it did,it felt like my legs were being ripped apart,and I had to focus,but was alone...it is difficult to describe,but as I say my section was more controlled,more relaxed,and so much better.I have had my children now,but now I am wiser I would never have attempted a natural delivery first time.It might work for others,but not me.You cannot always have pain relief as you expect I wanted an epidural and it did not take,I had other stuff but it made me sick,I was a mess.The pain,well,I would rather have months...not that I did...but I would have months coping after an operation,than hours feeling like I could not go on.That is my story,others will give you theirs,but thats mine.

Brittany--I will be having my second c-section at the end of May of first of June. My first was a much better experience than I ever imagined!! I had to have one due to loss of amniotic fluid and the baby was breech. As crazy as this sounds, it was actually relaxing and exciting--I guess becuase the ONLY thing I had to focus on was seeing my baby!!!--There was no pushing, no pain, no worrying about not progressing, etc. I just layed there holding my husband's hand as tight as I could counting down the minutes until I saw my sweet little boy. It was an awesome experience. The pain was easily manageable--and I will say that I got right up as soon as the Dr. let me while I was in the hospital and started walking. I had heard that the sooner you get up and moving, the quicker you would heal. And I would say that that definitely was the case for me. It wasn't bad at all. I am electing to have another one with this pregnancy, even though my Dr. gave me the option of a c or a vbac. For me there was just no question. Mainly becuase it turned out to be so VERY much more safe for my baby. Good luck to you!!!!

brittany if this is what you want to do good luck...you dont need anyone telling you one way or another that it is the best thing...the best thing is what YOU want...and who cares about everyone else...there are pros and cons to both....i have had 2 c and i am getting ready to have my 3rd and i would not want it any other way...good luck!

NONE except I knew the date. Had a really bad tear with my first baby and chose a c-section with my brand new one. In one week and one day I have not had one minute painfree. It just isn't easy for me either way but I will go back to v____al birth next time. Good luck if you have to have one, but can't say I would ever choose one.